A bollard is actually a short, thick post. You probably see them every single day in a variety of places: The yellow pole that keeps you from getting too near to the drive-through window.
The side-by-side security barriers that keep you from driving your vehicle onto a walking path. The fishing line of flexible guards that prevent you from veering into oncoming traffic while exiting a parking garage.
The posts that encircle fountains, statues as well as other public landmarks. – Stanchions that protect the front of creating entrances and direct pedestrian traffic. The word bollard likely stems from the Middle English word ‘bole,’ anything meaning ‘tree trunk’. Whereas bollards were once just utilized on a ship or even a wharf for securing ships with ropes, now, bollards are a standard feature on roadways, in parking lots, surrounding buildings, guarding landmarks, defining spaces and more.
Why? Because architects and designers have discovered that bollards have much to provide with regards to traffic control, perimeter definition, asset protection, landscaping and security. They may be installed into concrete, sidewalks, brick-paved areas or in gardens. Browse around your community and city – you will begin to notice bollards everywhere.
The key types of bollards include:
Fixed: Fixed bollards are installed with the intention they will be permanent within their position. These are the most frequent bollard type and are best for providing security and protection. Security bollards are created to be strong and protect buildings or some other assets. The wide array of decorative options means the fixed bollard can be functional and aesthetically appealing to your building / property design. Property owners can choose a decorative fixed bollard, or even a decorative bollard cover added over existing steel or concrete bollards.
Removable: Removable bollards are installed into an in-ground receiver. Different receiver types offer differing locking features. For places that traffic access should be changed, receivers may be set up in the various needed patterns then rearranged for events, seasons, etc.
Retractable: Retractable bollards are most often within an upright, locked position, but may be quickly telescoped to the ground. They could be set up in fire lanes, or places where generally vehicles are certainly not permitted, but access has to be granted for emergency vehicles, delivery or maintenance vehicles. They work a bit easier compared to removable bollards in terms of providing fast access.
Flexible: Flexible bollards have the ability to withstand impact coming from a vehicle and can return to their upright position when force is removed. Utilized in parking garages, lots, to line roadways or through pedestrian areas, they have the appearance of a set bollard – however are a much better choice when vehicular impact is a strong possibility.
Bollard Materials
Bollards are designed in a variety of metals including plastic, aluminum, iron, steel, and stainless. The kind of bollard selected generally depends upon whether or not security strength is required, when the bollard must be removed or retracted quickly to enable access, when the bollard needs to have decorative features, or if perhaps it needs to be flexible because it is likely to be hit by cars.
Fabricated steel versions offer strength when found in stand-alone settings. Decorative cast-iron or cast-aluminum bollards provide ornate design features that will make bollards an aesthetic enhancement to some property.
Flexible or bendable bollards are produced from composite or polyurethane materials that typically require little in terms of maintenance and care. This makes them useful in places that they are likely to be accidentally bumped by cars (like parking garages).
Bollard covers fit over top of concrete-filled, steel pipe bollards and are used for highlighting and protection. Bollards covers can be found in several materials, designs, colors and sizes.
Bollard Accessories. A few of the more prevalent bollard accessories include:
Plastic bollard sleeves:These cover steel bollard posts and provide protection. Plastic bollard covers are less costly than metal bollard covers that are valued higher for his or her design and structural integrity. Plastic bollard covers are available in many standard colors and provide reflective striping near the top of the retractable bollards prices, making bollards more visible. Using plastic nmvjrq to cover steel bollards requires little through maintenance.
Bike parking / lifting arms: Bollards with arms give bollards additional functionality as a spot to securely lock a bicycle or to assist in lifting removable bollards from their mounting.
Chains / chain eyelets: Chains can attach bollards together to supply pedestrian control around gardens, fountains or some other outdoor areas. They can be easily removed and replaced.
On both commercial and residential properties, bollards have much to offer. Architectural features, security and traffic control are enhanced when bollards are brought in to the design process as soon as possible. With all the many sizing, color and decorative options available, choosing the right bollard type to help make the outdoor function featuring of a property safer and great looking is easy.
