323.1 Threats to entrances

Vehicles target doors for high-consequence penetration. Use standoff where possible (213). Frontage HVM bollard lines must preserve egress; choose a crash rated bollard with penetration limits that protect glazing (413, 234).

Doors, lobbies, and shopfronts are attractive to hostile vehicles because a short run-up can still transfer significant energy at low to mid speeds. First, maximise stand-off distance within site constraints; second, shape approach vectors (e.g., corner chicanes, planter placement) to reduce effective run-up toward entrances.

Select a system with a suitable rating string and controlled penetration outcome so debris and permanent set don’t breach glazing or doors. Confirm the as-tested configuration matches your planned installation (see rating-critical dependencies).

323.2 Near-door spacing

Tighten centers near active leaves; avoid swing paths. HVM bollard heads keep sightlines (237). Verify the crash rated bollard height/orientation matches test photos (415, 431).

At the “throat” of an entrance, reduce clear-gaps to the lower end of your rule band from spacing rules, accounting for deflection & set. Keep swing paths and door maintenance zones free. Where double leaves exist, tune the centerline of a post to discourage direct alignment shots through both leaves.

Heads should not obscure signage or detector line-of-sight; use compact caps or heads & attachments that maintain sightlines. Confirm height/orientation against the certificate photo set (product families/variants).

323.3 Recesses & alcoves handling

Recesses enable glancing runs (225). Use staggered HVM bollard posts or U-shapes (321.3). The deepest point gets the strongest crash rated bollard variant.

Deep door recesses create side-on approach vectors that favour glancing impacts. Counter by staggering posts, rotating the array relative to the façade, or using a shallow U around the pocket. At the “back wall” of the recess, specify your highest-capacity variant or a keepered opening sized to your credible worst case.

Model the vector diagram from Impact angles & approach vectors to decide whether inline or staggered patterns best break the run-up. Record the decision (and any recess-specific spacing) on drawings and in the assumptions register.

323.4 Shopfront glazing offsets

Keep offsets so residual set won’t hit glass (314). HVM bollard lines parallel the facade; select a crash rated bollard with adequate penetration margin.

Use a glazing edge offset equal to: clear-gap tolerance band + expected permanent set + façade tolerance. Parallel the array to the façade datum to avoid “funnel” effects that widen gaps near the latch stile. Where mullions sit low, maintain effective height across crossfalls and step backs.

For long shopfront runs, add inspection bands at agreed intervals and a Go/No-Go gap gauge size. Capture offsets and acceptance bands in the ITP and verify during SAT.

323.5 Sliding/automatic doors

Protect sensor zones and tracks. HVM bollard heads align below sills; avoid reflections (353). Confirm the crash rated bollard sleeve doesn’t obstruct sensors (313).

Sliding doors add threshold tracks, light-curtain/photo-eyes, and presence sensors. Keep bollard heads clear of beam paths and reflection cones—dome heads can reflect; matte or chamfered heads reduce nuisance trips (see 313 and 353 Safety signalling).

Maintain a straight defend line in front of the track to prevent nose-in angles. Where automatic lanes exist nearby, coordinate modes of operation to avoid tailgating and keep egress cones free.

323.6 Accessibility pathways

Provide clear tactile routes and ramped kerbs (231, 238). HVM bollard gaps remain usable; label a nearby crash rated bollard for visibility (366).

Design for effective width and tactile/visual cues to guide users through kept gaps. Use contrast bands on adjacent surfaces, not on bollard heads, to avoid visual clutter; ensure slopes, crossfalls, and thresholds keep wheels stable and avoid ponding at the door line.

At night, use wayfinding lighting or reflectors that don’t dazzle drivers approaching the entrance. Keep the number of posts minimal but sufficient to preserve the clear-gap rule.

323.7 Service bay interfaces

Separate pedestrian entries from loading arcs (215, 325). A corner crash rated bollard guards bay noses while HVM bollard lines protect doors.

Where shopfront doors sit near loading, prevent a “bay corner hotspot.” Use a reinforced post at the nose and a short staggered line to deny shallow-angle shots into the entrance. Provide a signed pedestrian route across the apron and maintain stopping sight distance for reversing vehicles.

Consider turning & service access so legitimate vehicles can manoeuvre without clipping heads or sleeves.

323.8 Canopy/column conflicts

Columns can hide posts (237). Stagger HVM bollard lines to reveal gaps; verify the crash rated bollard foundation clears footings (332–333).

Canopies and colonnades introduce visual occlusion and hidden footings. Offset or stagger the array so gaps are visible within driver sight cones. Check foundation types against column pads; shallow systems may avoid clashes but confirm load paths via design checks and integrate drainage away from column bases.

323.9 Typical entrance arrays

Provide inline/staggered/U examples with gap tables (322). Note which crash rated bollard rating string each relies on (413).

Inline frontage: Use uniform centres (tightened near the leaves) with a parallel defend line. Document a gap table (nominal, min, inspection band) and the governing rating string.

Staggered frontage: Alternate posts to break shallow angles from flanking streets, maintaining kept gaps across the zig-zag. Useful at recessed entries and under colonnades (see array patterns).

U-shape pocket: Wrap the recess with a short return leg on each side; place the strongest variant at the back of the pocket. Confirm egress cones and accessibility through the kept opening; record all dimensions in the ITP and survey deliverables.

323 Frontage/Door Protection Arrays — FAQ