The Role of Bollards in Comprehensive Perimeter Security Strategies
June 04 10:07:06, 2025
Security bollards play a crucial role in perimeter protection that many people overlook. Take the case of a woman in Maine who filed a lawsuit against Dollar Tree and its property owner following an accident in late 2023. The incident, which happened the previous year, involved a pickup truck crashing into the store in Ellsworth, injuring her and four others.
Her legal action was based on the claim that the store had used non-crash-rated bollards, which gave a false sense of security without offering adequate impact protection. While it's ultimately up to the court to decide liability, this case highlights an often neglected issue—the necessity for crash-rated security bollards.
At TYMETAL Corp, we recognize the importance of crash-rated security bollards in protecting military and government buildings, commercial properties, airports, and more. Let’s delve deeper into the details of bollards, including their significance and types, along with various use cases to better understand these perimeter security devices.
Understanding the Importance of Crash-Rated Security Bollards in Perimeter Security
Recent news from Chicago shows the growing awareness of the need for enhanced security measures. The city and the Chicago Cubs are discussing plans to fortify Wrigley Field’s perimeter with protective bollards. This initiative, part of a $30 million funding request, aims to safeguard the venue from potential threats. This serves as a reminder of the critical role crash-rated security bollards can play in securing properties of all sizes.
While crash-rated security bollards may appear simple in design, they are vital in protecting buildings, infrastructure, and pedestrians. Whether it’s at entertainment venues, public spaces, or roadways, these bollards absorb impact to prevent crashes and vehicle attacks. They also help manage pedestrian traffic flow and define boundaries.
Bollards: The Unsung Heroes of Perimeter Protection
Bollards have been around for centuries, initially made from old ship cannons repurposed to secure vessels to docks. Today, they come in sleek, modern, and decorative styles tailored to aesthetic preferences. Importantly, depending on their crash rating, a single crash-rated security bollard can stop a 15,000-pound vehicle, similar to a medium-duty truck, within three to 98.4 feet. This data helps determine the appropriate bollard type and placement based on specific security needs.
When combined with other security measures, bollards become highly effective. Properly chosen and positioned bollards can secure buildings, protect assets, and enhance both road and pedestrian safety.
Real-World Threats and the Need for Bollard Security
In today’s unpredictable global security environment, the demand for strong perimeter security remains high. Vehicles can easily be weaponized to target commercial, industrial, and government facilities. This emphasizes the need for hostile vehicle mitigation strategies.
Consider the potential devastation a vehicle—regardless of size—could cause if it crashed into a building at moderate speed. Such scenarios are not uncommon and pose legitimate concerns. Using vehicles as weapons has been a tactic employed worldwide in various attacks and criminal activities. Examples include:
- January 2024: One death and 17 injuries in Raanana, Israel.
- October 2017: Eight deaths and over 11 injuries in New York City due to a rental truck attack.
- April 2017: A 30-ton truck killed four and injured 15 in Stockholm, Sweden.
- March 2017: A rental car killed four and injured 40 on Westminster Bridge in London.
These incidents underscore the need for robust security measures. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends installing physical barriers, and crash-rated security bollards, when combined with security gates, provide comprehensive protection.
Types of Crash-Rated Security Bollards
Crash-rated security bollards go beyond mere vertical posts; they serve as essential tools for safeguarding sensitive infrastructure and pedestrians. Selecting the right type of bollard for a specific area is crucial.
Fixed vs. Retractable Bollards: Which is Best?
Fixed bollards are ideal for permanent installations in places like military compounds, financial institutions, and critical infrastructures. Retractable bollards, on the other hand, rise from their bases when needed and sit flush with the ground when not in use.
Removable bollards offer another temporary solution, preventing vehicular risks. They can be easily stored when not in use, making them suitable for parking lots, festivals, and events.
Crash-Rated Bollards: The Ultimate Defense Against Vehicle Attacks
As the Maine lawsuit illustrates, not all bollards are created equal. When selecting crash-rated security bollards, it's essential to consider their crash ratings. Recently, M-ratings have replaced K-ratings, adhering to ASTM standards. Unlike K-ratings, which focus on frontal impact, M-ratings assess the distance a vehicle's payload travels past a barrier. Both ratings consider vehicle size, speed, and distance traveled.
To ensure optimal protection, a thorough risk assessment is necessary. Working with experts at TYMETAL ensures you choose the right bollard for your specific needs.
Benefits of Using Crash-Rated Security Bollards
High-quality crash-rated security bollards can last for decades, providing continuous protection in high-traffic areas and locations with sensitive security concerns. Their primary advantages include enhancing perimeter security and offering cost-effective protection that can be used independently or alongside security fences and gates.
Enhancing Perimeter Security with Bollards
TYMETAL offers a range of crash-rated security bollards, capable of stopping cars traveling at 30 mph and trucks weighing up to 16,534 pounds at 50 mph. Our products cater to every requirement.
- Define Spaces: Add bollards to pedestrian crossings, narrow roads, or high curbs to create boundaries or improve traffic safety.
- Protect Pedestrians: Install bollards in busy areas to shield people from rogue vehicles or malicious attacks.
- Protect Critical Infrastructure: Any building vulnerable to vehicle incursions should install bollards to safeguard valuable assets.
Cost-Effective Perimeter Protection Solutions
Investing in perimeter security solutions pays off. TYMETAL’s clients value our cost-effective options designed for performance, functionality, and easy installation. Our shallow mount crash bollards provide excellent impact absorption with minimal installation costs. If struck, only the cover or shroud needs replacing, leaving the footing system and main bollard intact. This represents true cost-effective protection.
The Future of Comprehensive Perimeter Protection
In an uncertain world, one thing remains certain: the critical need for perimeter security. Alone, bollards can mitigate vehicle impacts and guide traffic. Combined with commercial security fences and gates, crash-rated security bollards meet the complex security demands of modern infrastructure.
TYMETAL anticipates the future of perimeter security. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings, find the best solutions for your property’s unique needs, and explore custom options.
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