Bollards are vertical vehicle-control barriers used to protect buildings, pedestrians, property and restricted areas. Depending on the application, bollards can be fixed in place, removable, semi-automatic or fully automatic.

The most important distinction is that not every bollard is crash rated. Commercial bollards are commonly used for property protection, traffic control and access management, while high-security bollards are engineered for locations where vehicle impact resistance is a critical security requirement.

Commercial bollards provide practical vehicle control and property protection for businesses, parking facilities, warehouses, retail properties, offices, loading areas, pedestrian zones and other high-traffic locations.

Commercial bollards are available as fixed, semi-automatic, and automatic systems. Automatic bollards provide controlled vehicle access while fixed bollards can protect areas where vehicles should never enter. Semi-automatic systems are for areas where electrical wiring may be difficult.

Automatic and Semi-Automatic Commercial Bollards

Automatic bollards allow authorized vehicles to pass through controlled entrances without manually moving the barrier. Depending on the system, access may be controlled through remote controls, card readers, magnetic loops, mobile devices or other access-control equipment.

Semi-automatic bollards are retractable systems that operate without electrical wiring. A keyed release mechanism activates the integrated gas-assisted operator, allowing the bollard to automatically rise. To lower the bollard, the same release key is used while downward pressure is applied to the top of the bollard.

Fixed Commercial Bollards

Fixed bollards are permanently installed and require no operator or control system. They are commonly used to protect:

• Storefronts
• Doors and entrances
• Building corners
• Pedestrian areas
• Loading zones
• Utility equipment
• Parking areas
• Property perimeters

Installations

Automatic 

Automatic bollards generally retract into a below-grade pit or foundation. The complete installation can include the bollard cylinder, foundation, drainage, hydraulic or electromechanical equipment, heaters, electrical controls, vehicle detection and access-control equipment.

Automatic bollard installation diagram

This is a conceptual illustration, not a construction drawing. Exact pit dimensions, foundation requirements, reinforcement, drainage and wiring must come from the selected manufacturer's current installation documentation.

Semi-Automatic

Semi-automatic bollards are installed in a below-grade foundation or sleeve and typically require no electrical connection. The bollard is manually lowered with a key or release mechanism and raised again using an internal spring or gas-assist system.

Semi-Automatic bollard installation diagram

This is a conceptual illustration, not a construction drawing. Exact pit dimensions, foundation requirements, reinforcement, drainage and wiring must come from the selected manufacturer's current installation documentation.

Fixed

Fixed bollards are permanently installed into a concrete foundation or approved mounting system and require no electricity. Proper installation depends on the bollard’s foundation, embedment, anchoring and site conditions.

Fixed bollard installation diagram

This is a conceptual illustration, not a construction drawing. Exact pit dimensions, foundation requirements, reinforcement, drainage and wiring must come from the selected manufacturer's current installation documentation.