Standard in-ground Bollards
Typical applications include parking areas, sidewalks, storefront protection and pedestrian guidance. Outdoor steel bollards are usually embedded in concrete and primarily provide anchorage and long term stability
- Excavation depth: commonly 18–30 in. (adjust for frost line and soil). They can also be surface mounted with no below-grade component.
- Concrete strength: Mixed transit concrete onsite will often only meet the minimum specifications for concrete strength of 2,500–4,000 psi compressive strength is typical;
- Slump: about 4–5 in. for workable placement in narrow holes or sleeves.
- Aggregate: normal-weight aggregate meeting ASTM C33.
- Finish: restore surrounding slab or pavement; ensure bollard is plumb and aligned.
Crash-Rated Bollards
Crash-rated systems are tested to stop specific vehicle weights at defined speeds. Proper foundations and installation are essential to achieve the published bollard crash rating.
- Applicable test standards: ASTM F3016 (low-speed surrogate testing) and ASTM F2656/F2656M (full-scale crash testing of vehicle security barriers).
- Excavation & foundations: often 3–5 ft deep or more; many systems use continuous reinforced grade beams tying multiple bollards together.
- Reinforcement: rebar cages designed and detailed per ACI 318.
- Soil engineering: verify bearing capacity; weak soils may require over-excavation, engineered fill, or stabilization.
- Utility clearance: relocate shallow utilities out of the foundation footprint.
- Concrete placement & curing: place to avoid honeycombing; cure to reach specified strength before the barrier is considered operational (ACI 308R).
