Security bollards are a common sight in residential, urban, commercial and high-security environments. They act as a deterrent for criminals, and protect buildings, pedestrians and other road users from vehicular impact.
Bollards come in various shapes, sizes and styles to suit different applications, from removable traffic-calming bollards to retractable anti-ram bollards. The weight of a bollard can also vary, depending on its construction and materials used.
In this article, we will explore the various factors affecting security bollard weight and explain how to choose the right bollards for your specific requirements.
What Is the Weight of a Bollard?
Security barriers, such as bollards, come in a wide range of styles, mechanisms, materials and sizes. This means that different types of bollards may weigh more or less than others.
Basic foldable, temporary or removable bollards are often lighter in weight, making them suitable for situations where mobility is essential. These bollards typically weigh between 5 and 15kg. In contrast, bollards that are installed in the ground, e.g. fixed and retractable security bollards, tend to be heavier. Most security bollards typically range from 20 to 200kg, with some heavy-duty steel bollards and concrete bollards weighing more than this.
When selecting a security bollard, whether for residential, business or public use, it is crucial to consider its weight. Bollard weight can affect installation, manoeuvrability, and effectiveness in specific applications.
Factors Affecting the Weight of Security Bollards
There are several important factors that can affect how light or heavy a bollard is. The weight of a security bollard primarily depends on its design, materials, height and diameter.
Materials and Construction
Bollards can be manufactured from a variety of different materials. Plastic and polyurethane bollards are the lightest options. These are used for temporary installations or traffic calming measures due to their ease of transportation and installation. Wooden bollards, which offer a more natural aesthetic for parks and other outdoor areas, may weigh slightly more.
Security bollards, typically made from materials such as steel, iron and concrete, are heavier than plastic and wooden options. These materials are typically used in permanent installations and high-security applications due to their strength and durability. The construction method also plays a role: a solid heavy-duty bollard will typically weigh more than hollow models.
Height and Diameter
Security bollards come in a variety of different sizes. The height of a bollard can range from 0.3m to more than 1.2m, while diameters can vary from 100-350mm or more.
Taller and wider bollards generally weigh more than their shorter and thinner counterparts. However, it is important to note that the relationship between size and weight is not always linear. For example, a shorter steel bollard may weigh more than a taller concrete bollard, due to steel having a higher density.
Therefore, it is essential to consider both the size and material of a bollard when assessing its suitability for a specific application.
How Much Does Bollard Weight Matter?
Heavier bollards generally require more effort and equipment to install and transport, and cannot be manoeuvred as easily. Lightweight bollards offer the advantage of easy relocation and reconfiguration, but may not be as resistant to vehicular impact.
However, it is important to understand that the weight of a bollard does not necessarily translate directly to its strength or durability. For example, solid concrete traffic-calming bollards are typically very heavy, but may be prone to weathering, chipping, cracking and breaking.
If you need HVM, anti-ram or commercial security bollards, impact resistance is a better metric to go by. Some removable, telescopic and automatic (electric) security bollards made from steel may be lighter than concrete options – however, they may be much stronger and more ductile. This means they will perform better in high-impact collisions.
To ensure a bollard will be suitable for your intended application, always check how much force it can withstand. Consult the product’s data sheet, and always check its crash test ratings. If you are unsure, seek advice from a reputable bollard supplier, such as Macs Bollards.
Contact Macs Bollards Today
At Macs Bollards, we supply a wide range of security bollards and barriers for private, public, commercial and industrial use. We pride ourselves on our dedication to customer service and technical excellence.
Our range of bollards includes fixed, removable, semi-automatic and automatic models, including high-security bollards crash rated according to PAS 68 and IWA 14-1 standards. We also offer a reliable bollard repair and maintenance service to keep your security system working smoothly.
Contact Macs Bollards today to discuss your next project. Our team of experts will work with you to determine the most suitable security bollards for your needs and budget. Fill in our enquiry form, email enquiries@macs-bollards.com or call us on 0161 320 6463.
Macs Automated Bollard Systems Ltd specialise in the nationwide supply of automatic rising bollards. Our experts keep the Macs Bollards blog updated with all the latest bollard news!