Bollard cost and lead time: what it really takes to get fixed HVM bollards to site under SIRA rules.
Scope & audience
This guide focuses on Dubai under SIRA regulations. Some projects in other Emirates may also require adherence to SIRA—please confirm with your consultant/authority.
This page is for consultants, contractors, and mall facility managers who need a realistic view of unit costs and lead times to bring fixed HVM bollards to site in Dubai/UAE.
We follow SIRA requirements and link to official documents, but we have no affiliation or endorsement by SIRA. We reference the standard cited by SIRA: PAS 68 crash ratings. Where certificates are mentioned, read that as PAS 68 unless stated otherwise.
Important: This page compares fixed bollards only. For controllable (automatic/retractable) devices, simulation/engineering-only is not accepted; see Access control devices.
Minimum K4 pre-qualification (before SIRA plan)
Before starting SIRA approval, make sure the proposed fixed HVM bollard is realistically capable of achieving at least a K4-class crash rating (baseline design screen). This does not replace formal test evidence—it’s a quick engineering filter to avoid under-spec designs.
- Wall thickness: not less than 20 mm
- Above-ground height: not less than 900 mm
- Material (core): carbon steel
- Deep-mounted foundation depth: not less than 500 mm
- Shallow-mounted foundation depth: 100–200 mm and install in an array of ≥ 3 bollards
| Parameter | Minimum requirement | Applies to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall thickness | ≥ 20 mm | All fixed cores | Structural core only; covers are cosmetic |
| Exposed height | ≥ 900 mm | All fixed bollards | Measured from finished level |
| Material | Carbon steel | Core | Covers may be any material; they don’t affect crash rating |
| Foundation depth (deep) | ≥ 500 mm | Deep-mounted | Choose deep vs shallow per excavation limits |
| Foundation depth (shallow) | 100–200 mm and ≥ 3 bollards in one array | Shallow-mounted | Exact depth within 100–200 mm to be set by design constraints and simulation/test evidence |
These are screening minima only. Final acceptance still requires the appropriate PAS 68 evidence (certificate, consultant-verified simulation, or accredited physical test) and SIRA plan approval. See Foundations & installation.
Quick summary
- You have four practical ways to get fixed bollards delivered and approved under SIRA. They differ in evidence type, lead time, and unit cost.
- Shortest lead time: source an already SIRA-listed model (local stock or import). Subject to availability and programme.
- Longest: run a new physical PAS 68 crash test for a new local design (indicative for long-term programmes).
- Partner note: QUA (eBollard) is an authorised distributor/installer for ATG Access (UK) under a current agreement. Availability and lead times are subject to confirmation. See ATG HVM bollards for options.
Your four supply options (fixed bollards)
- Path 1 — Pre-approved (SIRA-listed) bollards — Model appears on SIRA’s approved list; reference the certificate in your plan. Fastest when local stock exists or distributor can expedite import (subject to availability).
- Path 2 — Internationally certified bollards (need SIRA plan approval) — Manufacturer PAS 68 crash-tested; submit the certificate with your plan to obtain SIRA plan/NOC before install.
- Path 3 — New simulation test (local build, fixed only) — Decide geometry first (deep vs shallow foundation, core diameter must fit inside the chosen cover), run crash simulation (FEA), secure consultant verification, then fabricate locally and proceed with SIRA plan approval. If the first simulation fails, revise and re-simulate.
- Path 4 — New physical crash test (local build) — Do a pre-test simulation to de-risk, then a full-scale PAS 68 crash test at an accredited lab (e.g., HORIBA MIRA, UK — example lab). After a pass, submit the certificate for SIRA plan approval, then fabricate/ship production units.
Important cost & time note: Figures shown are illustrative estimates based on a defined scenario (e.g., 50 fixed PAS 68/K4 bollards). Actual cost and delivery time vary with design, materials, approvals, supply chain, and programme. Unless stated otherwise, prices exclude VAT, freight, customs, and site works.
Cost & time — detailed tables (per bollard)
Important cost & time note: All figures below are estimates for comparison only and may change with project specifics and SIRA administration timelines. Prices exclude VAT and logistics unless stated.
Path 1 — Buy SIRA-approved bollards (fastest)
| Step | Required? | Time | Cost (AED / bollard) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bollard simulation (FEA) | Not required | — | 0 | Already covered by listing |
| Physical crash test (PAS 68) | Not required | — | 0 | Existing test report |
| International certificate | Included | — | 0 | Part of the SIRA listing |
| SIRA plan/NOC reference | Already approved | 0 days (or ~30 if re-notified) | 0 | 0 if model on current list |
| Bollard manufacturing | Required | ~14 days | 3,000 | Local stock or outbound factory (subject to availability) |
| Decorative cover | Optional | — | 1,500 | Cosmetic only |
| Delivery / logistics | Required | ~45 days (sea) | 200 | Air freight = faster, higher cost |
| Total cost per bollard: 4,700 AED • Total delivery time: ~59 days | ||||
Next step: confirm model status on the list and prepare your Documentation & handover.
