Installing Flexible Bollards with Removable Mountings

Uncomplicated directions for installing Reliance Foundry’s flexible bollards with removable mountings

Flexible bollards will bend up to 90° upon impact to reduce damage to vehicles. Reliance Foundry carries a select line of flexible bollards that can be set in removable mountings. This makes them ideal for traffic applications where access needs may fluctuate. With a sleek and efficient key box receiver, the flexible bollard can be removed by simply inserting a key and lifting the bollard. Flexible bollards installed in this manner are ideal for lane demarcation or for creating architectural perimeters that are traffic friendly.

With this installation method, the flexible bollard is intended to act as solely visual traffic deterrent that will restrict or limit access to particular areas. It is important to note that, with this installation method, the bollard will offer little impact resistance.

Surface Preparation and Determining Layout

• Study the site plans:
  

  Site plans are generally created by the architect of the project. The architect will mark the intended location of each bollard on the plan. Ensure that the plan coincides with the site and familiarize yourself with the intended arrangement of the bollards.

• Designate where each bollard will stand:

  If the bollards are intended to be installed to create a uniform-looking straight line, many contractors find it beneficial to snap a chalk line. This will help determine the center-point of each receiver that will hold a bollard. The center-point of each receiver post should be marked with chalk, spray-paint or a felt pen.

• Create the installation hole:

  Center an auger on the installation mark and bore a hole to the depth required for your application; make certain to add the depth required for drain rock required in your area. You may wish to consult your local building inspection department to determine the adequate level of drain rock required for your region and your region’s frost line. Because the receiver is uniquely shaped, create a hole with a diameter that extends a minimum of 2” from each point of the receiver, more if the bollard is being installed in a standalone application. You may wish to consult an engineer if you have questions regarding the required depth and width of your installation hole.

• Add drain rock to the installation hole:

  Add a minimum of 6” of drain rock to the installation hole. Areas with a higher level of moisture in the environment will require more drain rock. You may wish to consult your local building inspection office to determine the appropriate level of drain rock for your installation.

Drilling the holes

• Create pilot holes:

  Use a small masonry chisel to tap a starter pilot hole in the centre of each hole marking. This will prevent the rotary hammer from drifting while boring the hole.

• Set the depth control on the Hammer Drill (or Rotary Hammer) to 3⅝":

  Most hammer drills have a depth setting or depth control bar. If depth control is not available, use masking tape to mark 3⅝" on the masonry bit.

• Drill the hole:

  Apply force to rotary hammer and create a hole that has a one inch diameter and a depth of 3?”. Drill on high speed, using the hammer function if available. Check the masonry bit often to ensure it remains debris-free.

  If the masonry bit becomes clogged with concrete dust, rinse it in the can of water. If an overly hard patch of concrete is encountered, it can be broken with a masonry nail and hammer.

Pouring the Concrete

• Mix and pour the concrete:

  Ensure that the proper ratio of water and concrete mix is used. The concrete should have a similar texture to mouldable clay. Pour the concrete evenly and avoid disrupting the bollard.

• Pour the concrete:

  Begin to fill hole with concrete, when the concrete reaches a level that is 8?” (9½” if using the heavy duty mount)below the surface place the receiver in the installation hole and continue to fill until the concrete reaches the surface. Pour the concrete evenly and avoid disrupting the receiver. The receiver should sit level with the surface of the concrete.

• Allow the concrete to cure:

  A lot of elements factor into a concrete surface’s cure time. Moisture in the environment and cool temperatures can both significantly slow the process. It is generally recommended that a minimum of 2 -3 days wait should be given before beginning construction projects on new concrete surfaces.

Installing the Bollard

• Place the bollard in the receiver:

  Once the concrete has cured, remove the cardboard and plastic packaging from the bollard and carefully lower it into the receiver to avoid damaging the bollards surface. To lock the bollard in place, insert the key into the socket and turn.

• Inspect the installation:

  At a distance, examine the plain of view. All bollards should appear to be perpendicular with the surface of the concrete.

Care and Maintenance

Reliance Foundry’s line of flexible bollards are constructed from a highly durable polyurethane composite. Their composition resists UV damage and allows them to endure in typical North American climates, however, proper care and maintenance is required. In most environments, regularly-performed inspections and routine cleaning will ensure that a bollard retains its aesthetic appeal and does not become damaged by the elements.