What Are Bollard Posts?
Safety bollards are solid, reinforced posts that control vehicle access and prevent unwanted entry and property damage. Like an iceberg, there’s much more to bollard posts than what’s visible to the eye. This complexity ranges from specific bollard components to different base materials.
A Brief History Of Safety Bollards
The design of modern safety bollards dates back to Europe in the 1800s. Amsterdam was one of the first major cities in the world that installed the deceptively simple, yet timeless protection post. Due to the growing traffic rates in narrow cities along the water, safety bollards were established to protect local businesses. Even thousands of years ago, these upright posts with strong bases served structures in Ancient Rome.
Bollard Post Types
In this guide, we will identify an array of safety bollards and how they can be utilized, including:
- Industrial (Standard/Heavy Duty) Bollards
- In-Ground Bollards
- Concrete Bollards
- Steel Bollards
- Polymer Bollards
Industrial Bollards
Industrial safety bollards can be broken down into two parts. The upright feature of the post that appears the most visible is key in absorbing impending impacts, forming a complementary partnership with the bollard base that provides infrastructure secured to the environment’s floor.
Bollards can be supplied in the form of either standard or heavy duty. Standard industrial posts serve as the basis for basic collisions usually found in less-condensed traffic areas, aiding in the direction of parking visibility courtesy. On the flip side, heavy duty bollards are built to contain the most potent and violent of collisions, usually located around airports, factories and other industrial facilities.
In-Ground Bollards
An important step in the process of providing protection in your environment is to make a distinction between safety and security. In-ground bollards differ from the previously mentioned industrial posts in that they are not bolted to the ground. The in-ground design is effective when the crash rate in an area is not substantially high or a potential risk. These posts also provide structure in creating pedestrian pathways and restricting traffic from lawns or landscaping.
In-ground bollards also differ from their counterparts due to the vast number of sizes available for installation, including:
- 4-inch bollards
- 6-inch bollards
- 8-inch bollards
- 10-inch bollards
Four- or six-inch in-ground bollards are utilized more in containing and organizing pedestrian traffic on walkways, while the larger half aid in potential collision protection for areas like drop-off zones.
Concrete Bollards
The most common form of safety bollard located outdoors, concrete posts are a standard feature in organizing perimeter parking. Ideal for strip malls, these barriers can only withstand one significant collision before they have to be replaced.
Steel Bollards
The toughest in the industry, steel bollard posts are the way to go in any high-security or industrial setting. While they have a similar base structure to other safety bollards, steel posts differ from concrete in the fact that they are bolted to the floor, rather than cemented. Like concrete bollards, steel bollards can only withstand one substantial collision.
Polymer Bollards
An increasingly popular trend in the world of protection mechanisms, polymer safety bollards are a unique, cost-effective design that provide a plastic and flexible product. Differing from the two other members of the bollard post family, the polymer base can absorb multiple collisions.
The plastic and polymer base showcases the ability to bend on impact and reshape immediately to its original form. This low-maintenance post is on the fast track to becoming an industry leader in collision protection. The removable and reusable polymer bollard is also instrumental in pedestrian parking areas, contributing a high-visibility facet with the plastic base providing a broader shape.
Still researching what safety bollards are best for your business? Take a deeper dive with these six types of bollards.
Common Safety Bollard Locations
Between industrial and in-ground posts, safety bollards can be found just about anywhere, such as:
In-Ground
- Schools
- Company Offices
- Strip Malls
- Hotels
Industrial
- Factories
- Government Buildings
- Factories
- Airports
Installing posts is a no-brainer for the versatile collision protection and traffic management the simple, yet powerful protection bollards provide.
How To Choose the Right Safety Bollard for Your Needs
Now that we’ve defined safety bollards, how they can be utilized, and the different types of bollards, let’s jump into proper selection.
Safety Bollards for Small Business Owners
Are you looking to ensure safety and structure in environments such as schools, shopping plazas, or office spaces? In-ground bollards with a polymer base are the standout selection in this scenario, offering different size posts for specific areas. Above all, the best advantage of these plastic, reshaping barriers is their durability beyond one collision. Due to the low traffic in these areas, polymer-based, in-ground posts drive pedestrian traffic and will survive any potential crashes.
For businesses in strip malls, the four- or six-inch in-ground bollards are the preferred option to serve parking and pedestrian traffic. In environments such as schools or sports facilities, the eight- or ten-inch barriers should be selected to protect drop-off zones containing children.
Safety Bollards for Industrial Managers
For all buildings and facilities that operate around high-security and traffic levels, industrial safety bollards are the route to prevent potential threats.
Airports and federal buildings that must prevent unwanted harm should target heavy-duty steel bollards. Despite the need to replace the posts following a collision, the reinforced barriers will serve the purpose of stopping any vehicle collision.
For other industrial and factory-based settings, concrete bollards are the best option for medium-traffic standards. These posts are built to last outdoors and serve mainly to restrict vehicle access.
Safety Bollards Are the Pick for Any Safety or Security Issue
Airtight Construction has built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, delivering innovation in various products and services like safety bollards. Any protection barrier chosen for installation will offer a significant benefit to ADA compliance. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of disabled Americans in a variety of manners, including accessible parking.
Now is the time to install! Reach out to Airtight Construction and select the right safety bollards for your business.
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