As you are aware, construction sites have many risk areas. Because vehicles and people move at the same time. That’s why one small mistake can cause damage or injury.
A bollard in construction solves this problem. Therefore, this article will explain to you what is a bollard in construction. You also learn its types that are used at workplaces.
Bollard in Construction
A bollard in a construction place works as a safety barrier. You can see it near work zones, open areas, machines and moving equipment. It guides vehicles and people on the worksite. Actually, its aim is to block entry where danger exists. These bollards protect your workers, machines, visitors and property. They also control traffic flow around the site.
Bollard Design Example
A steel safety bollard is a common choice on construction sites. Because it has a tall and solid body. If we observe the surface, it is smooth with a round shape. You often find it in yellow or orange colors.
How Bollards Work?
Bollards work as a physical guard when you install them on workplaces. First of all, they keep people away from unsafe areas. They also stop machine operators from restricted zones. When a vehicle or object hits a bollard, the structure takes the force.
Steel or flexible materials especially absorb the impact of energy. This action reduces damage to workers, equipment, vehicles and nearby areas. Bollards also act as a clear visual barrier. Because when anyone sees a bollard, he knows the area is restricted. This simple setup makes your site safe and controlled.
Common Construction Bollards
Shallow Foundation Bollards: Shallow Mount Bollards
Well, a shallow mount bollard is placed on a strong plate or biscuit. You may find this plate connected with other bollards for extra strength. Basically, this design needs very little depth on the ground.
You have to install them at a depth between 40mm (minimum) to 300mm (deeper). That means you need to dig less deeper. You will need 1 to 2 hours to install each bollard. Moreover, these bollards cause less damage to the ground.
Surface Mounted Bollards
If you want more easy installation then shallow mounted bollards, surface mounted is the best option for you. Because surface mounted bollards sit directly on your ground surface. You can fix them with anchor bolts into concrete or asphalt.
There is no need for digging, excavating, drilling and painting the surface. This makes installation fast and clean. You often choose this option when your site has cables or pipes below. These bollards work best for light impact control and clear area marking.
Bollard Material Used in Construction
- Aluminium Bollards: As you know, aluminium is a light weight plus strong material. So these bollards are best for outdoor usage where you find the risk of corrosion or rust. You may see it on the front of construction sites for a clean view with safety.
- Concrete Filled Bollards / Steel Pipe Bollards: These barriers are made up of steel pipe but filled with concrete to provide extra security. This option will suit high-risk zones. You should place it at site entrances and direct vehicle paths.
- Wooden Bollards: You can place wooden bollards on construction sites where aesthetic look is needed with safety. Basically, wooden bollards come in a variety of shapes like round wood bollards to give them an aesthetic look as well. You can install them near less dangerous zones where there are no vehicles and heavy machines.
- Plastic Bollards or Polyurethane Bollards: This is a flexible material which can bear impact on cars and machines easily. When a car or machine hits the bollards they are bent and then get back to its shape. They are more durable than hard plastic barriers.
- Cast Iron Bollards: Cast iron bollards are strong and heavy posts. They are made from iron alloy. You see them at construction sites where the general public is present. They also mark boundaries for road construction.
Where Are Bollards Required At Construction Sites?
Site Entrances and Exits: You have to place bollards here to control entry of unauthorized vehicles and people. You should place high-duty and reflective bollards here to make them visible from a distance.
Pedestrian Walkways: Some construction sites take place on very large spaces for example large plazas, marts or restaurants. And these buildings require more time to build. Therefore, you have to provide walkways and pedestrian paths, where bollards with attached chains are installed.
Equipment and Machinery Zones: As you know, heavy machines are dangerous for workers as well as visitors or contractors of the site. This is why strong bollards are required to set boundaries. Furthermore, place a sign board to inform the exact danger present near the machine.
Material Storage Areas: There are many harmful substances and chemicals that are stored on construction sites. For instance, cement, silica dust, adhesive, fuel (petrol, diesel) or acids. So, you have to cover them with reflective bollards and add a corrosive chemical board here.
