Whether keeping cars off sidewalks, directing traffic, or protecting buildings, bollards play an integral role in safeguarding spaces. Bollards are sturdy, short posts forming protective barriers and dividing areas in cities, facilities, and landscapes worldwide. They serve many essential functions from guiding pedestrians and vehicles to preventing high-speed ramming attacks.
With growing concerns about vehicle-based terrorism and unrest, security bollards have become increasingly vital in protecting vulnerable public sites like government buildings, tourist destinations, and pedestrian plazas. Beyond security, decorative bollards add visual interest to various environments and help define spaces.
Read on to gain more insight on bollards.
What Are Bollards?
A bollard is a short, thick post made of concrete, metal, or other strong material. Bollards are installed as standalone structures or in a line as a barrier. They are designed to be highly visible and resist impact from vehicles.
Key Considerations When Choosing Bollards
Selecting the right bollards for a site requires careful consideration of several vital factors. One of the most important is the intended use of the bollards, whether for traffic direction or security purposes. Will the bollards be needed intermittently or will they be permanently installed? Their primary function will dictate the appropriate type and strength required. Removable or retractable bollards allow flexible access while fixed bollards provide constant protection.
Another critical consideration is assessing potential vehicle threats, including characteristics like speed, weight, and impact angle. Conducting thorough risk assessments of the types of vehicles in the area will help determine the crash resistance and guarding strengths needed. For example, higher speed roadways and risky facilities will need more heavy-duty security bollards.
Examining site conditions is also crucial when choosing bollards. Factors like above or below grade placement, soil and foundation requirements, and optimal spacing between posts will impact material and installation options. Proper spacing between bollards allows pedestrian flow while still restricting vehicle access.
Lastly, the desired aesthetics and integration into the landscape are essential. Architectural style, colors, lighting options and more allow bollards to complement the look and feel of buildings and public spaces. A parking bollard shop can help select decorative elements for low-risk sites.
Essential Functions Served By Bollards
Bollards serve several vital functions that help safeguard spaces and control access. One of the primary roles of bollards is traffic control. Bollards installed on roads, driveways, and parking lots help direct traffic flow and prevent vehicles from entering unauthorized areas. Strategically placed bollards guide cars in the right direction and away from pedestrian zones or restricted sites.
Another critical use of bollards is as security barriers. Security bollards create a protective perimeter and prevent hostile vehicle access. They are commonly installed around government facilities, airports, sports stadiums, and other sites that require security measures. The sturdy posts offer protection from ramming attacks and unauthorized vehicle entry.
Bollards also serve an essential architectural role in demarcating spaces. Decorative bollards are frequently used to aesthetically define territories and spaces for pedestrians in public areas like plazas, town squares, shopping districts, parks, and urban centers. The ornamental posts delineate pedestrian zones from roads or restrict access to certain areas while enhancing the visual landscape.
Bollards are an attractive security solution because they are unobtrusive, allow pedestrian flow, and blend into the landscape. They provide vehicle access control without requiring unsightly fences or restrictive barriers.
The Top 5 Bollard Models for Safeguarding Spaces
1. RSSC Dome Top Bollard
This fixed bollard by Road Safe Security Corp is constructed of reinforced concrete covered by a polyethylene dome shell. It’s designed to stop a 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at 50 mph. The aesthetically pleasing dome top is available in various architectural colors. Solid and versatile for high security sites.
2. ATG Access Automatic Retractable Bollard
For applications needing intermittent access, ATG manufactures shallow-mount retractable bollards. They provide high-strength vehicle stopping but can open access when required. Units retract flush into the pavement until activated when access is required. Options for manual or automated access control.
3. Delta Scientific DSC3000 Shallow Mount Wedge Bollard
This surface mounted wedge-shaped bollard is designed to stop heavy vehicles at high speeds with a minimum foundation. The bollard wedges and locks into position when impacted, dissipating energy and preventing cars up to 80 mph. Available with hydraulic operation.
4. Truck Barriers USA Surface Mount BollardÂ
An affordable shallow mount perforated steel bollard used for traffic direction and low-speed security sites. Available in several colors and reflectivity options for visibility. Modules can be linked for extended protective shielding. Optional lights, sleeves, and covers are available.
5. Reliance Foundry Sentry Security Bollard
This decorative iron bollard provides pedestrian-friendly space delineation with the option of being filled with concrete for more excellent vehicle stopping when needed. A slim profile allows flexible placement in landscaping or streetscapes. It is made of durable cast iron; powder coated and rust resistant.
Conclusion
Bollards have become an increasingly critical component of security and architectural plans in today’s changing threat environment. They come in a range of types and strengths to accommodate diverse applications.
Key considerations include use, vehicle threat, site conditions, accessibility needs, and aesthetics. With many options on the market, both fixed and retractable models are available to safeguard spaces from vehicles when properly selected and installed.
