Bollards are essential components in modern security and traffic management. They are used in various ways, including as barriers protecting pedestrians and buildings, as traffic flow management tools, and for access restriction and security. Bollards are everywhere we look and are used around commercial, public, and residential areas alike. They are also a key feature around sensitive facilities where security is a priority.
Their proper installation is paramount in all their use cases, especially regarding security and protecting people and property. The effectiveness of bollards hinges on their design and placement but even more so on the precision of their installation. Properly done, bollards can ensure maximum security and durability and withstand impacts and harsh weather conditions while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Conversely, poorly installed bollards can fail to provide the necessary protection, leading to increased vulnerability and potential safety hazards. So, understanding the best practices for bollard installation is crucial for anyone looking to enhance the security and functionality of their property.
Choose Your Bollards
We are going to talk about installation, but first, we wanted to go over your choices, as they might make a difference in terms of their respective installations. There are a few types of bollards on the market, but they are broadly divided into three big groups: fixed, removable, and retractable.
Fixed bollards are permanent installations that are put into the ground. They can be bolted down or concreted in. Permanent bollards are ideal for high-security or traffic control areas where the need is constant and or properties are at stake.
Then there are the removable bollards, which allow more flexibility. As their name suggests, they can be removed and put back once installed. This is great for flexible access in restricted areas, temporary traffic control, and some car park use cases. They generally get installed into the ground, where a sleeve stays in place, and a bollard can be inserted. When not in use, a flap can simply be closed over the whole.
Lastly, there are retractable bollards, which function similarly to the removable ones and are ideal for areas that require frequent access control. However, their biggest difference is that they are lowered into the ground when not needed instead of removed and stored away.
Assess Installation Site & Choose Fixing
Once you have chosen your bollard type, you can assess the ground where you want to place it. It is very important at this step to have a clear idea about the purpose of the bollard—whether it’s for high-impact security, like vehicle ramming prevention, or for low-impact uses, like guiding pedestrian traffic. The function combined with the type of bollard will be an indicator of things like how deep you need to go digging.
When assessing your site, it is important to have an idea of factors like the ground’s type—soil, tarmac, concrete, or anything else—and, very importantly, whether there are underground utilities. This is crucial because it will determine what fixing you can go for.
What do we mean? Most bollard models can be selected with ragged or flanged fixing. Ragged bollards are supplied with what looks like welded spikes to ensure they are anchored properly. This type is for casting in, and that typically means pouring new concrete during installation and digging a hole at least 300mm deep.
Flanged fixings, on the other hand, are for bolting down to the existing concrete surface with three or four bolts. Ideally, the concrete surface area will be a square of at least 300mm, but that may vary for some of our models with a larger radius. Flanged bollards can be very useful if underground services run beneath your chosen installation site, and deep holes are not an option.
Spacing and Placement
Once you have your bollards with the right fixings and have assessed your site, you can start planning the exact spots where they will go. This will very much depend on what you are using them for, but there are some rules of thumb to follow.
For vehicle protection, you will want to space bollards 3-5 feet apart to prevent vehicles from passing through while allowing pedestrian access. For entryways, specifically, position bollards near doors and storefronts to allow people in but prevent ram-raiding.
The gaps can be smaller for pedestrian flow, but you need to remember that while protective, the bollards shouldn’t become obstructions. Space them out so that pedestrians can move easily, and remember to plan for wheelchairs, strollers, and any other type of vehicles that might be passing through.
Excavation and Foundations
At this stage, you should be ready to start digging. If instructions have arrived with your specific bollard, follow these carefully. If not, here are some general guidelines you can use.
How to Install a Ragged Bollard
Prepare the Site: Mark the location, ensuring adequate spacing.
Excavate the Foundation: Dig a hole based on bollard specifications, typically deeper than the bollard’s below-ground height.
Set the Bollard: Place the bollard into the hole, ensuring it is level.
Concrete Filling: Pour concrete into the hole around the bollard, ensuring it’s secure and stable. Check if it is levelled again and allow it to cure.
How to Install a Flanged Bollard
Prepare the Surface: Ensure the surface is clean and level.
Bolt the Bollard: Position the bollard’s flange onto the surface and use bolts to secure it to the ground.
While doing this, it is always a good idea to use a spirit level to ensure the bollards are vertically aligned during installation. Misalignment can compromise both the functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Maintenance
Once installed, they don’t need much work, especially if they are made of high-quality materials. However, it is a good idea to regularly inspect them for wear, rust, or damage, particularly after harsh weather conditions or heavy use, and especially in joints, bolts, and ground anchors.
If your bollards have any moving parts like retractable models, ensure proper lubrication to maintain smooth functionality.
For ragged bollards, inspect the concrete base for any cracks. For flanged bollards, ensure bolts remain tight and replace any corroded fasteners.
Keep bollards free from dirt, debris, and environmental buildup to keep them looking good and serving you well. Regularly wash the surface using mild detergent to maintain aesthetics and avoid corrosion. This is less important for galvanised steel but is key for stainless steel bollards, which can stain over time if not kept clean.
Properly installed bollards enhance security and protect people and property. By following these installation tips—selecting the right type of bollard, preparing the site, ensuring correct placement, and performing regular maintenance—you can maximise their effectiveness and longevity. A well-executed installation is essential for optimal performance in any environment.