Security bollards, robust and durable barriers, play a crucial role in controlling vehicular traffic to safeguard pedestrian spaces, work zones, and buildings. These devices, utilised by various organisations, come in an array of types, each designed for specific security applications.
Understanding these variations is vital for selecting the appropriate bollard to meet specific security requirements.
Types of Security Bollards
There are six primary types of security bollards, each offering unique advantages for protecting pedestrians and infrastructure. Here is an exploration of these six effective bollard types.
Deep Foundation Bollards
Deep foundation bollards are known for their high-level security, anchored by foundations
Deep foundation bollards are known for their high-level security, anchored by foundations extending more than two feet into the ground. These bollards can either be fixed or retractable.
For settings with stringent security demands, deep foundation bollards such as the DSC720, which boasts an ASTM M50 (K12) crash rating, provide a robust solution capable of halting a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 MPH.
With K8 and L2-certified crash ratings, DSC701 bollards are also a viable choice. These types of bollards are commonly found in places requiring enhanced security like federal buildings, financial institutions, governmental offices, airports, stadiums, and embassies.
Shallow Foundation Bollards
In situations where space limitations or underground utilities prevent the installation of deep foundations, shallow foundation bollards are a suitable alternative.
These can be installed individually or in arrays, depending on security needs. Models like the Delta Scientific DSC635 bollard, which carries an M50 crash rating, provide superior security. Shallow foundation bollards are an ideal choice when site conditions preclude the use of deep foundations.
Portable Bollards
Portable bollards are often used at events like festivals, concerts, and political gatherings
Portable bollards, also termed surface mount bollards, offer significant flexibility and require minimal site preparation, making them perfect for temporary security needs.
Despite their mobility, these bollards deliver reliable security, with configurations such as the TB150 providing M50/P3 crash protection in a deployable array of ten units. Portable bollards are often used at events like festivals, concerts, and political gatherings.
Retractable Bollards
A specific type of deep foundation bollard, retractable bollards can be raised or lowered to regulate vehicle access to specific zones. These bollards, flush with the ground when retracted, allow for convenient access for emergency and utility vehicles while ensuring pedestrian safety.
Typically operated using manual, hydraulic, or pneumatic methods, retractable bollards are popular in residential areas, public parks, schools, and amusement centres.
Fixed Bollards
Fixed bollards, characterised by their inability to retract, can either have a deep or shallow foundation.
These bollards are ideal for permanent security installations in high-traffic areas like government and military facilities, airports, and other areas with substantial pedestrian presence.
Decorative Bollards
Combining aesthetics with security, decorative bollards from Delta Scientific include a crash-tested core
Combining aesthetics with security, decorative bollards from Delta Scientific include a crash-tested core capable of stopping a 15,000-pound truck at 30 MPH.
Certified by the U.S. Department of State and Department of Defence, they provide robust protection in an aesthetically pleasing form, suitable for commercial centres, shopping complexes, universities, and healthcare facilities.
Crash Ratings for Security Bollards
All Delta Scientific bollards undergo rigorous crash testing, enabling organisations to select an appropriate option based on security needs. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) establishes crash ratings for medium-duty trucks weighing 15,000 pounds as follows:
- M30 (K4): Effective against a truck traveling at 30 MPH
- M40 (K8): Effective against a truck traveling at 40 MPH
- M50 (K12): Effective against a truck traveling at 50 MPH
Further classification involves P ratings, indicating how far a vehicle will travel post-impact, ranging from P1 (less than 3.3 feet) to P3 (23.1 to 98.4 feet). Understanding these classifications assists in choosing the right bollards according to the security demands.
Delta Scientific provides a comprehensive range of security solutions, from high-security deep foundation bollards to decorative models, ensuring clients can find the right option for their specific needs.
Security bollards are typically short, sturdy barriers that restrict traffic in a designated area. Organisations use bollards to protect pedestrian walkways, work zones, and buildings.
