There are many considerations that go into choosing a protective road safety barrier post to stop potential vehicle incursions. The first steps are to consider the traffic patterns and risk profile of a given site. This will help determine the category of device to be used in any given application. In many instances, a bollard may not be an appropriate solution. An example of this is an area that will most likely not take a direct impact, but rather a glancing blow. Such as a roadway that runs parallel to a sidewalk. In this example, tested guardrail may be a far more effective solution both in performance and cost.

In low speed applications, such as a convenience store, 10 MPH embedded bollards are likely be considered. Typically, the bollards would be spaced 48” bollard edge to bollard edge to allow access. Once it’s determined that a bollard will be used, the speed and type of vehicle the bollard will be required to stop will need to be addressed. In low speed applications, 10 MPH embedded bollards that have been tested to ASTM F3016 may be considered. This standard applies to 5,000 lb. vehicles at 10, 20 or 30 MPH.

In low speed applications, such as a convenience store, 10 MPH embedded bollards are likely to be considered. Particularly if the parking lot is relatively protected by design from roadways and long “run-ups” to an entry way or sidewalk. Many of these applications don’t require the removal of the bollard once installed, so a fixed bollard may be selected. From here, the material the road safety barrier post is made from will be considered. There are a number of factors that go into making this determination such as cost, climate and other site conditions. In an arid climate, carbon steel / powder coated bollards are a logical choice.  Fixed pedestrian barriers are less expensive than a stainless steel solution and should remain a viable solution over a long period with minor maintenance in a low corrosion environment. In coastal environments and areas where salt is applied for snow melt, a galvanized finish or stainless steel may be considered. In either scenario, maintenance will be required, but an anti-corrosive finish or material will help make these embedded bollards a viable protection device for a longer period of time.