Bollards: Different types and the role they play in perimeter security
- IronSite Education
- Sep 18
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Everything you need to know about choosing the right bollards for your security strategy.
Table of Contents:
Introduction:
Security bollards are highly effective at ensuring unauthorized vehicles don’t breach perimeters. They’re highly customizable security barriers that can fit into just about any security strategy and are widely used by all types of commercial and industrial businesses in almost every industry.
This article examines the role bollards play in perimeter security, the different types of bollards available, and the standard use cases for each. It also explores key considerations to think about when choosing bollards to ensure the most effective method of prevention is being implemented for the unique requirements of any business.
What are bollards and what role do they play
Bollards are short, vertical posts that are designed specifically to prevent unauthorized vehicles or intentional vehicle attacks from penetrating a perimeter. They’re typically made of steel and concrete and anchored to a concrete foundation underground, providing crash-rated protection against all types of vehicles and speeds.
They’re generally installed as permanent, long-term solutions, but there are removable and retractable designs available for organizations that require them; as well as shallow-mount options for businesses that have excavation or space limitations.
Bollards are versatile due to their ability to be placed virtually anywhere and the fact that they can cover any size opening or space simply by increasing or reducing the number of bollards installed. Their versatility and customization options make them a widely popular choice for a variety of different businesses with differing security needs, ranging from light duty security to high security crash-protection.
Different types and use cases
As we mentioned above, there are a variety of different bollard types and designs, coming in different materials and finishes. The type of bollard and material used plays a key role in their effectiveness at stopping vehicles and directing traffic. Different types of bollards include:
Storefront Bollards
One of the more common types of bollards, these sturdy metal posts are designed for low security areas. They offer many options in terms of safety, security, and aesthetics, with different diameter sizes, wall thickness, and cap styles. Due to their smaller size, storefront bollards are ideal for scenarios where a vehicle is unable to get up to speeds higher than 10mph.
Traffic Bollards
Commonly found at storefronts, schools, parking facilities and pedestrian zones, traffic bollards are designed for fast and simple installation without sacrificing safety and security. They’re highly cost-effective in a variety of scenarios and offer multiple customization options to meet unique requirements.
Fixed Bollards
Designed for long-term, static use, fixed bollards are permanently embedded in the ground. Crash-rated designs offer robust and long-lasting protection from accidental or intentional vehicle impacts, which is why they’re commonly found at high security sites like Government buildings, Military bases, critical infrastructure, and Stadiums.
Removable Bollards
These types of bollards can be easily inserted and removed from a ground-mounted bollard sleeve, offering more flexibility to managing traffic and access control. Even though they’re removable, crash-rated designs are available for maximum protection. They’re available in both standard or shallow foundations, making them an ideal choice for public parking lots, parks, Churches, and other facilities.
Retractable Bollards
Similar to removable bollards, retractable bollards simply retract into the ground when not in use, rather than completely removing them. They can be automatic or manually raised and lowered, offering a flexible and aesthetically pleasing solution to controlling vehicle and pedestrian access. These bollards are especially effective when integrated with access control systems and are often preferred over fixed bollards for city centers, stadiums, data centers, and airports.
Lighted Bollards
Incorporated with integrated LED lighting, lighted bollards offer the same degree of crash-rated protection plus more. Lighted bollards offer enhanced security in low-light conditions and a full RGB LED-changeable cover for custom colors. Some lighted bollards can be programmed to display specific colors or sounds when a specific action takes place, making them a very popular choice for stadiums, sports venues, and event centers.
If you’d like more information about bollards or would like to compare the different types in terms of costs, crash-ratings, level of protection, etc., don’t forget to check out our bollard buying guide!
Advanced Bollard Options
Some bollard designs utilize integrated technology and the IoT (internet of things) to enhance safety and functionality. Smart bollards can be integrated with other equipment, like surveillance systems and emergency services, to streamline operations and improve performance. Furthermore, bollards can be integrated with entire city networks to allow urban planners to improve safety while enhancing mobility.
Bollards equipped with advanced technology, like facial recognition or license plate scanning, can analyze vehicle patterns and respond dynamically in real-time to reduce congestion or deter tailgating––some even use AI to detect approaching vehicles and automatically adjust their position to automatically control access.
Installation and Maintenance costs
When it comes to costs associated with bollards, there are a handful of factors that can drastically affect the overall price. First and foremost is the type of bollard being installed. Fixed bollards are generally less expensive than removable or automatic designs, both in installation and maintenance, because they don’t have the mechanisms and hardware that need to be installed and regularly serviced.
Automatic and retractable bollards have complex mechanical systems that consist of multiple components working together to function. Locking mechanisms, electric and hydraulic systems, integrated wiring, etc. are all components that need to regularly be maintained after installation – which translates to an increase in operational costs.
Outside of bollard type, the environment bollards are installed in can play a role in overall cost––specifically if they’re going to be used in areas with harsh weather or high traffic. Rain, snow, ice, and even sunlight can degrade bollards over time. Cities with heavy snow and ice might require internal heaters to be installed, coastal areas that utilize salt spray or de-icing solutions can speed up corrosion and rust accumulation, and urban areas with a higher concentration of pollutants, dirt, and grime; all can drastically affect bollard reliability and drive up costs.
Key Considerations
Deciding which bollards best meet the unique needs of any businesses security strategy can be a complex process, dependent on the specific requirements of the business and the environment the bollards will be installed in.
First and foremost, determining the level of protection needed is crucial to an effective security strategy. If you require robust protection, bollards with crash-rated designs are an easy choice; the highest crash-rated bollards can stop a 15,000 pound truck traveling 50 mph dead in their tracks.
When it comes to spacing, one of the most important things to understand is the bollard manufacturer’s recommendation. Bollard spacing plays a pivotal role in their effectiveness and not following the proper recommendations can drastically degrade the level of protection they offer and their ability to stop vehicle impacts.
Another factor to consider is the aesthetics of the site you’re installing bollards in. Bollards come in all types of materials and finishes, making them a great choice for organizations looking to incorporate security solutions while matching or enhancing the aesthetics of the site. Bollards can be blended into existing architecture without sacrificing protection, enhancing visuals while improving protection from security threats. To learn more, check out our other blog article on balancing effectiveness with aesthetics.
Just like most perimeter security solutions, bollards are most effective when integrated with other security solutions like automated gates, security fencing, access control systems, and intrusion detection. By integrating solutions, businesses can achieve a highly effective and efficient security strategy that provides 24/7 peace of mind.
And of course, don’t forget to check out our Bollards buying guide to learn more about what the different type of bollards offer.
Conclusion
Bollards are versatile security barriers that offer a high degree of customization, making them a widely popular choice across a variety of businesses in different industries. They're highly effective at protecting facilities from all types of security threats, but identifying which types of bollards will do the job in the first place can be quite the challenge.
Hopefully this article helped you understand some critical factors to evaluate when determining which bollards to use around your perimeter. If the right type of bollards are being used and maintained effectively, businesses can easily improve overall security posture.
IronSite is a national physical security provider with specialized expertise to deliver premium solutions at scale. Our extensive family of brands nationwide enables responsive and consistent service and support for all our clients, wherever they may be.
Media Contact
Terin Pickett
IronSite
1595 E. 6th St; Suite 101
Corona, CA 92879
Comments