Bollards are an essential feature in urban design, providing functionality, protection, and aesthetic appeal. They serve a variety of purposes, from traffic management to pedestrian safety, and come in many different types to suit specific needs. But which types of bollards are the most popular? We’re here to help.
Here we explore the top six types of bollards and identify the best industries and settings for each.
1. Fixed Bollards
Fixed bollards, also known as permanent bollards, are installed securely into the ground and are designed to remain in place permanently. There are two different types of fixed bollards, core-in and plated. Core-in involves coring into the ground to install the bollard deep within the foundation while plated or surface-mounted are installed at the surface with a base plate and anchor bolts which limits the protection strength but greatly improves the cost and time for installation.
Ideal Industries and Settings
Commercial Areas: Fixed bollards are perfect for protecting storefronts and pedestrian zones from vehicle intrusion.
Parking Lots: Fixed and plated bollards are commonly seen throughout parking lots and parking garages to protect from vehicular accidents.
Parks and Public Spaces: These bollards enhance safety by preventing unauthorized vehicles from accessing pedestrian pathways or locations to eliminate potential accidents or attacks.
2. Removable Bollards
Removable bollards offer flexibility as they can be taken out or repositioned when necessary. They are designed with a locking mechanism that allows simple removal, making them ideal for areas that require temporary access control.
Ideal Industries and Settings
Event Venues: Removable bollards are ideal for managing crowd flow and temporary vehicle access during events.
Parking Lots: They can be used to reserve parking spaces or control access during off-peak hours.
Construction Sites: These bollards provide temporary barriers to secure construction zones.
3. Retractable Bollards
Retractable bollards, also known as telescopic bollards, can be lowered into the ground or raised as needed. This feature can be manually or automatic, and allows the bollards to control access dynamically and provide security when required.
Ideal Industries and Settings
High-Security Areas: Retractable bollards are used in areas like banks and military installations where dynamic access control is crucial.
Pedestrian Friendly Areas: When cities want to close down popular streets for fairs, parades, and other events, having the retractable bollards can quickly implement a security perimeter.
Restricted Areas: Whether it is for businesses like data centers or for campuses for work or school, retractable bollards can add an extra level of protection for these areas.
4. Crash Rated Bollards
Crash Rated Bollards are designed to withstand significant impacts from vehicles, offering high levels of security and protection. They are rigorously tested and rated for their ability to stop vehicles of various sizes and speeds. There are several different types and strength-levels of these bollards including C40/S30, K4/M30, K12/M50, and even higher impact ratings.
Ideal Shield’s independently tested C40 Traffic Impact Bollard.
Ideal Industries and Settings
Government Facilities and Airports: Crash Rated Bollards protect against vehicular attacks and unauthorized access, which is required at both government facilities and airports.
School Zones and Pedestrian Areas: These areas rely on proper protection to keep kids and visitors safe. Crash Bollards can immediately secure an area from potential vehicle accidents or attacks.
Commercial Buildings: These bollards safeguard entrances and critical infrastructure from accidental or intentional vehicle impacts.
5. Flexible Bollards
Flexible bollards are made from materials like rubber or polyurethane, allowing them to bend upon impact and return to their original shape. They are designed to minimize damage to vehicles while still serving as effective barriers. Some are fully made of rubber, which makes the bollard more of a delineator or deterrent while others consist of steel pipe bollards with rubber bases that allow the flexibility but provide proper protection from forklifts or vehicles.
Ideal Industries and Settings
Industrial Settings: Having protection from forklifts, fork trucks, and hi-los can limit damage and accidents to critical assets like machinery, storage racking, door frames, and walkways.
Parking Garages and Lots: Flexible bollards protect vehicles from damage in tight spaces or from exceeding parking places without causing too much damage to the vehicle.
Sports Venues: They provide effective crowd control without posing a hazard to pedestrians.
6. Collapsible Bollards
Collapsible Bollards, or foldable bollards, are designed for quicker and easier access for vehicles. Designed to fold down to the ground, the Collapsible Bollards lay flat to allow for emergency vehicles, trucks, and vans to pass over to access specific locations.
Ideal Industries and Settings
Temporary Access Areas: From alleyways to unloading areas, collapsible bollards can quickly allow access to delivery drivers and construction workers while deterring others.
Pathways and Walkways: Lighted bollards illuminate pedestrian routes, improving safety at night.
Parking Lots: They provide clear demarcation and enhance visibility in poorly lit areas.
Bollards play a vital role in urban planning and preventative safety measures. Understanding the different types of bollards and their ideal applications can help in selecting the right bollards for various industries and settings. Whether you need fixed bollards for security, retractable bollards for dynamic access control, or crash rated bollards for high-impact resistance, there is a bollard type to meet your needs.
If you’re in the market for Bollards or looking to learn more, contact the experienced and knowledgeable team here at Ideal Shield!