How To Install In-Ground Bollards

How To Install In-Ground Bollards

Bollards are Everywhere

Look around town and you will see there are bollards all over the place. Yet, the average person doesn’t even know what the word “bollard” means. I explain them as, “They are the steel pipes in parking lots that you don’t want to hit with your car!” And they say, “Ahhh, yeah, I know what you mean!”

Being that bollards are seemingly everywhere, there exists a lot of opportunities in any city or town for the installation and maintenance of bollards. Just about any construction company is capable of installing bollards, but installing them correctly without cutting corners is a way to establish your company as the ones to go to.

Of course, there are many types of bollards for various applications and many ways to install them. Here, we layout the steps we take when we are installing common in-ground bollards.

 

Bollard Installation Considerations

General Planning

In many cases, an engineer has drawn up the specifications for the project. In other cases, the customer just tells you what they want and/or asks your advice. Be sure you’ve thought through the project and how it will affect vehicle traffic flow, pedestrian movement and if it has proper clearances for crowds, ADA, forklifts, pallet jacks, carts etc. But this is beyond the scope of this article.

Safety on the Jobsite

The safety of you, your workers and others is critical and you should be conciencious of all potential hazards. Use cones, barriers and caution tape to divert people and cars from entering construction area. Always cover holes when unattended. Use steel plate if vehicles may drive over holes. For foot traffic, use 3/4″ plywood and sandbag it and put up cones/tape to divert people away.

Definitely, never leave open holes uncovered overnight or unattended.

Finally, it goes without saying that heavy machinery should be operated by qualified, experienced individuals only.

Insurance

As a contractor or subcontractor, you should certainly have liability insurance with adequate coverage. Most commercial customers will request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from you that shows your coverage amounts.

Loading Dock Door Bollards
Bollard Installation Minneapolis

Busy Job Site

The picture above shows a worksite in a parking lot for a liquor store that is open and is quite busy. Cones and tape are used with signage to route customers around work area. An “accordion” style plywood wall stands between the bollards and business entrance, keeping customers out of work area while protecting them from potential flying debris.

Bollard Pipe Size

Bollard Pipe Diameter

Most of the time, we are installing 6″ bollards. These are the most common bollard size. 4″ shouldn’t be used to stop a car, but may help deter vehicles and protect building corners or machinery. 5″ SCH80 (thicker walled) is similar in performance to 6″ SCH40 and is used sometimes for budgetary reasons. Rarely, 8″ pipes are used where greater security is desired, around building entrances for instance.

Bollard Pipe Wall Thickness

For standard common bollards, Schedule 40 (SCH40) pipe is used. Some customers opt for the heavier walled SCH80 for greater security.

-> Browse around our Steel Pipe to see SCH40 and SCH80 differences.

-> Get a Quote on Bollard Pipe

Bollard Foundation Diameter

Typically, a bollard foundation should have 3 times the diameter of the pipe. For 4″ pipe use a 12″ auger bit. For 6″ pipe use an 18″ auger bit. And so on.

Foundation Depth and Bollard Height

The deeper the sturdier. Our in-ground bollards are usually 36″ to 48″ deep. 48″ deep will give you more stopping power in the event a car hits the bollard. 36″ may be adequate. Mostly this has to do with budget. For visibility in a parking lot, we suggest going 48″ high. So, in an ideal world, you’d install 8′ (96″) bollards so they are 48″ high and 48″ deep. Don’t put a 36″ high bollard in a parking lot… they can be hard to see over the hood, especially with how high pickup trucks are these days.

84″ is Stock Bollard Pipe Length

Since bollards are cut from 21′ and 42′ pipes, steel yards tend to stock 7′ (84″) bollards, since you can get 3 out of a 21′ pipe with no waste. For budget reasons, most customers will opt for these.

If visibility is crucial and often is, you’d put these 36″ in the ground. If you definitely need maximum vehicle stopping capability, then you’ll want to go 48″ deep which leaves only 36″ above ground. 36″ above ground is only advised above a curb and not in direct vehicle traffic.

Going for the 96″ Bollard Pipe

If you need both a deep foundation and high visibility, you should probably use 96″ or greater bollard pipe.

