Proper installation of traffic bollards is crucial for effectively managing traffic flow and preventing vehicle incursions into pedestrian zones or structures.
Utilised in a variety of environments — from residential to governmental — bollards serve as vital safety solutions. Ensuring their correct installation is essential for their functionality and efficacy.
Understanding installation methods
Different safety bollards require distinct installation techniques, depending on their design and intended purpose.
Some installations involve significant excavation and may necessitate adjustments to existing infrastructures, such as rerouting utilities or modifying pathways to accommodate air, hydraulic, or electric lines.
Initial planning and permitting
Delta Scientific offers extensive expertise in access control systems, providing critical guidance
Before any ground is broken, comprehensive project planning is required. This initial phase should cover all site-specific requirements, identify underground utilities that might interfere with the installation, and assess the number of bollards necessary for adequate protection.
Typical bollard arrangements use three-foot spacing to comply with ADA requirements while restricting vehicle access, though regulations can vary and may demand emergency vehicle access through retractable or removable bollards.
Delta Scientific offers extensive expertise in access control systems, providing critical guidance during the initial planning phase. Additionally, the 'Call Before You Dig' service is a key step in this phase, ensuring that utility lines, such as electrical cables and gas lines, are marked before installation commences. Obtaining the necessary permits from local building authorities is mandatory to ensure installations comply with existing codes, requiring the submission of detailed site plans for approval.
Preparing the site for installation
Site preparation is tailored to the type of bollards and the site's current conditions to provide a solid foundation for installation. Techniques such as using a jackhammer or a masonry-bladed saw are employed to clear concrete or pavements. For preserving surrounding pavement, core drilling is suggested to remove sections larger than the intended bollards.
Foundation holes are then dug, with traditional hand tools suitable for smaller installations and excavators recommended for larger or more heavily fortified setups. The depth of the foundations should extend below frost levels, with local guidelines advising on appropriate depths.
Fixed bollards in concrete
Fixed high-security bollards require deep concrete foundations, extending at least 24 inches underground
Fixed high-security bollards require deep concrete foundations, extending at least 24 inches underground, although 48 inches can provide stronger vehicular impact resistance. A gravel bed is advised for better drainage, followed by a rebar cage to reinforce the concrete structure, thereby maximising durability.
The bollard pipe is inserted into this structure, secured, and encased in a high psi concrete blend, with careful attention to plumb and dome-finishing for water drainage.
Shallow and retractable bollard installation
Shallow foundation bollards utilise wide bases, requiring less excavation. This design offers time and cost benefits over deeper foundations and maintains strength through strategic placement.
Retractable bollards, offering flexible security measures, require wide, deep foundations and power connections managed during initial excavation phases. The assembly is positioned close to the surface, with appropriate drainage solutions formed to facilitate water runoff.
Portable safety bollards
Portable or removable bollards attach to a surface-mounted plate, requiring minimal installation effort
Portable or removable bollards attach to a surface-mounted plate, requiring minimal installation effort. Ideal for temporary needs, they eliminate extensive groundwork, though they often necessitate multiple units to achieve crash-rated protection. Anchors set into a concrete base secure these bollards via bolts.
Regardless of the bollard type, proper installation is imperative for enduring vehicular impacts, preventing damage, and ensuring that mechanisms are sufficiently secured.
Ensuring site safety during installation
Throughout installation, safety remains paramount. Proper signage and restricted site access are necessary to protect workers, visitors, and property.
The appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is also critical to mitigate the risk of injuries during equipment operation.
When properly installed, traffic bollards control traffic flow and keep vehicles from entering pedestrian areas or crashing into buildings.
They are important safety features used in residential, commercial, military, and government settings. Knowing how to install bollards properly is critical for their effective operation.
Learn how to install bollards properly
There are several ways to install bollards depending on the type of safety bollards chosen for the security needs. Some require extensive site excavation and running air, hydraulic, or electric lines. They may also need to relocate or shield existing structures and walkways.
Step 1: Project planning and permitting
The largest part of bollard post installation happens before they break ground. Pre-project planning should include information about all site requirements, current underground utilities or objects that could interfere with installing bollards in concrete, and the number of bollards needed to provide adequate security.
