Security Bollards: Different Types and Uses of Bollards

A bollard is a vertical post that is used for many different purposes. The term “bollard” is not very popular among common people and many people do not even know what this term stands for or what does this mean. However, after reading the following description of a bollard, we are sure that you will not only recognize what a bollard is but you will also be familiar with the functionality of a bollard.

What is a Bollard?

A bollard is a small vertical post like structure that is used for many purposes like guiding the traffic, decorative purposes or some architectural purposes. The most popular use of a bollard is for guiding the traffic. Bollards are placed in heavy traffic areas to prevent or restrict collision. They are placed in parking lots to prevent accidents. Similarly, bollards are also used to restrict or guide traffic from entering somewhere.

The main purpose of a bollard placed in a traffic area is to mark a boundary for vehicles so that they can be stopped from entering some prohibited area or they can be guided to enter some specific area. Bollards come in many different shapes and sizes to enhance the visibility in different areas where they are placed.

Uses of Bollards

If we describe a bollard in a general manner, then we can say that bollards are used in two main categories. First, a bollard is used for safety purpose and secondly it can be used for decorative purpose.

For safety purpose, a bollard is used to segregate different type of traffic from one other to avoid accidents. For example, bollards are placed on roadsides to prohibit the entry of cars in the cycle lane, bike lane or the pedestrian area of the road. Other safety purpose includes the safety of some government building for example a hospital or stadium etc.

When bollards are used for decorative purpose, you mostly find them in parks and public areas where they can also be used for guiding as well as decorative purposes. For example, lighted bollards on the walkway can show path in the night time for people who come for walk or jogging. Similarly, bollards are placed in front of animal cages in a zoo to prohibit people from going near the cages.

Whatever is the purpose of a bollard is, whenever you see the bollard, you clearly understand that a bollard means that you should take extra care while walking or driving in some specific place.

Types of Bollards

There are many different types of bollards available in the market that serves different purposes according to different consumer requirements and uses. However, the main goal of a bollard remains the same that is to provide security in a certain area. Below are given some most common types of bollards.

1. Removable Bollards

Removable bollards are mostly used at a private property. They are actually used as removable barriers which can be removed according to the requirement. A removable bollard can be easily removed when you want to give access to certain vehicle into your private space. Similarly, it can be placed back when you want to restrict some vehicle from entering. Removable bollards are not fixed in the ground and can be easily placed and removed whenever required.

2. Security Bollards

Security bollards are usually made of steel. They are fixed in concrete deep in the ground. They are mostly used for controlling and guiding the traffic. They are built in such a way so that they can easily provide hindrance against collision. They are also decorated with different colors to enhance their visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

3. Solar and Landscape Bollards

The basic purpose of a landscape or a solar bollard is to enhance the beauty and aesthetics of the scenery in which it is placed. These bollards come with many decorative items like special lighting to enhance the overall appearance of a certain place. These bollards are mostly charged through solar energy. That is why they are also considered as an ecofriendly option.

4. Parking Bollards for Bicycles

The bicycle parking bollard is used for the parking of a bicycle. It has an arm and a post. The arm provides space for at least two bicycles to be parked at a time. They are made from a heavy material to provide support for the bicycles. It has a proper lock up space for the bicycles to provide security. The bicycle parking bollard has a basic purpose to avoid the hindrance of parking for the bikers. Mostly bicycle owners park their bicycles in spaces fixed for bikes and that creates a hassle for bikers. A bicycle parking bollard has resolved this issue to a great extent.

5. Construction Bollards

Construction bollards are used on construction sites. They can be used for both road construction and building construction. Construction bollards are placed to make the people aware that construction is going on in a certain area and you should avoid taking your vehicle towards that specific area.

Final Thoughts

Bollards are no doubt a very useful invention and they serve the purpose of safety and decoration as well. However, the uses of bollards vary according to their different types, shapes and sizes.