Trench Areas: You may see many trenches on workplaces. They can be risky in bad weather and night time. So, you install safety devices here to make them visible at all times. You should attach reflective tape with them for extra protection.
Temporary Road Diversions: In case of road construction, you need to be more careful. Because accidents can happen any time. Therefore, place steel or metal bollards to change the traffic flow. In addition, you can place traffic cones at a distance to guide the driver in advance.
Building Perimeter & Edges: You have to add bollards at sides or edges of the building to make it safe from each side. Actually, at busy places vehicles can come from any slide. So, ensure safety around all the construction sites from back to front.
Utility and Service Lines: Hidden cables and pipes need protection. Because heavy weight or collision can damage them. Bollards stop heavy vehicles from crossing over them. And guide workers about the presence of utility lines. This reduces costly damage of repair and maintenance.
Restricted or High-Risk Zones: Some areas allow limited access only. You could place bollards to show restrictions clearly. People understand the risk on time. Near high risk zones you should place precautionary boards also like a PPE required sign.
Bollard Spacing Requirements
ADA Bollard Requirements
If you want to ensure the safety of each person you have to follow strict spacing rules. These rules are advised by ADA (American with Disability Act). Because for the disabled there is a need to be extra careful even at construction sites. The reason is simple: construction can take place (road, hospital, market, restaurants, empty sites) at any place or at any time.
Actually, bollards need enough gaps that ensure safety plus do not block users’ access. You preserve at least 3 feet of empty space. This lets wheelchairs pass without trouble. Height also matters on your site. Most ADA friendly bollards stay around 36 to 48 inches tall. This makes them easy to notice for all users. Maximum space for bollards is 5 feet.
Bollard Code Requirements IBC
IBC requires bollards for fire and electrical applications that are more likely to happen at construction places. So, when you install bollards near heavy machines or appliances follow this pattern. First of all, the post should be placed 3 feet above the ground. The distance between each bollard is 3 to 5 feet. You should use a concrete filled steel barrier. Furthermore, the diameter of each bollard is 4 inches.
What is a Bollard Wall?
A bollard wall is a line of bollards placed close together. You use it to create a strong protective barrier. It stops vehicles from entering restricted areas. People also read it as a clear boundary. You often see bollard walls near buildings, sites, workplaces and pedestrian zones.
Bollard Manufacturers: Where To Buy Safety Bollards?
Are you searching for the best manufacturer of safety bollards? JACKWIN is one of the best companies that provides you with a variety of safety products. You can buy aluminum, steel, polyethylene and rubber made bollards. Our bollards are suitable for construction sites, parking areas, walkways and road work zones.
Commonly Asked Questions
How to Install Bollards in Existing Concrete?
First, you have to check the concrete condition. It must stay solid and crack free. Then confirm that there are no cables or pipes fixed under the concrete. For surface-mounted bollards, you drill holes first. After that, fix expansion anchors or drop-in the hole. Then you bolt the bollard to the surface. Anchors are set inside to hold the bollard tight.
How Deep Should Bollards Be?
Well, the answer to this question depends on the type of bollards and the type of soil where you place it. But a standard bollard is placed at a depth of 18 to 30 inches. This depth can be increased if you need more stability and strength.
How to Install Bollards in Asphalt?
It is not possible for asphalt alone to hold a bollard. You will need a concrete base first. You start by cutting through the asphalt. Then you have to dig a concrete base below the surface.
Next, you should pour concrete into the hole. Anchors go inside this fresh concrete. Now, let the concrete dry first. After that, you can fix the bollard into the concrete base. And then apply asphalt around the base to provide a smooth look.
How to Make Concrete Bollards?
First of all, you start with a mold made from wood or metal. Then steel bars are added for strength. Now, you should pour M30 grade concrete. Remember, vibrate the concrete to remove air gaps. Let it dry, then finish the surface with any coating.
Final Note
In the end, you can see bollards act as strong safety devices on construction sites. They control vehicle movement and protect workers. You can also use them to mark restricted areas clearly. If you use proper bollard, your site will stay organized & safe. Talk to us now in case you want high quality safety products for your workspace.
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