Path 2 — Buy internationally certified bollards (need SIRA plan approval)
| Step | Required? | Time | Cost (AED / bollard) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bollard simulation (FEA) | Not required | — | 0 | Use manufacturer’s PAS 68 cert |
| Physical crash test (PAS 68) | Not required | — | 0 | Already completed by manufacturer |
| International certificate | Required | — | 0 | Attach full PAS 68 report |
| SIRA plan approval / NOC | Required | ~30 days | 0 | Plan review & issuance |
| Bollard manufacturing | Required | ~14 days | 3,000 | Imported or expedited via distributor (subject to availability) |
| Decorative cover | Optional | — | 1,500 | Cosmetic only |
| Delivery / logistics | Required | ~45 days (sea) | 200 | As per example |
| Total cost per bollard: 4,700 AED • Total delivery time: ~89 days | ||||
Next step: assemble the plan pack — see Documentation & handover and Installation — what to expect.
Path 3 — New simulation test (local build, fixed only)
| Step | Required? | Time | Cost (AED / bollard) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Define geometry (deep vs shallow; core fits inside cover) | Required | — | 0 | Choose by excavation limits & programme — see Foundations & installation |
| Crash simulation (FEA) & 1 revision if first run fails | Required | ~50 days (allow +10–20 days if revision) | 1,000 | Consultant-verified dossier used for SIRA plan |
| Physical crash test | Not required | — | 0 | Paper proof replaces live test |
| SIRA plan approval / NOC | Required | ~30 days | 0 | Project-specific acceptance |
| Local fabrication (core) | Required | ~14 days | 1,000 | Excludes foundation works |
| Decorative cover | Optional | — | 1,500 | Cosmetic only |
| Delivery / logistics | Required | ~100 days | 100 | Materials/sea freight as needed |
| Total cost per bollard: 3,600 AED • Total delivery time: ~94 days (add 10–20 if re-sim needed) | ||||
Fixed only: Simulation/engineering is not accepted by SIRA for controllable devices. Before fabrication, review Installation — what to expect.
Path 4 — New physical crash test (local build → accredited lab)
| Step | Required? | Time | Cost (AED / bollard) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-test simulation (design de-risk) | Recommended | ~30–60 days | 1,000 | Confirms the design is test-worthy before lab slot |
| Full-scale PAS 68 crash test (accredited lab) | Required | ~5–6 months | 6,000 | ~300k AED (indicative, amortised); scheduling adds time |
| Certificate & final report issuance | Required | ~30 days | 0 | Used for SIRA plan |
| SIRA plan approval / NOC | Required | ~30 days | 0 | Plan review & issuance |
| Production fabrication (series) | Required | ~14 days | 1,000 | Must match the tested configuration |
| Decorative cover | Optional | — | 1,500 | Cosmetic only |
| Delivery / logistics | Required | ~100 days | 100 | Sea freight |
| Total cost per bollard: 9,600 AED • Total delivery time: ~304 days | ||||
Investment path: Total programme spend typically exceeds USD 100,000 including simulation and lab testing. Best for manufacturers or owners planning mass deployment. Lab shown above is an example lab.
Notes that affect time & cost
- PAS 68 only: We reference PAS 68 because it’s the rating referenced in SIRA guidance. See Crash ratings.
- Deep vs shallow foundations: Decide at concept stage based on excavation limits and programme. This sets your core geometry and the cover diameter (core must fit inside) — see Foundations & installation.
- Foundations & third-party check: Expect a third-party consultant to verify foundation design against the product’s tested configuration and PAS 69 guidance; see Documentation & handover.
- Supply compression: If a distributor has stock or rapid factory slots (e.g., ATG HVM bollards via QUA), Path 1/2 timelines can shorten subject to availability.
Useful links
This page is for general information only and is not legal or engineering advice. Final approvals remain at the discretion of SIRA and other authorities. Always rely on your project’s consultant reports, test evidence, and official correspondence. eBollard/QUA has no official affiliation or endorsement by SIRA; official documents are linked for reference.
- Crash ratings (PAS 68 explained)
- Foundations & installation
- Installation — what to expect
- Documentation & handover
- ATG HVM bollards
- Access control devices
- Official SIRA Approved Bollards (PDF — opens official website)
- SIRA Standards & Technical Specs (PDF — opens official website)
- HORIBA MIRA (UK) — accredited impact testing (example lab)
FAQ
Can I use engineering simulation instead of a physical test?
Only for fixed bollards and subject to SIRA acceptance of a consultant-verified simulation dossier. For controllable devices, simulation is not accepted — see Access control devices.
Does SIRA accept PAS 68 certificates from overseas manufacturers?
Yes — provide the full PAS 68 report with your plan. If the model is already on SIRA’s approved list, admin is faster. See Crash ratings for context.
Who verifies the foundation details?
Expect a third-party consultant to verify the foundation design against the product’s tested configuration and PAS 69 guidance — see Foundations & installation.
Why choose simulation (Path 3)?
To reduce unit cost and avoid import delays when certified stock isn’t available. Expect ~50 days for the first run and allow time for at least one revision if the initial result fails.
When is a new physical test (Path 4) worth it?
When you’re developing a model for mass deployment. Plan ~5–6 months for testing, ~1 month for the report/certificate, then production and shipping.