Foundations & Installation

SIRA Bollards (UAE) — how we select, design, and install foundations for bollards in the UAE. Exact drawings and methods will be tailored per site and product; use this guide for planning and coordination before we issue the project-specific Method Statement & Risk Assessment (MS/RA) and construction details.

Important: This page is a generic guide. For live projects we develop a tailored MS/RA, align with the SIRA-approved plan (if applicable), and follow UAE authority/landlord permits. See What to Expect During Bollard Installation and the full Bollard Installation Guide.

Foundation verification (replicate the “as-tested” setup)

Crash-rated performance depends on the whole system (bollard + foundation + surrounding slab/soil) matching the certified “as-tested” configuration. We verify:

  • Drawing match: embedment depth, cage geometry, shear keys, sleeves/liners, grout type, and top-of-foundation level per the manufacturer’s foundation drawing.
  • Concrete & cure: specified mix (e.g., C40/C45), slump, pour log, and cure time before load or actuation; non-shrink grout where required.
  • Rebar & anchors: bar sizes/spacing, cover, starter bars, anchor frame squareness and plumb (≤3 mm over 1,000 mm height).
  • Soil & base: bearing capacity, sub-base compaction (plate test if needed), dewatering plan for high water tables.
  • Services & earthing: conduit entries, draw-ropes, drain path, and equipotential bonding to site earthing system.

Foundation types (how we choose)

Deep foundations (automatic / high-security)

  • Typical use: highest crash ratings, automatic operation, heavy duty cycles.
  • Depth: ~0.9–1.7 m (model & rating dependent).
  • Pick when: excavation is feasible, ground is stable, and there is stand-off to services.

Shallow-mount foundations

  • Typical use: high-security sites with congested utilities or limited dig depth.
  • Structural depth: ~150–180 mm (model-dependent).
  • Pick when: dense service corridors, podium slabs with added reinforcement, fast programmes.

Super-shallow foundations

  • Typical use: streetscapes with very tight depth limits and critical utility congestion.
  • Structural depth: ~120–130 mm (model-dependent).
  • Pick when: retrofit schemes, heritage/public realm with suspended slab constraints.

Surface-mounted (temporary / rapid-deploy arrays)

  • Typical use: events, temporary perimeter hardening, rapid deployment.
  • Depth: no excavation (0 mm); modules pinned/ballasted or bolted.
  • Pick when: short-term measures, no-dig sites, reinstatement-sensitive areas.

See the current product range under ATG HVM Bollards.

Installing on slabs, podiums & bridges

When bollards sit over occupied spaces, basements, transfer slabs, bridge decks or podiums, transmitted impact forces must be verified against the structural capacity of the slab and its load paths. Options include engineered shallow/super-shallow arrays, spreader plates, or local thickening. We coordinate early with the structural engineer for checks on punching shear, vibration/deflection, and waterproofing.

Spacing, alignment, and site geometry

  • Clear gap: plan for a clear gap of ~1.2 m between adjacent openings that a vehicle could exploit; bollard centre-to-centre is set by diameter + clear gap (e.g., Ø219–300 mm + 800–1,000 mm gap ≈ c/c 1.0–1.3 m). Adjust for risk and pedestrian flows (wheelchair/ADA access).
  • Set-out: straight datum with tolerance ≤5 mm in plan and ≤3 mm plumb over 1,000 mm height.
  • Gradients: coordinate top-of-sleeve/lid with finished levels to avoid trip edges and ponding; adjust foundation top accordingly.
  • Corners & returns: add tighter spacing near kerb returns and building corners to prevent “angle shots”.
  • Visibility: consider sleeves/finishes and LED lids for night visibility; keep sightlines clear.

Underground utilities and constraints

  • Utility survey: EML/GPR and trial pits before design freeze; mark and protect all live services.
  • Suspended slabs & podiums: use engineered shallow/super-shallow arrays tied into slab reinforcement; detail waterproofing.
  • High water table: plan dewatering, sealed pits, drainage sumps or pumped outfalls; prevent housing “float” during pour.
  • Permits/NOCs: coordinate authority approvals and landlord constraints early.

Drainage, ducting, and civil interfaces

  • Drainage: each automatic bollard pit requires positive drainage (gravity to soakaway/trap or internal sump with auto pump and sediment basket).
  • Ducts & draw-ropes: segregate power, control, and loops; avoid tight elbows; label terminations.
  • Earthing & bonding: bond housings, lids, and nearby metalwork to site earthing; fit surge protection where lightning risk exists.
  • Finishes: reinstate paving with expansion joints around lids/frames; ensure anti-slip and level transitions.

Typical excavation & concrete works (deep automatic)

  1. Set-out & protection: control points; barriers; façade protection.
  2. Excavation & sub-base: to formation; stone or lean mix blinding; confirm groundwater; verify bearing.
  3. Pit/housing placement: set housing to line/level; brace and plumb.
  4. Reinforcement & embeds: fix cage, anchor frames, ducts, conduits, drain stubs per drawings.
  5. Concrete: pour in lifts; compact/vibrate; hold frames to finished level; cure; non-shrink grout as specified.
  6. Backfill & reinstatement: compacted layers; paving reinstatement with joints and sealants.

Typical installation & commissioning (automatic)

  • Mechanical install: fit inner assemblies, connect hoses, verify clearances and travel.
  • Electrical & controls: PLC/HPU terminations, traffic lights, user interfaces; label I/O — see Access Control Devices for device options and integration.
  • Pressure & function tests: set hydraulic pressures; test UP/DOWN/EFO; verify stop/reverse and sensor behaviour.
  • Integration tests: access control, CCTV triggers, alarms, remote indications; confirm fault logging.
  • Tuning & training: adjust timers/indicators; train operators on manual hand-pump and emergency procedures.
  • Documentation: compile test sheets, as-builts, manuals, spares list (see Documentation & Handover).

Foundations & Installation — FAQ

How do you decide between deep, shallow, and super-shallow foundations?
We balance crash rating and duty cycle against utilities, dig depth limits, programme, and slab constraints. Deep gives the widest rating range. Shallow/super-shallow are chosen where services or slabs limit depth but still allow an “as-tested” foundation to be replicated.
Can bollards be installed on a podium slab or bridge deck?
Yes—after a structural check. We use engineered shallow/super-shallow arrays with reinforcement and spreader details to keep forces within slab capacity and maintain waterproofing.
What concrete strength and cure time do you allow before commissioning?
Typically C40/45 (or per manufacturer’s drawing) with cure to the specified strength before loading/actuation; non-shrink grout where specified. We will state exact values in the project MS/RA and ITP.
How are clashes with underground utilities handled?
We survey (EML/GPR), trial pit, and then adjust positions or switch to shallow/super-shallow systems. Where unavoidable, we redesign duct routes and protect or divert services with authority approval.
Do automatic bollards need drainage?
Yes. Each pit needs a gravity drain to soakaway/trap or an internal sump with auto pump and sediment basket, plus measures for high water tables.
What alignment tolerances do you work to?
As a rule, ≤5 mm in plan and ≤3 mm plumb over 1,000 mm height. We’ll tighten tolerances for architectural lines or stainless sleeves.
What earthing/bonding is required?
Bond housings, lids and nearby metal to the site earthing system; provide surge protection where lightning risk exists. Details are shown on the electrical schematics.
What documents do we receive at handover?
FDS/SAP (for automatic), test sheets, as-builts/redlines, O&M, spares list and training record. See Documentation & Handover for the full pack.


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