Security bollards are essential structures designed to control vehicle access in specific areas. These robust barriers are widely utilized by organizations to safeguard pedestrian zones, workspaces, and buildings.
Bollards come in various types, each tailored to specific applications to ensure optimal protection. Understanding the different types of bollards is crucial for selecting the right one to meet diverse security requirements.
6 Types of Security Bollards
Choosing the appropriate bollard involves understanding the unique characteristics and applications of each type. Here are six notable types that offer effective protection for both pedestrians and infrastructure.
Deep Foundation Bollards
Deep foundation bollards provide substantial protection due to their foundations spanning over two feet deep, anchoring them securely. These can be either fixed or retractable. For scenarios demanding high security, deep foundation options, like the DSC720 and DSC701 models, offer impressive ASTM M50 (K12) and K8 crash ratings, respectively.
Common installations for these bollards include federal buildings, financial institutions, government offices, airports, and stadiums.
Shallow Foundation Bollards
When space constraints or underground utilities interfere with deep installations, shallow foundation bollards serve as an effective alternative. These bollards, such as Delta Scientific's Model DSC635, which features an M50 crash rating, can be installed individually or in arrays to meet specific security needs. They are particularly useful in areas where excavation is not feasible.
Portable Bollards
Portable bollards, also known as surface mount bollards, offer unparalleled flexibility with minimal site preparation. Despite their mobility, these bollards, including high-security TB150 units, offer M50/P3 crash protection and are perfect for temporary security setups at events like festivals or political rallies.
Retractable Bollards
Retractable bollards fall under the deep foundation category, allowing for adjustable access control
Retractable bollards fall under the deep foundation category, allowing for adjustable access control. They can rise and lower to regulate vehicle access and are powered through manual, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems.
Utilizing these bollards facilitates pedestrian safety while providing emergency vehicle access in areas like residential complexes and public parks.
Fixed Bollards
Ideal for permanent solutions, fixed bollards can be either shallow or deep foundation. Once installed, these bollards remain unmovable, making them suitable for high-security locations, including government edifices and military sites.
Decorative Bollards
Combining functionality and aesthetics, decorative bollards by Delta Scientific feature crash-tested cores capable of halting a 15,000-pound truck traveling at 30 MPH without sacrificing visual appeal. These are a great fit for commercial areas, shopping centers, and educational institutions, providing both security and an appealing look.
Bollard Crash Ratings
All Delta Scientific security bollards are rigorously crash-tested. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) establishes crash ratings to help in selecting the appropriate bollard for specific needs. These ratings include M30 (K4) for 30 MPH, M40 (K8) for 40 MPH, and M50 (K12) for 50 MPH impacts, with additional P ratings to indicate post-impact vehicle travel distances. These metrics facilitate informed decision-making regarding bollard selection.
Delta Scientific offers a range of security bollards designed to meet stringent safety needs. From high-security deep foundation models to decorative options that offer both protection and visual appeal, their products cater to a spectrum of security challenges.
Security bollards are typically short, sturdy barriers that restrict traffic in a designated area. Organizations 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 Defense, 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.
