Proper bollard installation is crucial for effective traffic control and protection of pedestrian areas and buildings.
These safety fixtures are essential in various settings, such as residential, commercial, military, and government environments. Understanding the installation process ensures they function optimally.
Different safety bollards require varied installation techniques, influenced by the security needs and type of bollards used. Some may need extensive site excavation and utilities setup, including air, hydraulic, or electric lines, while others might necessitate adjustments to existing structures.
Bollard installation planning primarily occurs before onsite work begins. Key steps include assessing site needs, identifying underground utilities that might interfere, and determining the number of bollards required for adequate security. ADA accessibility standards generally advise 3-foot spacing between bollards to allow pedestrian access without hindering emergency vehicle movement, which might involve using removable or retractable bollards.
Professionals at Delta Scientific possess in-depth knowledge of access control system requirements and can assist during the initial planning phases.
A crucial preliminary step is conducting an underground utility survey, known as "Call Before You Dig," to avert potential issues from utility interference. This service, which varies by state in terms of timing, typically averages three days before project initiation. After identifying existing utility lines, securing local building permits is necessary to ensure installations comply with current codes.
Once utilities are marked and permits obtained, site preparation can commence. Site prep varies with bollard type and site conditions, requiring tasks, such as removing existing pavement with tools like jackhammers or excavators and cutting sections of concrete for removal using a masonry blade saw. For maintaining surrounding paved areas, a core drilling rig helps remove sections adequately.
High-security fixed bollards demand a deep concrete foundation extending at least 24 inches below ground, with deeper foundations offering greater vehicle impact resistance. The installation includes reinforcing the concrete with a rebar cage and ensuring proper plumb alignment of the bollard using stakes until the concrete sets. Shallow foundation bollards use a wide base with less excavation, providing benefits like reduced time and cost, with Delta Scientific shallow-foundation bollards offering M50 crash ratings.
Retractable bollards require a wide, deep foundation with space for retraction operations. Installation involves energy hookups to each unit and a central control panel, and site finishing includes creating runoff-conducive concrete berms around the edges. In contrast, removable bollards involve a simpler method: drilling and bolting to a surface plate — ideal for temporary setups like events.
Ensuring site safety is paramount during bollard installation. This involves setting up appropriate signage and barriers to curtail unauthorized access to the site. Additionally, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) lessens the risk of injuries from equipment or tool use during the installation process.
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.
