Bollard Installation Guide: How to Install Engineered Bollards

A common complaint against bollard posts has come from inadequate spacing for pedestrian traffic, including those who may be in wheelchairs. If there will be pedestrian traffic where you are placing bollards, maintain a minimum of 3 feet between the barriers to account for disabled pedestrians. This distance should be measured from the furthest protrusion of the bollard to ensure the safe passage of most wheelchairs and motorized chairs.

When installing bollards near sidewalks, entrances, or pedestrian walkways, consider how people will move through the area. Proper spacing helps provide necessary vehicle protection without creating unnecessary barriers for pedestrians.

In public spaces, bollard posts and placement will need to take into consideration the needs of fire trucks or other emergency vehicles that may need to gain access to the area beyond the vehicle barriers. Fire lane bollards, in particular, need to allow first-responders to gain entry to the area while keeping all other traffic out.

Building codes and local ordinances may contain vital information about the placement of barriers, including required spacing, accessibility considerations and emergency access requirements. Failing to follow these conditions may lead to having to undo the work or rework the area, or cause the owner to incur a fine.

Bollard spacing plays an important role in preventing unwanted vehicle access. Bollards should never be spaced wider than 5 feet apart, as larger gaps may allow smaller vehicles to pass through. A distance of 5 feet should provide enough protection to cover the minimum width of a car.

However, the correct spacing depends on the application and the type of vehicle being restricted. When installing bollards around loading areas, storefronts or high-security locations, consider the size of vehicles that need to be blocked as well as any required pedestrian access.

If you are using bollards on private property, you may have more flexibility with placement compared to public spaces. However, placement should still be based on the specific security needs of the property, the types of vehicles being restricted, and how the area will be used.

For parking lots, driveways, storefronts, and commercial properties, consider locations where vehicle impact protection is most needed, such as building entrances, equipment areas, or vulnerable structures. Proper planning helps ensure bollards provide protection without disrupting normal operations.

Loading dock bollards play an important role in protecting buildings, doors, equipment, and employees from accidental vehicle impacts. When determining placement, consider the minimum width of trucks, trailers, and other containers that will be moving through the space.

Bollards should be positioned to provide protection while still allowing forklifts, delivery vehicles, and other necessary equipment to safely access the loading area. Proper spacing and placement can help prevent costly damage while maintaining efficient operations.

Bollard height is an important consideration when planning a vehicle barrier installation. The appropriate height depends on the type of bollard, the application, and the level of protection required. For many security applications, surface-mounted fixed bollards should extend approximately 36 inches above the finished surface to provide effective protection.

When selecting bollard height, consider visibility, pedestrian movement, and the surrounding environment. Always follow manufacturer specifications and applicable local requirements to ensure the bollards provide the intended level of security.