How To Install Bollards

Bollards come in various forms and are not difficult to install with the right tradesmen doing the job and correct strategies in place for safely installing them.

For the cast in bollards these can be installed into existing concrete or new concrete depending on the state of the site and whether it is a new site or an existing area that needs to be upgraded.  Cast in bollards must be strategically installed below the ground level making sure they are free from encroaching on any underground utilities such as gas lines, underground wiring or water pipes that may be in the area.  These are generally installed by drilling a hole in the concrete 50mm deeper than where the bollard base will sit.

The surface area needs to be cleaned and free from dirt and debris as these particles can affect the line of sight and therefore easily disrupt the placement of the bollard being quickly installed.  A broom or pressure hose can be used to clean the concrete area before the bollard is installed.  A core drill can be used to drill through the concrete and safely make the hole for the bollard to be inserted into.  Make sure the hole is dug to the correct depth for the type of bollard that is being inserted in the hole. 

When mixing the concrete to go into the hole for the bollard surround, ensure the mix ratio is correct for the water and concrete. Then fill the hole around the bollard with the concrete until it is level with the surface and neatly smoothed off. Set the bollard quickly and strategically into the hole, turn and push down until the bollard reaches the bottom of the hole.  Ensure that the area around the bollard is leveled off and plumb as once the concrete is set there will obviously be no way to make any necessary adjustments.  

Ensure all areas   around the bollard are cleaned and clear of debris to safely finish off the installation.  

Some of the steel bollards can be filled with concrete for extra stability and these are ideal for areas that tend to be the victims of ram raids.

Another type of bollard which is strong and easy to install is the stainless steel bollard.  These bollards provide safety and being stainless steel they supply protection from the elements.  They are corrosion resistant and stand up to the wear and tear.  These bollards can be wiped clean with soap and water to maintain their appearance, with a soft nylon brush to remove any dirt or residue.  Always be careful to make sure work is carried out safely around these bollards so no welding, drilling or grinding takes place around them as the resulting particles can contaminate the stainless steel and lead to rust setting in.

Abrasive brushes or scouring pads can damage the surface if they are used to wipe the stainless steel so it is best to use an ultra fine nylon pad and make sure you rub with the direction of the grain.  When cleaning the stainless steel bollards make sure they are not in the direct sunlight or excessively high temperatures as the surface could be damaged if you are wiping clean in this type of environment.  And for your own safety make sure you wear suitable gloves when cleaning the stainless steel bollards down.  After installing these bollards it is good to have a regular strategy for keeping them in a clean and tip top condition.

We would like to think they will be safe from the hands of our graffiti artists but this in reality, is not always the case!  So once again, a strategy needs to be in place to quickly and safely remove such annoyances with biodegradable spray or wipe.  Avoid using knives or hard scraping tools as these tools can easily damage the bollard.

We endeavour to make the installation process as easy as possible so any of the bollards are quickly and safely installed at the site.

Let's look at the flexible bollard – a great option for areas where lane delineation is required or to identify hazardous areas.  These bollards are very easy to install safely and very quick to bolt into the concrete or asphalt areas.  Just three bolts or fixing spikes are required and WOW the job is done!   Placed strategically in a line along the traffic route to separate vehicles and pedestrians, these bollards can take a hit and bounce straight back.  No worry of dents to vehicles or damage to buildings and people.  Ideal for low traffic impact areas and they have a night time reflective band for safety when visibility is low.

Then we have the removable bollard which is installed in areas where access is required periodically or on a temporary basis.  They can still be locked in place to ensure safety against theft.  These removable bollards are great for vehicle safety in front of business or retail stores.  Being removable makes them good for allowing vehicles through a bollard barrier or as a security because they can be put back in when the event is over or the business is closed after hours.  For safety they are locked into the  ground when in use and then easily removed when not required.

For a quick and easy safe installation of bollards, try the surface mounted bollards.  They are considerably simpler and faster to install as they are bolted or fixed straight into the concrete or asphalt.  When they are installed into the asphalt a footing is recommended.  The surface mounted bollards are available in the two different types, either fixed or collapsible.

