Bollards are used for many different purposes depending on their type, size, style, design, materials, etc. Bollards are safety equipment that is basically used for controlling and maintaining traffic. It is also used to provide safety for buildings and equipment, etc. They are used to create an obstruction so that the vehicles can cause no damage to buildings or harm pedestrians, etc. bollards installation at different places can provide a higher security level.
For example, when people are on the road, the main concern is how to secure people and vehicles from colliding with each other. Bollards not only provide safety for pedestrians but also provide security for vehicles as well. However, inside a mall, the bollards will be used for saving equipment from people collisions or doing any harm.
This proves that bollards can be utilized in many different ways. The only thing that matters is the right selection of material and proper security bollards installation procedure to increase effectiveness and efficacy.
Types of Bollards
Here is a list of some types of bollards and where they should be installed to make the best use of them.
Fixed Bollards
These are a type of bollards that are used in places where they need to be fixed and no change is required for a long time. Such bollards are usually made of heavy material and they are fixed in the ground. They are made of steel or concrete to provide long-lasting and durable services. These types of bollards are a long-term security solution.
Retractable Bollards
These bollards are removable bollards. They are installed at places where car entry is done on a periodic basis. There are times when you want to allow cars entry and at times you want to restrict the cars from entering the premises. In this case, retractable or removable bollards are used.
Shallow Mount Bollards
These are new advancements in bollard technology. There is spring steel inside these bollards. They flex when colliding and absorb the high energy from the impact. The design of these bollards allows a shallow foundation of the bollards. They are very easy and less expensive to install.
Crash Resistant Bollards
These bollards are crash-resistant. They are tested against different levels of impact in order to test their ability to resist the impact from vehicles while collision. They are designed to withstand a collision with a car or truck at specific high speeds.
Non-Crash Resistant Bollards
These bollards are to be installed at places where the purpose is to guide traffic instead of controlling it. They are not made of heavy material because they are not installed for vehicle restrictions. The main purpose of these bollards is to guide the traffic only. The main purpose is to provide a visual barrier for the drivers and traffic.
Benefits of Bollards in High-Traffic Areas
Bollards are used for many purposes but the main objective is to provide road safety. If the bollards are installed correctly and the right material is chosen, then the level of road safety can be increased to a much higher level. Some of the major benefits of bollard installation in high-traffic areas are described below.
- Managing the Traffic
Bollards are an important factor in managing traffic. For example, in case there is some diversion on the road, it can be informed to the traffic through the use of bollards. We know that bollards provide a visual barrier as well as a physical obstruction. Therefore they can be very well utilized to inform the traffic about any uncertain condition of the road like diversion, etc. Similarly, if the road is closed, bollards are placed on the way so that no car or vehicle goes on that road further so that they do not have to face any inconvenience.
2. Traffic Safety
This is also an important feature of bollards that is very beneficial. Bollards provide safety for vehicular traffic and for pedestrians as well. They are placed between lanes to differentiate cars lanes and bike lanes from each other. In this way, many accidents can be prevented. Motorcyclists often come into car lanes which leads to accidental hazards. Similarly, cars sometimes enter into cycles or bike lanes which leads to mismanagement of traffic and accidents as well. If bollards are installed between lanes, this ensures traffic safety and better control of the traffic.
3. Security for Buildings in High Traffic Areas
The buildings situated in high-traffic areas are prone to accidents and crashes. They are also at a high risk of vandalism. Robbers come with their vehicles and crash directly into the glass wall of the mall or store, steal things and run away immediately in the vehicle. However, bollard installation can prevent such incidents and prevent damage for store or mall owners. Bollards are placed outside high-security buildings like government buildings, military sites, airports, etc.
4. Safety for Pedestrians
In high-traffic areas, pedestrians are at great risk of accidents. Sometimes cars accidentally enter into pedestrian walkways on roadsides. To prevent such accidents, different types of bollards are installed around pedestrian walkways and parking areas, etc.
5. Prevent Unauthorized Parking
In high-traffic areas, people often park cars in the wrong places. This leads to traffic jams and car crashes. The placement of bollards in high-traffic areas helps this unauthorized parking of vehicles. In this way, traffic can be managed in a better way.
Concluding Words
Bollards have many benefits not only in high-traffic areas but also in residential and commercial sectors as well. For example, you can make your driveway safe through the use of bollards. similarly, malls can secure their entrance through bollard installation.