Most bollard arrays use 3-foot spacing. This meets ADA accessibility requirements for pedestrians while limiting vehicle traffic. Regulations about bollard placement vary, but they usually require them to have access available for emergency vehicles. This could mean using removable or retractable bollards near buildings or leaving a designated area with open access.
Delta Scientific staff have expert knowledge about the requirements for all of its access control systems. They can help them establish what will be necessary during the initial planning stages.
Call before the dig
During bollard installation planning and permitting, they will likely have to have a survey of underground utilities. This is a simple process known as “Call Before You Dig” or call 811. States have individual time requirements for this service, with most averaging about three days before work starts. The request will prompt utility providers to mark existing underground lines, including:
- Electrical wires
- Gas lines
- Sewer and septic pipes
- Water supply lines
The next step before installing bollards is to secure the necessary permits. Contact the local building code department for requirements to ensure the installation meets current codes. Then, submit site plans and applications for permits.
Planning and permitting must be completed before construction can begin. Once underground utilities are marked and construction permits issued, site prep for installing bollards can begin.
Step 2: Site prep for bollard installation
Site prep can include several steps, which vary depending on the type of bollards they are installing and the existing site conditions. Proper prep ensures a suitable site for secure installation.
Use a jackhammer or excavator to remove any concrete or pavement at the installation site. A circular saw with a masonry blade can be used to cut larger sections into more manageable pieces for removal. If they want to leave the surrounding pavement, use a core drilling rig to remove circular sections at least 2 inches wider than the diameter of the chosen bollards.
Once the surface is clear, they will need to dig the holes for the bollard base. Hand tools may suffice for smaller, fixed installations, but an excavator is recommended for large arrays or high-security bollards.
For secure installation, standard bollard foundations must reach below the frost line. The local building department can advise them on the proper depth for the area.
Step 3: Installing fixed bollards in concrete
High-security bollards have a deep, concrete foundation that extends at least 24 inches below the surface, with 48 inches offering better protection against vehicle impact. Retractable bollards must have a foundation capable of supporting their entire length.
To improve drainage conditions in the bottom of the excavated hole, use a gravel bed. Then, place a cylindrical rebar cage into the hole before pouring concrete. This reinforces the poured concrete and offers maximum protection.
Now they can place a bollard pipe within the cage and pour concrete. Be sure to choose a ready-mix blend with adequate psi for the application. Check the pipe for plumb and secure it with stakes until the concrete sets. A domed finish will help water run away from the bollard.
Installing Shallow Foundation Bollards
Shallow foundation bollards have foundations under 24 inches. These systems derive their strength from wide bases instead of deep ones. The installation steps are the same as with standard bollards, but they will need to adjust their excavation to match the wide, shallow substrate design.
They require less excavation and site prep compared to traditional models, which translates to time and cost savings. Delta Scientific offers shallow-foundation bollards with M50 crash ratings, so they can have maximum protection with a streamlined installation process.
Installing Retractable Bollards
Retractable bollards offer maximum protection in a retractable format. The bollards themselves move down into a sleeve underground when they don’t need them engaged. This requires a wide, deep foundation with a hollow center.
During installation, place the assembly within ¼ of an inch of the surrounding finished surface. During finishing, they will create a concrete berm around the receiver edge to promote water runoff.
Another consideration for retractable bollards is the power required to operate them. During excavation, power must be run to each unit and a central control panel.
Installing Portable Safety Bollards
Removeable or portable bollards bolt to a plate mounted on the surface. They offer the simplest installation process. If they have temporary needs, such as for special events, or they want to avoid the time and cost of excavation, then this is a good option. Portable bollards typically require arrays of multiple units for full crash-rated protection.
To install them, they will drill holes and insert anchors at least 4 inches into a concrete footing. Use the anchors to secure the bollard with bolts.
No matter which type of bollards they install, proper installation is necessary for them to withstand the force of impact. Incorrect installation can cause damage if a vehicle passes through or even drags the bollards behind it.
Site Safety During Bollard Installation
Safety should always be a top priority during bollard post installation. Consider the safety of themselves, the work crew, visitors, and the property when developing a work plan.
Restrict access to the construction site with appropriate signage and flagging. This will prevent pedestrians from accidentally entering the area while work is in progress. Proper PPE will also reduce the risk of injuries while operating equipment and tools for installation.
