Tight definition, inclusions/exclusions, and relationship to barriers/street furniture.
This page sets the baseline: what a bollard is—and isn’t—before you choose an HVM bollard or a crash rated bollard for a real site. We distinguish security, traffic-calming, and decorative roles, name key parts, and outline manual vs automatic operation. After this, jump to purposes/tiers (123), functions (124), and formal rating language (411–414) to brief stakeholders consistently. For broader context see this section and the chapter hub. If approvals in the UAE apply, see SIRA Bollards (UAE).
Important: This is a general guide. For live projects we develop a tailored
Method Statement & Risk Assessment (MS/RA) and align with authority approvals (e.g., SIRA) where in scope.
121.1 Plain definition
A bollard is a short, rigid vertical post that guides or controls vehicles and space. In security use, an HVM bollard is part of a system designed to resist hostile impact; a crash rated bollard has evidence from formal tests (411–413). Think “protect, guide, separate,” not ornament only.
In everyday sites, bollards create predictable paths for legitimate vehicles and protect secure areas. For security projects, treat the “bollard” as a tested system: the visible post, the footing, and the surrounding works. That system—not the post alone—delivers resistance at the stated impact speed and mass.
| Aspect | What matters | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Tested system (bollard + footing) | Crash Ratings & Compliance |
| Operations | Duty, fail-state, safety devices & measures | Installation Guide |
121.2 Formal definition
For project documents, define a bollard as a structural element resisting vehicle loads with stated performance, geometry, and foundation class (331–333). Where HVM bollard performance is required, cite rating strings (413). Where a crash rated bollard is specified, include certificate scope and dependencies (421, 431).
In practice this means naming the standard (e.g., ASTM F2656, IWA 14-1), the impact conditions (speed, mass, impact angle), the penetration outcome, and any rating-critical dependencies (soil, footing, array spacing). Reference 421 and 431 in specifications.
121.3 What a bollard is not
Not a planter, cone, or decorative post unless proven. If protection is required, low-speed elements (443) are not substitutes for an HVM bollard. A crash rated bollard must match tested configuration; sleeves/heights can void claims (415, 421).
Changing the sleeve, adding extra height, or altering the footing can break comparability with the certified setup. Use 415 (product families/variants) and 421 to check whether a proposed change is in or out of scope.
121.4 Security vs traffic vs ornamental
Security aims to stop/deflect vehicles (232, 321). Traffic-calming guides or reduces speed (227). Ornamental prioritizes appearance (316, 366). Choose HVM bollard where hostile risk exists; use a crash rated bollard when certification is needed for approvals (717, 938).
For layout rules use 232 Spacing rules and the array guidance in 321 Array Patterns. For traffic calming, see 227 Terrain & Calming Effects. For appearance and finish, see 316 Aesthetics and 366 Color & Aesthetic Finishes. Approvals commonly rely on documented evidence—see 717 Authority Submittals and 938 Submission-Pack Guidance.
121.5 Key parts & variants
Core (steel), sleeve/finish, head, foundation/socket, and accessories (313). Variants: fixed, removable, automatic (124). HVM bollard systems combine these; a crash rated bollard variant must remain within certificate limits (415, 421).
The structural “core” does the stopping, while the sleeve provides the finish. The head adds visibility; the footing (socket or cast-in foundation) provides resistance. For add-ons such as chains, lighting, or signage, check 313 Heads & Attachments. Variant choice should align with the 124 Functions page and remain inside the family’s certified range (415).
121.6 Operation modes (manual/auto)
Manual: fixed/removable. Automatic: hydraulic or electromechanical with controls/safety (341–347). Mode selection affects HVM bollard throughput and EFO (354). For any crash rated bollard, confirm the automatic variant is within family scope (415).
Automatic systems use controllers, induction loops, photo-eyes, and interlocks to manage safe motion. Consider duty cycle, fail-safe (up) vs fail-secure (down), and EFO. See 340 Electrical & Controls, 342 Control logic, and 354 EFO & overrides.
121.7 Where bollards are used
Frontages, lanes, service yards, perimeters, and event areas (371–374, 821–827). HVM bollard placement follows standoff and vectors (213, 225). Crash rated bollard lines appear at highest-risk edges with clear-gap compliance (232).
Start with site risk and standoff, then identify approach vectors and service routes. For frontage or door protection, see 323 Door/Frontage Arrays and 322 Clear-Gap Calculations. Sector examples are in 820 Use-Cases, including 821 Vehicle access lanes and 825 Event modes.
121.8 Common misunderstandings
Bigger isn’t always stronger; geometry and foundations matter (331–333). Decorative sleeves don’t create an HVM bollard. A crash rated bollard’s rating isn’t universal—orientation, foundation, and array affect outcomes (413, 421).
Confirm the footing type and depth against 332 Foundation types and check loads in 331 Impact loads. Verify clear-gap against 232 rules and array layout in 321. If in doubt, choose documented, tested configurations and keep 421 dependencies intact.
121.9 Related terms to learn next
Clear gap (232, 322), penetration (412–413), standoff (213), approach/run-up (222), equivalence (414), and dependencies (421). These govern both HVM bollard layout and crash rated bollard acceptance.
Continue with 222 Approach / run-up distance, 443 Low-speed vs HVM selection, and 414 Standards equivalency to build a consistent vocabulary for drawings and submittals.
Related
External resources
- NPSA: Hostile Vehicle Mitigation overview
- ASTM F2656 — Crash testing for vehicle security barriers
- BSI: Impact test specifications for VSB systems
121 Bollard Definition — FAQ
What is the simplest definition of a bollard?
A short, rigid post that guides or controls vehicle movement. In security contexts, it is part of a tested system (post + foundation) designed to resist vehicle impacts at specified conditions.
How is an HVM bollard different from a crash rated bollard?
An HVM bollard is intended to mitigate hostile vehicle threats; a crash rated bollard has documented test evidence to a published standard (e.g., ASTM F2656 or IWA 14-1) under defined impact conditions.
Do decorative sleeves change bollard performance?
No. Sleeves influence appearance and durability, not structural stopping power. Changing sleeves, heights, or foundations can invalidate a published rating if it falls outside the certified configuration.
When should I specify automatic instead of manual bollards?
Use automatic where access must open/close frequently or on demand. Check duty cycle, fail-state, safety devices, and Emergency Fast Operation (EFO). Verify the chosen automatic variant is covered by the product family’s certification.