There are several different types of bollards, each well-suited to specific applications. Learn what they need to know to choose the best bollard for their security needs.
6 Different Types of Security Bollards
Understanding the basics of different types of security barriers can help them choose the right one for the application. Explore the following six types of bollards that offer excellent protection for pedestrians and buildings.
1. Deep Foundation Bollards
Deep foundation bollards offer some of the highest protection levels around. They have foundations that are over two feet deep, which serves as a firm anchor point. They can choose fixed or retractable options for deep foundation bollards.
If they have high-security needs, then a deep-foundation bollard is likely the type they need. DSC720 bollards offer robust protection with ASTM M50 (K12) crash ratings indicating their ability to stop a 15,000-pound truck at 50 MPH. DSC701 high-security bollards have K8 and L2-certified crash ratings.
They will frequently find this type of bollard in federal buildings, financial institutions, government offices, and some embassies. Airports, stadiums, and other high-security locations may also opt for deep foundation bollards.
2. Shallow Foundation Bollards
Not every location can accommodate several feet of reinforced concrete for bollard installation. In situations where underground utilities or space limitations pose a problem, shallow foundation bollards may be a better choice.
Depending on the exact security needs, they can install this type of bollard alone or in arrays. Delta Scientific’s Model DSC635 bollard has an M50 crash rating, highlighting its superior protection capabilities. They also have several other shallow foundation bollard models that offer excellent protection alone or in arrays.
3. Portable Bollards
Another popular type of bollard, portable versions offer maximum flexibility. Sometimes called surface mount bollards, they require minimal site preparation and no excavation.
Their portability does not compromise their security protection. A 10-bollard array of high-security TB150 portable bollards offers rapidly deployable M50/P3 crash protection. Crash-rated portable bollards are excellent for temporary security needs, such as festivals, concerts, and political rallies.
4. Retractable Types of Bollards
Retractable bollards are a specific type of deep foundation bollard that allows operators to raise and lower the barrier to control vehicle access to designated areas. When retracted, they sit flush with the surface, allowing vehicles to pass through. This type of bollard may use manual, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanisms.
Retractable bollards are an excellent way to ensure the safety of pedestrians and buildings while still offering convenient access for emergency vehicles and utility providers. They are commonly used in residential areas, such as apartment buildings, public parks, amusement centers, and schools.
5. Fixed Bollards
Fixed bollards can have a shallow or deep foundation. As the name implies, they cannot retract into the ground. This type of bollard is ideal for permanent installation in high-security areas, such as government buildings, military installations, airports, and areas with high pedestrian traffic.
6. Decorative Bollards
Don’t let their pretty facade fool them; Delta Scientific’s decorative bollards feature a crash-tested core that can stop a 15,000-pound truck at 30 MPH. Certified by the U.S. Dept. of State and U.S. Dept. of Defence, these high-security bollards offer complete protection for low-security settings in an attractive package. They are ideal for commercial buildings, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and universities.
Crash Ratings of Different Types of Bollards
All of Delta Scientific’s security bollards are crash-tested. This allows them to easily choose the best model for their security needs. The American Society for Testing and Materials has established the following system of crash ratings for medium-duty trucks of 15,000 pounds:
- M30 (K4): stops a truck traveling at 30 MPH
- M40 (K8): stops a truck traveling at 40 MPH
- M50 (K12): stops a truck traveling at 50 MPH
These ratings are further classified by how far the truck travels after impact with P ratings. These range from P1, where the truck travels less than 3.3 feet after impact with a bollard, to P3, with a travel distance of 23.1 to 98.4 feet. Knowing this will help they choose the proper bollards based on their needs.
Choose the Correct Type of Bollards for the Security Needs
Delta Scientific offers barriers with the highest level of security. The security bollards undergo rigorous crash testing to meet client needs and expectations.
From deep foundation bollards for high-security areas to decorative options for aesthetic appeal, Delta Scientific offers solutions for every need.
