Security 101: Bollards: Why, What and Where?

[box type=”info”]We’re starting up a new series: Security 101, where we’ll be discussing and explaining basic security measures and explaining basic security theory. First up are “bollards”, just because it’s a nice, round word. [/box]

Physical Security

Physical security measures are just what the term sounds like they are; physical things that are designed to add to the security of their location. It can be cameras, people, metal detectors, fences or barriers, and that’s just a few examples. One of the most basic and crude measures are things made to keep vehicles out of somewhere, and that’s where bollards come in. So what are they?

Bollards

What?

When the word was first coined, a bollard was a short, stout post used for mooring ships to the dock. This is also known as a “mooring bollard”, and they’re still called this and in use. If you’ve ever been to a dock (or onboard a ship, for that matter) you’ve probably seen them.

These days, we use the word “bollard” to describe short posts that help us restrict areas, direct traffic or even serve as lighting or signage. You may have seen movable bollards, the ones that road crews put down when they either direct traffic, close down streets or cordon off areas that need work.

The basic permanent bollard is very simple. In most cases, it is a steel shell filled with either basic or reinforced concrete. This is done both to cut costs and make sure that the bollard is flexible (as flexible as steel and concrete can be, anyway), so it will be able to withstand impacts and still be usable. Most bollards in use in public places, or bollards used to restrict vehicle access to areas or streets can withstand a direct hit from a fast moving, large vehicle such as a truck or lorry. The bollard might not be able to function after such a hit, but it will most certainly withstand one direct hit. Specially tailored bollards will deflect much of the force, and repel another percentage, allowing the bollard to survive without absorbing too much of the energy from the collission.

Why & Where?

Bollards are favored when adding physical security to an area because they are easy to install (relatively, depending on the type), they can be customized very easily – including shape, size, material, decorations etc.

They provide a very effective barrier against unwanted vehicles, but will still maintain the “open” look many public places need to keep in order for the well meaning public to feel welcome and willing to use the space as it was intended.

Bollards are a cheap, crude and efficient aid in adding to the physical security plan of any public space and building. Bollards, in short, can be used anywhere, on/in any surface, where it’s possible to dig a hole, reinforce it and fill it again.

Bollard types include movable bollards, automatic bollards, steel bollards, concrete bollards, bell bollards (used to target vehicles’ tires, deflecting them), bollard lights (e.g. for sidewalk illumination), decorative/”sculpture” bollards, etc, etc.

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