When properly installed, traffic bollards control traffic flow and keep vehicles from entering pedestrian areas or crashing into buildings. They are important safety features used in residential, commercial, military, and government settings. Knowing how to install bollards properly is critical for their effective operation.
Learn How To Install Bollards Properly
There are several ways to install bollards depending on the type of safety bollards chosen for your security needs. Some require extensive site excavation and running air, hydraulic, or electric lines. You may also need to relocate or shield existing structures and walkways.
Step 1: Project Planning and Permitting
The largest part of bollard post installation happens before you break ground. Pre-project planning should include information about all site requirements, current underground utilities or objects that could interfere with installing bollards in concrete, and the number of bollards needed to provide adequate security.
Most bollard arrays use 3-foot spacing. This meets ADA accessibility requirements for pedestrians while limiting vehicle traffic. Regulations about bollard placement vary, but they usually require you to have access available for emergency vehicles. This could mean using removable or retractable bollards near buildings or leaving a designated area with open access.
Delta Scientific staff have expert knowledge about the requirements for all of its access control systems. We can help you establish what will be necessary during the initial planning stages.
Call Before You Dig
During bollard installation planning and permitting, you will likely have to have a survey of underground utilities. This is a simple process known as “Call Before You Dig” or call 811. States have individual time requirements for this service, with most averaging about three days before work starts. Your request will prompt utility providers to mark existing underground lines, including:
Electrical wires
Gas lines
Sewer and septic pipes
Water supply lines
The next step before installing bollards is to secure the necessary permits. Contact your local building code department for requirements to ensure your installation meets current codes. Then, submit site plans and applications for permits.
Planning and permitting must be completed before construction can begin. Once underground utilities are marked and construction permits issued, site prep for installing bollards can begin.
Step 2: Site Prep for Bollard Installation
Site prep can include several steps, which vary depending on the type of bollards you are installing and the existing site conditions. Proper prep ensures a suitable site for secure installation.
Use a jackhammer or excavator to remove any concrete or pavement at the installation site. A circular saw with a masonry blade can be used to cut larger sections into more manageable pieces for removal. If you want to leave the surrounding pavement, use a core drilling rig to remove circular sections at least 2 inches wider than the diameter of your chosen bollards.
Once the surface is clear, you will need to dig the holes for the bollard base. Hand tools may suffice for smaller, fixed installations, but an excavator is recommended for large arrays or high-security bollards.
For secure installation, standard bollard foundations must reach below the frost line. Your local building department can advise you on the proper depth for your area.
Step 3: Installing Fixed Bollards in Concrete
High-security bollards have a deep, concrete foundation that extends at least 24 inches below the surface, with 48 inches offering better protection against vehicle impact. Retractable bollards must have a foundation capable of supporting their entire length.
To improve drainage conditions in the bottom of the excavated hole, use a gravel bed. Then, place a cylindrical rebar cage into the hole before pouring concrete. This reinforces the poured concrete and offers maximum protection.
Now you can place a bollard pipe within the cage and pour concrete. Be sure to choose a ready-mix blend with adequate psi for your application. Check the pipe for plumb and secure it with stakes until the concrete sets. A domed finish will help water run away from the bollard.
Installing Shallow Foundation Bollards
Shallow foundation bollards have foundations under 24 inches. These systems derive their strength from wide bases instead of deep ones. The installation steps are the same as with standard bollards, but you will need to adjust your excavation to match the wide, shallow substrate design.
They require less excavation and site prep compared to traditional models, which translates to time and cost savings. Delta Scientific offers shallow-foundation bollards with M50 crash ratings, so you can have maximum protection with a streamlined installation process.
Installing Retractable Bollards
Retractable bollards offer maximum protection in a retractable format. The bollards themselves move down into a sleeve underground when you don’t need them engaged. This requires a wide, deep foundation with a hollow center.
During installation, place the assembly within ¼ of an inch of the surrounding finished surface. During finishing, you will create a concrete berm around the receiver edge to promote water runoff.
Another consideration for retractable bollards is the power required to operate them. During excavation, power must be run to each unit and a central control panel.
Installing Portable Safety Bollards
Removeable or portable bollards bolt to a plate mounted on the surface. They offer the simplest installation process. If you have temporary needs, such as for special events, or you want to avoid the time and cost of excavation, then this is a good option. Portable bollards typically require arrays of multiple units for full crash-rated protection.
To install them, you will drill holes and insert anchors at least 4 inches into a concrete footing. Use the anchors to secure the bollard with bolts.
No matter which type of bollards you install, proper installation is necessary for them to withstand the force of impact. Incorrect installation can cause damage if a vehicle passes through or even drags the bollards behind it.
Site Safety During Bollard Installation
Safety should always be a top priority during bollard post installation. Consider the safety of yourself, the work crew, visitors, and your property when developing a work plan.
Restrict access to the construction site with appropriate signage and flagging. This will prevent pedestrians from accidentally entering the area while work is in progress. Proper PPE will also reduce the risk of injuries while operating equipment and tools for installation.
Get an Expert Perspective on How To Install Bollards
If you plan to oversee the project, you must know how to install bollards. However, you don’t need to do it yourself. When you purchase safety bollards from Delta Scientific, our team of experts will help you select the right type and install them for you. This ensures that all codes and best practices are followed. Contact us for more information.
Sources:
https://call811.com/
https://up.codes/s/bollards-around-structures
https://www.parkcity.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=63255

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