Products

Whether to calm traffic, protect assets, or create visual perimeters around landmarks, bollards are functional, decorative posts used in everyday environments. Bollards come in a wide variety of aesthetics, from shiny stainless steel to traditional cast iron, or can be finished with vibrant powder coating to add a pop of color.

Bollards may be high or low impact resistant. Some are meant to stand strong against vehicles, while others are non-abrasive, bending upon impact and function only as visual barriers. Bollards serve to protect pedestrians and infrastructure, as well as control traffic flow. Each of these bollards have important, yet very different, purposes. Consider first the type of bollard, and then the site, to determine recommended installation practices and spacing for common bollard applications.

Bollard Installation Types : Bollard applications are versatile and can be fixed or removable, high or low impact. A few common installation methods exist for bollard applications in commercial and industrial settings. The first consideration is whether the bollard will be fixed and permanent, or used for changing access control. It is up to the installer to select the best installation method depending on the bollard’s requirements.

Fixed, crash-rated or high-impact mountings : Engineered crash-rated bollards or security bollards made of steel-and-concrete are installed to protect against vehicle impact. Crash-rated bollards have been tested to confirm their level of stopping power when installed as instructed. The impact resistance of security bollards is dependent on installation and the local substrate. Both types are embedded deep into the concrete substrate to become sturdy, fixed devices. Decorative bollard covers can be placed over top of these security posts for aesthetic enhancement. However, the bollard cover itself will not add to the level of impact resistance provided. For building security and pedestrian protection in areas vulnerable to vehicular traffic, this installation is one of the most reliable. These bollards are always sited near traffic and should be spaced accordingly.

Fixed, low-impact mountings : To permanently install bollards into new or existing concrete, mounting hardware such as threaded rods, anchor castings, or concrete anchors are used. Bollards may also be directly embedded into new concrete. When bollard applications are installed using these methods, they are primarily decorative, creating visual barriers around landscapes or monuments. They are without security features and have little impact resistance. They may be spaced to prevent human access.

Fixed, surface mountings : Surface mounting uses bolts and concrete anchors to secure bollards into existing concrete. No digging or pouring of concrete is necessary for this method. Although this installation does not offer much impact protection, they are helpful in protecting inventory from carts and other unpowered vehicles in warehouse spaces and grocery stores. This installation method also works well for bollards used to mark perimeters, such as separating lanes in a parking lot or to mark the end of a parking stall.

Removable mountings : By using removable mountings, bollards can be temporarily removed to allow access. Removable bollards are installed using special mounts into new or existing concrete. Lock pins and padlocks are used to secure the bollards to these mounts. However, this installation method offers little impact resistance. Removable bollards are an excellent way to changeably prevent and allow vehicle access into certain roads or event spaces. Their adaptability is also an excellent option for areas that need increased security during non-operating hours, such as at the entrance of a warehouse’s loading dock or public park.

Bollard spacing : Bollards can be spaced differently depending on their use. To prevent cars from driving through them, they should be no farther apart than 5″. However, bollards are used as storefront and building protection, campus security, sidewalk safety, around utilities, near loading docks, and to protect landmarks and plantings. These various sites may require different spacings.

Very often, bollards are installed in a row, for increased visual awareness and to guard a larger perimeter. In these cases, how far apart should bollards be from one another, and from the curb? Read on to learn how site requirements directly impact bollard spacing.

Storefront or building protection : Impact-resistant bollards are often recommended when it comes to protecting valuable storefronts and the people inside them. Steel pipe security bollards are frequently used; however, due to their rough aesthetics, decorative bollard covers are used on top to add attractive design features. They can be matched to blend in with a building’s architectural design or corporate color scheme. When site planning, the speed and congestion of traffic, as well as building orientation must be examined.

Recommended bollard spacing : In areas where frequent pedestrian traffic can be expected, consider the Americans with Disabilities Act when site planning. There must be adequate spacing between bollard posts for all pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs and motorized chairs.

Maintain at least 3 feet between each post, and in the case of some fluted or solar bollard designs, be sure that the distance is measured from the furthest protrusion of the bollard. However, do not exceed 5 feet between each post, or the bollard’s ability to protect against a car will be compromised.