What is Bollards | Types of Bollards | Bollard Protection for Vehicle Attack

A bollard is a small post that is buried in a sidewalk or pavement. These posts, which serve as boundary markers or protective barriers, are frequently used in city and construction designs. Bollards have existed since the Roman Empire and were initially composed of wood or stone. They acted as barriers between horse-drawn vehicles and pedestrians. Bollards are used today to direct traffic and shield buildings, property, and pedestrians from car accidents.

Types of Bollards

Although they can be used as an aesthetic element to outline a site’s boundaries, bollards are most frequently employed as a safety measure for directing and controlling traffic. Protective bollards can deter vehicle impact at locations where there is a high risk of vehicle crashes, shielding pedestrians from harm and preventing property damage.

Bollards can be static/fixed, removable, or retractable to suit various applications. They can also be crash- or non-crash-resistant. The crash resistance of the bollards must be verified through a crash test in accordance with an accepted standard.

Non-Crash Resistant Bollards

Bollards are used to control traffic, alert against attacks, and enhance the outside appeal of a building or site. They are not simply intended to serve as protective barriers. In order to avoid collisions, bollards can be used to block off walkways, bike lanes, and alleys from traffic.

They might also serve as a visual deterrent, warning onlookers that a structure or particular area might have additional security. This may assist in preventing potential trespassers from trying to force their way inside the structure. Non-crash-resistant bollards may be the most economical option in many circumstances.

Bollards that aren’t crash-resistant can be more aesthetically pleasing and have features like different lighting options. Even while they don’t offer strong security, they do create a recognizable visual barrier that usually discourages car ramming and averts small collisions.

Crash Resistant Bollards

Anti-ram/crash bollards are designed and crash tested with an eye toward how well they can withstand the impact of a moving vehicle. They are made to withstand the force of an average car or truck hitting them at particular speeds. Government and military facilities are frequently guarded by crash-resistant steel bollards because both are more vulnerable to terrorist vehicular attacks. Anti-ram bollards are used at airports, ports of entry, energy facilities, and numerous commercial and industrial locations to safeguard pedestrians, staff members, and property.

Shallow Mount Bollards

Shallow mount bollards are the product of recent advancements in bollard design. This kind of security bollard uses a SafetyFlex-developed spring steel bollard core, which enables the bollard to flex and absorb the energy from very high hits. Due to the shape of these bollards, their foundations might be as little as eight inches (for M30/K4 type systems) or sixteen inches (for M50/K12 type systems). It is possible to install on top of existing utility systems or buildings using this shallow base, which also has financial benefits. It increases your external security system’s design options.

Retractable and Removable Bollards

Bollards that are crash-resistant (anti-ram) and those that aren’t can both be retracted or removed. Bollards are still a great design option if your crash barrier or bollard needs to be detachable to permit traffic access sometimes. It is always possible to include a modest number of detachable or retractable bollards in a security plan to provide access for delivery, repair, or construction trucks as needed.

Bollards can be made to be manually or mechanically removed or retracted. Bollards made of SafetyFlex are detachable, have excellent scores in crash tests, and only need a thin foundation.

Advantages of Removable Bollards

Removable bollards are the best option if you only sometimes need access control. Depending on the level of security you require, these alternatives typically have a variety of locking mechanisms. The bollards may be swiftly installed and removed, and they leave a covered ground sleeve that won’t obstruct or harm/damage any cars or pedestrians who pass over them.

Best Uses for Removable Bollards

For crowd and vehicle control during events or other temporary circumstances, movable bollards are effective.

When a parking lot is full, put them in their spots, or use them in streetscapes to keep cars away from events with a lot of foot traffic. Additionally, you can use them to block off access roads in movable locations such as construction sites and even college campuses.

Rising Bollards

Rising bollards are a type of retractable bollard that, in some ways like a security gate, can regulate entry when necessary. While some are raised and lowered by hydraulic power to allow or deny vehicle access, Tymetal bollards are manually raised and lowered, which often results in them lasting longer. Rising bollards, which are often formed of solid steel, offer dependable defence against ramming as well as superior corrosion resistance. Controlling access at a busy area where vehicles often come and exit is an illustration of a rising bollard application.

Fixed Bollards

Fixed bollards are meant to be a long-term protection and security option, as opposed to retractable and detachable bollards. Depending on the model, the user can mount fixed bollards to a surface or embed them. At permanent facilities where the likelihood of a vehicle-based attack is comparatively high, these bollards are often the best option. Airports, governmental structures, educational institutions, and retail businesses are some examples. The facility operator or owner doesn’t have to bother about moving them, which is one of the main benefits of having fixed bollards, in addition to how simple they are to install. They rank among the most popular bollard types as a result of these advantages.

Stainless Steel Bollards

Steel bollards have the advantage of durability in addition to aesthetic features. Because stainless steel has a high level of corrosion resistance, it can survive the corrosive effects of snow and rain. Additionally, this material is simple to maintain, which may lead to lower overall ownership expenses. The concerns of facility owners and operators who care about the environment are addressed by the fact that stainless steel bollards are often constructed with a high percentage of recycled metal. For applications that demand a balance between dependable protection and attractive visual presentation, stainless steel bollards may be the ideal option.

What Protection Can Bollards Offer Against Unwanted Vehicle Attacks?

The bollards can aid in shielding cars from serious collisions. Uncontrolled vehicles’ speeds are under its control. The bollards keep the car at a safe distance, making it easy to remove the car even when you’re in a hurry.

Protect the vehicle from theft and crime: The bollards can be a very effective deterrent for criminals, as you’ll discover. When a car is parked between bollards, it is difficult for someone to drive in and out quickly. If they are breaking the automobile lock, it is simple to catch them. Bollards make it difficult for thieves or criminals to steal cars.

Protect drivers: The construction of bollards serves to safeguard drivers against collisions. Even if you are an excellent driver, sudden ignorance might cause a significant loss of life. The bollards can help with parking at specific distances from the storefront and limiting the speed of the vehicle.

Safeguarding against nearby vehicles: The majority of drivers risk hitting your car as they pull out of a parking space, scratching your new car. Unwanted accidents in a parking lot can be avoided thanks to the bollards.

The bollards can also be used to block or direct traffic and to guard against damage to parked cars. Additionally, it is secure for patrons to eat or drink outside at cafés or restaurants. Lighting fixtures have been added to the redesigned bollards. Without street lights, they can illuminate shadowy locations. These can shield the vehicle from roadside ditches and dividers.

Issues Occurring Without Bollard Installation

Any building or structure has a limited lifespan, and it is very challenging to preserve old structures like monuments and buildings. People may park their large vehicles close to the unstable structure in the absence of bollards, which could cause the building walls to collapse.

The cars in the parking lot get stuck, causing damage to the cars next to them. For the installation of parking-bollards in Perth, it is essential to use professionals or contractors. They can easily erect bollards that mark the limits of the designated parking area.