Bollards are used to protect people or property. Bollards have exceptional durability and are meant to withstand forceful impact from vehicles or other heavy objects.
Some types of bollards, on the other hand, are useful in drawing attention to particular objects. These usually have modifications to catch the eyes of passers-by.
Bollards serve multiple purposes that many people take for granted. Bollards can be used in the following way:
Bollards are not only functional; they can also be used as decoration as well. There are many decorative bollards available on the market. Many of these are even constructed in styles that can fit specific architectural designs. From baroque to renaissance-style architecture, there is a bollard that could meet your aesthetic needs.
Bollards can even be outfitted with covers. These covers can keep bollards from weathering or just be for decorative effect. Bollard covers give workplace managers and safety officers even more choices on how to use bollards as decoration.
One of the main functions of bollards is to guide cars and traffic. That is why you mostly see bollards installed on sidewalks. These posts are excellent for guiding vehicles since they’re highly visible. Placing them in rows also serve as good indicators for cars, keeping them from driving where they shouldn’t.
Bollards, especially the ones found on roadsides, are extremely durable. One of the main functions of bollards is to protect pedestrians from cars. Sideswiping accidents are possible for pedestrians on sidewalks and paths next to roads, and bollards can help prevent these. Since bollards can withstand direct impact, they can help pedestrians avoid more severe injuries.
Ramming accidents caused by vehicles can leave a significant amount of damage. Aside from the injuries that people may sustain, repairing property damage can be quite costly. That is why many property owners install bollards to protect accident-prone areas.
While many bollard types have overlapping functions, it’s best to be familiar with how to use each one. Some of the most common bollard types are the following:
These are the most commonly used bollards and are present in any city you visit. Roadside bollards are often used for controlling traffic. These are placed beside roads to mark the areas where vehicles pass.
These may also help limit the entry of vehicles and control travel speed. If placed near commercial institutions, roadside bollards may also serve the purpose of controlling overspill parking.
Not all bollards are designed to be stiff and sturdy. Some are designed to resist vehicular impact, but also ensure motorist safety.
Flexible bollards are made of materials that bend so they can return to shape after an impact. As such, these bollards are used purely for serving as markers for vehicles. While not as sturdy as the other bollard types, they’re just as useful. These are excellent for guiding motorists as to where the proper lanes are. A big advantage is that when hit, the bollards won’t pose much risk to those in the vehicle.
Removable bollards are temporary posts that can be attached and detached depending on need. These often come in two parts: one base attached to the ground and the detachable upper post.
The most common removable bollard is the screw-type for ease of attachment or detachment. Another type is the retractable bollard that can be lowered into the ground when needed. Some retractable bollards are even electronic, controlling retraction and extension with the press of a button.
Removable bollards are versatile in terms of use. As a result, these get placed in areas where different events are held. Some roads even have removable bollards installed to limit passage when necessary.
Have you ever driven in the dark, only to scrape your car on traffic islands or gutters? Poor visibility can be problematic even with high beams turned on. Preventing accidents from poor visibility is the main function of traffic island bollards.
These bollards are placed in the middle of the traffic islands. These draw attention to traffic islands and make their presence known to motorists. Due to this specific function, traffic bollards aren’t usually as sturdy as the other bollard types. Traffic island bollards are useful in dimly-lit areas or ones with poor visibility. Painting them in neon colours or adding reflectors make them more eye-catching.
Many videos and news articles of vehicle-ramming incidents have gone viral in recent years. Some of these are accidental, while others are deliberate. Some events were considered acts of terrorism. Fortunately, bollards can prevent these incidents.
Security bollards can protect people and properties. These are designed to be sturdy and durable to prevent vehicle-ramming. These bollards are usually installed in crowded places beside roads or where traffic usually passes. Many commercial establishments also install these on their storefronts to prevent vehicles from ramming into them.
Bollards with lighting systems are aptly called lighting bollards. The lighting systems serve two main purposes, depending on the type of light involved. The first is for decoration. Lighting bollards with decorative lights can make the surrounding environment more beautiful. The other purpose is purely functional by improving the visibility of an area.
Lighting bollards can also be as durable as other security bollards. Check the build and materials used if you want to use these for both lighting and protection.
Each of these bollard types is constructed in a specific way to fit their functions. As such, you will need to carefully consider what you will be installing them for.
It’s never too late to install bollards. To get their optimal function, however, you need to install and use them at the right time. Here are some tips regarding when to install bollards:
Many shops have lost precious income because of unexpected events and accidents. If you are a shop owner, then it’s your responsibility to make sure you have precautions in place.
Do you feel like nearby traffic can pose a threat? If so, then make sure you install bollards as soon as you set up shop. It keeps your items safe and can make customers feel secure too.
Special events can be a logistical nightmare if there are too many attendees. Bollards can help control both vehicular and foot traffic.
If you have an upcoming event and feel like you will need security assistance, consider installing bollards. Having these around can increase the sense of security. If you don’t want to commit to having permanent bollards just for one event, consider removable ones.
Many bollards are solidly rooted in concrete. As such, you may want to start installing as soon as construction projects start. Wet concrete is the easiest way to install bollards. Solidified concrete, on the other hand, will need to be broken if installing bollards. Make sure you think ahead if you need bollards and act accordingly.
The ideal time to install bollards may be of some concern. However, some are easier to install, like traffic islands or decorative bollards. Make sure you check the make of the bollard you want to install. See if they can easily be rooted to the spot without much hassle. If so, then you can do the installation whenever you need to. Ask your local professionals for more details regarding installation.
Carefully assess the parts of your property that need bollards so you can strategise properly. Regardless of your assessment, however, know that it’s never too late to have bollards installed.
The bigger concern for most property owners is where to install bollards. To minimise cost and maximise functionality, proper planning is required for installation. Amongst the most important places to install bollards are the following:
Parking lots are among the places that need bollards. Having them here can help ease the flow of vehicles and guide them where they need to go. These can also help prevent vehicular accidents from escalating in severity. Parking lots need well-placed bollards so make sure you strategise before you install. Driveways, on the other hand, also benefit from the guiding effect that bollards have.
Bollards placed beside footpaths can reinforce the safety of pedestrians. Placing these in areas with heavy foot and vehicular traffic is essential to keeping people safe. Aside from creating a physical barrier to prevent accidents, footpath bollards can also serve as markers. These can serve as guides for people and cars as to where not to go.
Is your storefront situated close to an area with heavy traffic? Are you near an intersection? Many accidents happen near intersections. Intersection or not, as long as there are vehicles nearby, then the risks are present.
Make sure that you place bollards in front of your storefront. Better yet, line any areas with heavy foot traffic with bollards, especially if located near vehicular traffic. It will ensure the safety of both your property and the people in the vicinity.
Some places need only temporary access. To help control the flow of vehicles into these places, you may use removable bollards. Install and remove these when required, and make roads accessible when necessary.
Install bollards to mark anything you want to draw attention to. Examples of these include safety hazards, signs, pathways, and more. There is a specific type of bollard appropriate for each of these, as we have mentioned above. Make sure that you carefully consider what bollard type to use based on your needs.
As we have discussed above, bollards have many simple yet essential functions. It’s natural to want the best ones that you can get. Whether you need bollards for your workplace, business, or road projects, we are here to assist. Contact Verge Safety Barriers on 1800-765-539 and speak with one of our specialists.
If you have any questions on how to install bollards. We will give the professional answers to your questions.