The Role of Bollards in Comprehensive Perimeter Security Strategies
June 04 10:15:56, 2025
Security bollards play a crucial role in providing perimeter protection, yet many people underestimate their importance. Take the case of a woman in Maine who filed a lawsuit against Dollar Tree and its property owner following an accident in December 2023. A pickup truck had crashed into the store in Ellsworth, injuring her and four others. Her claim was that the store's use of non-crash-rated bollards gave a false sense of security without offering adequate protection. While the court will ultimately decide liability, this incident highlights a topic that often goes unnoticed—the necessity for crash-rated security bollards.
At TYMETAL Corp, we understand the critical role crash-rated security bollards play in protecting military and government buildings, commercial spaces, airports, and more. Let’s delve deeper into the significance of these devices, their types, and various applications to better grasp their importance in perimeter security.
Crash-rated security bollards might seem simple in design and size, but they serve a vital purpose in safeguarding properties of all kinds. Whether it's entertainment venues, public areas, roadways, or high-security sites like military installations and government offices, these bollards absorb impacts to prevent crashes and vehicular assaults. They also guide pedestrian traffic and establish clear boundaries.
In recent news, the city of Chicago and the Chicago Cubs are considering enhancements to Wrigley Field’s security by installing protective bollards. This $30 million initiative aims to shield the venue from potential threats. This example shows the potential impact crash-rated bollards can have in securing properties of any scale.
There are two primary types of crash-rated security bollards—fixed and retractable. Fixed bollards are perfect for long-term use in places like military compounds, banks, government buildings, and critical infrastructures. Retractable bollards, on the other hand, can be raised when needed and lowered to sit flush with the ground when not in use, making them ideal for situations requiring flexible access control.
Another option is removable bollards, which serve as a temporary solution to prevent vehicle-related risks. These can be taken out and stored when not required, useful for parking lots, festivals, and other events.
When selecting crash-rated security bollards, it’s important to consider their crash ratings. M-ratings, which have replaced K-ratings, follow ASTM standards. Unlike K-ratings, M-ratings assess the distance a vehicle's payload travels past a barrier, not just the impact. Both ratings take into account vehicle size, speed, and distance covered.
For optimal protection, a thorough risk assessment is essential. Working with experts at TYMETAL ensures you choose the right bollard for your specific needs. High-quality crash-rated security bollards can last for decades, providing continuous protection in busy areas and locations with heightened security concerns.
These bollards offer several advantages. They define spaces, protect pedestrians, and safeguard critical infrastructure. Additionally, they are cost-effective, especially when combined with fences and gates. TYMETAL’s offerings range from stopping cars traveling at 30 mph to halting 16,534-pound trucks moving at 50 mph.
The future of perimeter security lies in combining different protective measures. Security bollards, when used alongside fences and gates, offer comprehensive protection for modern infrastructure. At TYMETAL, we’re committed to meeting the evolving security needs of our clients. Contact us today to explore our solutions and tailor them to your property’s unique requirements.