Bollard Use in North America

Bollard Installations: Uses, Benefits and Where to Begin

Written by: Brad Done

Bollard Defined

Bollard installations can improve a property’s landscape, traffic flow and security. Facilities across the United States and Canada have realized the benefits that a bollard plan offers.

Bollard posts are generally between 32 - 52 inches in height and are manufactured in a variety of materials. A typical bollard ranges from 4 inches to 10 inches in diameter, although in theory a bollard can be any size.

Concrete, stone, plastic, composites, steel, aluminum and ductile or cast iron are the most common materials used to produce bollards. Reliance Foundry’s metal bollard products are made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum or ductile iron – and most styles come with several installation options. Reliance Foundry also provides plastic bollard post covers, made of a durable solid molded polyethylene, to fit over a steel security post -- enhancing visibility and safety. Recent additions to their product lines of flexible composite bollard stylings provide users with even more options for decorative and practical traffic control management on their properties.

Bollard uses vary, depending on a property’s specific needs. To help you develop a vision for how to configure bollard products into your space, here are some of the ways customers use bollard products for various property types;

Campuses

There are many places across a campus where a well thought-out bollard installation plan can dramatically improve safety for students and faculty.

1. Bollard placement in front of dormitory doors and walkways prevents vehicles from pulling too close to the buildings.
2. Side by side bollard alignment preceding crosswalks of high pedestrian areas can alert distracted students that they are approaching a road.
3. As security in front of historical buildings or landmarks, bollards attached with chains or swing gates can provide protection.

Businesses

1. Large and small businesses use security bollard placements to provide an extra barrier in front of windows to discourage smash and grab thefts.
2. When placed around a fixed asset, like a bank machine or a store display, a bollard can prevent accidental damage from bumping or ramming with shopping carts.
3. In warehouses, bollard use around garage doors, shelving units or offices can prevent forklifts or small handcarts from extensively damaging items (or people!)

City Use

City parks have many potential locations for strategic bollard placement.

1. Surrounding fountains or statues to discourage pedestrian approach.
2. Across wide pathways where pedestrians, but not motor vehicles, are permitted.
3. Used to protect highly landscaped areas or places where you want people to “keep off the grass.”

Sports Arenas

1. Removable bollard configurations help guide traffic flow around arenas, particularly for changing traffic needs for high traffic events.
2. Retractable or removable bollard use is common across wide walkways to keep vehicles from approaching too close to the arena; these bollard styles can be removed or retracted for maintenance or delivery trucks.
3. In parking garages, to protect the fixed structures as you enter and leave the garage, fixed security bollard placements are needed.
4. Flexible bollard installations often separate the traffic on ramps between parking garage floors to help keep vehicles in proper lanes.

Given the large variety of bollard styles available, matching both historical and modern designs is very easy. Find the right style, size and bollard type by browsing Reliance Foundry’s extensive bollard product line.

About Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd.

Reliance Foundry has been a family-owned business since 1927. Bollards are one of its main product lines, along with bike racks, industrial wheels and investment castings. Reliance sources products globally and offers quick and convenient delivery in the United States and Canada from its Vancouver location.