Bollards are an essential tool for a wide variety of projects, with many different types of bollards and materials available. Today we’re going to discover what is a bollard in construction, as well as some of the materials used in the construction of bollards. No matter what type of construction project you are working on currently, you’ll find that bollards can help to improve the safety and efficiency of your work.
What are bollards in construction?
A bollard is designed to create a protective barrier or perimeter on any site. As well as being used for safety reasons, such as during a construction project, they can also be used to guide visitors or employees. During diversions or roadworks, you may find that bollards are used to help guide the traffic or mark out boundaries. Due to the wide range of uses of bollards, they come in various materials, styles, and shapes. The main aim of bollards is for them to stand out against the background they are placed against. This helps to create a safer and more welcoming environment no matter what type of space you are working in.
Bollards are typically made from an extremely strong material, as they need to be able to withstand the pressure and weight of humans, vehicles, and other forces. This reduces the chance of damage to the bollard and will ensure they remain in their intended place for the required length of time. By selecting the right type of bollards for your unique project, you can ensure you keep everyone in the surrounding area safe.
What are bollards used for?
Bollards are something that most of us are used to seeing on a daily basis. They are part of our modern lives, used by architects and construction sites to keep vehicle drivers and pedestrians safe. As well as practical uses, they can also be an architectural feature, striving to enhance the landscape.
Bollards can also have additional features, such as lights, which will help improve the safety of any pedestrian pathway. They can secure a building at night when no one is working, saving money on security staff or other security features. Bollards don’t just need to be used outside either. They can be added to large retail stores, factories, or warehouses, helping to protect goods stored inside these spaces.
For more information, check out our blog: What Are Bollards Used For?
Different Types of Bollards
The type of bollard you will require for your project or construction site will depend on various factors. The first consideration for any construction site or business owner is whether you are looking to create a permanent or temporary addition to your space. Removable bollards offer more flexibility, allowing you to add and remove them as needed. Permanent bollards are ideal for increasing security on your site but will be more of a challenge to remove in the future.
Bollards aren’t just suitable for practical uses, they can also be a decorative addition to your workplace. Many retail businesses use these as a type of advertisement, helping to catch the attention of passers-by. You’ll also find other options including retractable and automatic bollards, which can help to improve security during any type of project. Finally, flexible plastic bollards are a good option if you are concerned about your bollards being knocked over by passing traffic. They can quickly be put back into their upright position but there will be a reduced chance of damaging a vehicle or human when they are used.
With all of these different types of bollards to choose from, the next consideration is the material used for the construction of your bollards. By understanding what is a bollard in construction, you can be sure you choose the right material for your intended use.
8 Different Types of Bollard Materials
The world of bollards is wide and expansive. From the type of bollards that exist to their utilization, the protective measure is as diverse as it is secure. However, the materials from which bollards are made out of can also vary greatly.
The location of the bollard will have the greatest determination in what material will be used. So, whether you are looking to protect a storefront, a wooded area, or simply a curb, here are eight materials used in the construction of bollards.
1. Concrete
If you’re familiar with rebar and looking for an impact-resistant bollard, concrete may be the material for you. Concrete bollards not only provide reinforced protection but also room for aesthetics. If utilized in a city or similar setting, this bollard material can be adjusted to match the architecture of the building or statue it is protecting.
2. Aluminum
If you’re looking for a metal bollard that doubles as a decorative and lightweight option, then aluminum will get the job done. While it is not the most protective of the metal options, aluminum allows for some protection while being able to relocate to any desired area. Also, it rusts at a lesser rate than steel or cast iron.
3. Wood
Next time you go to any park or forest-dominant area, look out for wood bollards. To be in sync with the nature around it, wood bollards are popular in these areas. However, they are much more susceptible to impact and weathering. Wood bollards also allow for artistic merit to be taken into account as they can be carved into at any time an update is needed.
4. Polyurethane
Durability, flexibility, and reliability – that is what polyurethane bollards provide. This material is more prized for its attributes mentioned before, along with its ability to sustain various weather conditions. You will most likely see this bollard material along medians, in parking lots, and to specify lanes in school/construction zones.
5. Plastic
Built from a different chemical, plastic bollards are most similar to the polyurethane variety. However, the stark difference is that plastic bollards can shatter on impact. That is why this style of bollard is commonly seen in conjunction with metal bollards acting as a cover. You will see these bollards in parking and construction environments.
6. Steel
Impact resistance is the name of the game when it comes to steel bollards. The material specializes in securing buildings from ramming and high-velocity vehicles. While they can be comprised of solely steel – these bollards are commonly filled with concrete to provide further reinforcement. Nothing is getting through that.
7. Stainless Steel
As mentioned previously, steel is where bollards shine. However, stainless steel is the artsy yet functional sibling of the bollard world. The sleekness of this metal provides a contemporary look that supports any modern aesthetic and architecture. However, another thing stainless steel bollards have going for them is that it has a higher level of weather resistance than their counterpart, standard steel.
8. Cast Iron
If you’ve ever walked down a city with a brick road long enough, you’re more than likely to have encountered the stylish and durable cast iron bollard. This material can be applied by itself, as it is more than strong enough to stand on its own or as a cover to steel or concrete poles.
With every application, there is a material that will do the job. The next time you are looking to solidify your security measures, look no further than any of these materials to fit your bollard needs. Our team will be happy to help provide steel supplies for this sturdy type of bollard, which is one of the best material options for the construction of bollards. Now, go out and get to protecting!
Visit Tampa Steel & Supply for Steel Bollards
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