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 (key control) or fully automatic.

The most important distinction is that not every bollard is crash rated. Commercial and residential 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.

High-security bollards are designed for locations where unauthorized vehicle access presents a significant security threat or property damage. Common applications include government facilities, embassies, military installations, airports, financial institutions and critical infrastructure.

High-security bollards may be fixed or automatic. Automatic bollards provide controlled vehicle access while fixed bollards can protect areas where vehicles should never enter. Perimeter-security systems include both automatic retractable and fixed bollards for high-security applications.

Automatic High-Security Bollards

Automatic high-security bollards are engineered vehicle barriers designed to control authorized access while providing a high level of protection against unauthorized vehicle intrusion. These retractable bollards operate through a powered control system and typically rise to secure an entrance and retract below grade when access is permitted. A complete installation can include the bollard, below-grade housing or foundation, hydraulic or electromechanical operating equipment, drainage, electrical controls, safety devices, vehicle detection and access-control equipment. They are commonly used at government buildings, embassies, military facilities, critical infrastructure, transportation facilities and other locations where controlled vehicle access and high-security protection are required. 

Fixed High-Security Bollards

Fixed crash-rated bollards remain permanently deployed and are often installed alongside automatic bollards to protect the portions of a perimeter where vehicles should never pass. This combination allows a property to maintain controlled vehicle access at an entrance while protecting adjacent areas from vehicle penetration. For crash-rated installations, the foundation, spacing and surrounding conditions are part of the overall protective system.

Crash-Rated Bollards

ASTM F2656/F2656M is a certification which establishes vehicle impact conditions and penetration performance for vehicle security barriers. ASTM as a test rating does not mean the barrier will perform identically under every site condition. Soil, terrain, foundation construction, bollard spacing and the actual installation configuration can affect performance. M30, M40 and M50 indicate that a bollard can stop a 15,000 lb. vehicles at different speeds.

When specifying a crash-rated bollard, verify:

• Applicable crash-test standard
• Vehicle mass and impact condition
• Penetration rating
• Tested configuration
• Bollard spacing
• Foundation requirements
• Site and soil conditions
• Installation requirements
• Emergency operation

Terms such as crash rated, anti-ram and high security should not be treated as interchangeable. The manufacturer's actual test documentation should be reviewed for the specific product.

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.

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.