There needs to be a balance when safely installing any bollards as they need to be strategically placed so as not to be too close to each other or too far apart, so letting vehicles get through when not allowed.  Safety of pedestrians is always a top priority when bollards are being installed while still taking into account accessibility and aesthetics.  Much has been gone over in the battle between safety and visual appeal in an area where a lot of bollards are being installed.  Emergency personnel should still be able to reach the emergency situation without having to contend with bollards being in the way.

Nobody needs a row of bollards creating an eyesore at a scenic or similar spot so consideration needs to be given to how and where these bollards are placed and the type of bollard used needs to be suitable for the situation they are in.  Safety and accessibility needs to be kept in mind when installing either flexible, fixed or removable bollards and a strategy in place to ensure all aspects of the installation are in agreement with all parties concerned.

Hiring the right tradespeople to install the bollards will make life easier and in the long run will pay off as the building or construction manager will know that they have been safely installed to last the time they are recommended for.  Professional tradespeople are trained in this sort of installation work so are aware of the pitfalls and how to make the installation process safe and accurate.  They will get the job done quickly and with minimal fuss and bother.

These steel galvanized or powder coated bollards with their bright yellow finish will help to save lives and prevent accidents so will increase the safety of construction areas or buildings that are vulnerable.

Given the ease of installation for most of the different types of bollards, it makes sense to have them installed in areas where safety is of high importance.

So why do we put so much store by the quick, safe and strategically placed installation of bollards?

We all feel the need to stop trespassers or minimize damage to building walls or glass fronted shops and retail areas so the bollards are a worthwhile investment around these areas.  They are more and more common these days with the increase in ram raids and more consciousness around safety and having safely installed products around our premises.

It’s not hard to work out how many bollards you will require for an area.  They should be placed about 450mm back from a kerb where there will be cars parked.  This will make enough space for the passenger doors to open and for passengers to exit their vehicles.  However if the area where the bollards are being installed is at a place where no vehicles will be parking, then they can be installed closer to the kerb.  When the surface mounted bollards are installed they are anchored to the concrete or asphalt and no digging or pouring of concrete is required.  However this type of bollard is best for areas where protection and safety is required from different types of vehicles in warehouse spaces and even grocery stores which are mainly used for separating lanes from each other.

The strategic spacing of bollards is important too and they should not be any further apart than 125mm in normal circumstances.  However, if they are being used in a shop front situation or building protection they may require different spacing in relation to the site being protected.  Sometimes they need to be placed further apart to allow for access of wheelchairs and other motorized mobility vehicles.

In areas where pedestrians need to have access, the spacing between bollards should be 1m to 1.5 metres apart to allow access to areas such as pick up points for school buses, campus sites or similar sites where pedestrian access is required.

When bollards are being installed on private property areas there can be more flexibility around the spacing.  In some areas they are spaced further apart and connected with cross bars and this creates a stronger barrier and closed off area.  Sometimes they are merely placed in areas to create a decorative enhancement to surrounding infrastructure and in this case you would sometimes see them connected with chains around landmarks.  When used in this situation they can be placed closer together as there would not be any people trying to pass them and go into the area.

Bollards can be used at loading dock areas to mark the width of the dock opening which makes it safer for truck and delivery drivers to negotiate the opening and safely and quickly back up.  In this instance the distance between the bollards is approximately the width of the trucks or slightly wider. 

When bollards are used in parking areas they are usually placed so that two bollards are installed for each parking space.

Having a safe and strategic bollard installation method is very important to the safety of the buildings or access ways that are needing to be protected.  Make sure the correct type of bollard is chosen for the area that is being protected.  Some areas do not need to be strengthened with a strong concrete filled bollard but just need some visual protection and determent so in those cases the flexible or removable bollard is adequate for the area being safely protected.

The correct installation process is very important to ensure a quick and safe job is done successfully so it pays to use the professionals and get the job done quickly, safely and in a strategic manner with no shortcuts taken that may cause the bollards to fail or not meet their full life ability.

Installing bollards is something that most business people are now looking at to safeguard their workplace areas from ram raids or speeding and wandering vehicles.  They are so easy to install with most sites providing videos to help with the installation process.  Whether they are set in concrete, bolted down or simply placed for short events, their quick and safe positioning is important for the job they are intended for.

Get the spacing correct for your intention,  put them in place and you are on your way to securing a safe building or accessway for your staff and clients.

Contact our team today to learn more!