Using bollards in airports
Bollards are metal posts rooted in the ground to block vehicle access. This could mean protecting a fire lane or path, preventing contact with buildings or venues, or shielding fences or landscaping.
Bollards can be separated into three distinct categories based on their level of security:
- Decorative bollards have low impact ratings. They’re designed to identify paths and walks while discouraging vehicle traffic.
- Safety bollards are rated for medium impact. Usually, they stop rolling vehicles or prevent accidental movement against building fronts.
- Security bollards are heavy-duty. They’re made to take high impacts from fast-moving vehicles or heavy trucks with full loads.
All three bollard categories are proven public commodities.
Another option available is the shallow mount bollards with thin foundation. They are easy to install and save costs on installation compared to full depth bollards. Especially in airports with underground facilities, this type of bollards provides the necessary security without disrupting any underground facility.
With so many people flying on a daily basis, protective measures are important in the air transportation industry. The need for bollards as a safety measure at airports is reinforced by the terrorist bombing attempt at Glasgow International Airport in 2008 where it helped to prevent the propane-filled Jeep from entering the facility further and injuring far more people.
It’s not just terrorist threats that bollards could help deter at the airport. They can also be used for routing vehicle traffic to the appropriate areas.
Maintenance, private travelers, and other authorized personnel need to be able to gain access to the hangars, tarmac and other places where travelers do not normally enter.
As part of a comprehensive security strategy, bollards are essential to the safe and consistent flow of traffic and processes in any airport complex. Even though they are considered passive safety measures, they are effective in lowering the amount of undesired traffic from gaining access to parking areas, the tarmac and the main facility itself.
By using these measures, airports can focus on more immediate threats and maintain schedules and altogether we get our airports more secure than ever before.