 

 

 

We ship pipe from coast to coast
4 and 6 inch Bollard Pipe
6 inch Schedule 40 Steel Pipe Bollards
6 inch Schedule 80 Steel Pipe Bollards

Materials

 

  • Bollard Pipes -> Get a Quote
  • Sign Posts – If you are embedding sign posts into pipe.
    • Use 1 1/2″ or 2″ Galvanized Perforated Square Steel Tubing for sign posts.
    • 5/16″ Threaded Rod, washers and nuts – explained below.
    • Signs
    • 5/16″ Hardware for signs – bolts, nuts, washers, nylon washers for use against sign faces.
  • Concrete – We always use a ready-mix concrete truck (unless it’s Sunday).
    • 3500 PSI or higher with some aggregate
    • full air (air entrained) is suggested
    • up to 2% chloride accelerator if it’s cold out.
  • Asphalt – If customer doesn’t want a concrete square around the bollards in an asphalt lot, you’ll leave foundation shy and patch asphalt. Find an asphalt company unless you happen to do asphalt.
  • Gravel – Is helpful to line hole bottoms to adjust pipe height – especially when aligning many. 50 lb gravel bags work well for this.
  • White Spray Paint for Marking
  • Ground Protection: Ram Board, Cardboard, Tarps or Plywood – For keeping existing concrete/asphalt clean while doing concrete work and painting.
  • Paint: Enamel, Primer and Solvents
    • Lacquer Thinner or Acetone – Clean Pipe if Bare Steel.
    • Mineral Spirits – Cleaning paint brush etc.
    • Spray Automotive or Metal Primer if not already primed. Often Red-Oxide.
    • Paint – use Rustoleum Oil with a roller. Usually Safety Yellow.
    • DO NOT PAINT GALVANIZED – Paint won’t stick worth a dang.
  • Rags
  • Gloves: Nitrile Gloves – nice for shaping concrete dome on bollard and painting.
  • Garbage Bags or Demo Bags
  • Bollard Covers – These pay for themselves after year or two because you won’t have to paint and repaint. Steel Bollards do rust, especially at the bottom where they meet the ground.

 

 

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Rust-oleum Safety Yellow

Equipment and Tools

  • Machine: Skid Steer, Track Loader and/or Excavator
  • Machine Accessories:
    • Bucket – for debris removal
    • Forks – to unload pipe from truck and move around.
    • Auger Head with Bit(s)
    • Breaker – if you have one, otherwise use a jackhammer.
  • Concrete Saw – Handheld or Walk-Behind
  • Garden Hose – if wet sawing and also useful for clean up.
  • Water Tank with hose spigot – at least 50 gal. If no water spigot source is available.
  • Debris Removal: Dump truck, dump trailer or dumpster – for asphalt, concrete and dirt debris.
  • Long Handled Tools: Shovels, Post hole digger, brooms
  • 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s – for shoring up bollards
  • Stakes – for shoring up bollards – wood or Steel Stakes aka Rebar Pins
  • Small Sledge Hammer – for driving stakes.
  • Masonry Tools – float, edger, brush, 5 gal bucket
  • Funnel and Scoop for filling bollard pipes.
  • Concrete Vibrator – if specified
  • Hole Covering: Heavy steel road plate or plywood for covering open holes – use heavy steel road crossing plate (may be rented) if vehicles might drive over hole(s), or simply don’t leave open holes without pipe in them. Sandbagged and coned off, 3/4″ plywood will keep people from falling in a hole.
  • Traffic Safety: Traffic Barrels, pylons, cones, signs and caution tape
  • Measuring/Marking: Tape measures, Level(s), string line, chalk line, crayon, markers
  • Duct Tape – of course.
  • Impact Driver with T-25 Torx bit – for shoring up bollards with stakes and 2x4s
  • T-25 Torx screws – 2″ – 3″ for shoring work
  • Angle Grinder with flap disks and cutoff disks
  • Metal Band Saw – Portable preferred – for cutting of sign posts.
  • Generator – If no power is present and you have corded tools.
  • Extension Cords as needed.
  • Common Tools: utility knife, pliers, channel locks, wrenches, screwdrivers etc.
  • Garbage Bags or Demo Bags
Bobcat Track Loader with 18 inch Auger Bit
Walk-Behind Concrete Saw
Auger Bits
Parking Lot Barricades Picture

Marking the Bollard Layout

Before opening a ticket for Utility Locating, you need to mark where you will be excavating. You may as well do a good job marking now so the layout is completed for tasks that will soon follow.

Mark with White Spray Paint

In Minnesota, we are asked to use white for excavation markings. Your state may or may not be the same. When the snow is flying, sometimes we have to be creative and use another color so it can be seen. Avoid common utility marking colors like orange, red and blue. There are exceptions if the markings are obvious.

Marking on Asphalt and Concrete

Since you will be cutting and removing material, you will save time by marking your cut lines now.  We like to use a square stencil. For a 6″ bollard, we use an 18″ auger bit. So we cut a 22″ x 22″ square out of a 3′ x 3′ larger square of masonite hardboard or cardboard (any flat stock will work).

Line of Bollards

If there are a line of bollards, we’ll pull a string or chalk line that will be one side of the squares. Then we measure out bollards on that line and place the stencil along the line for each bollard and spray paint the edges. This makes for straight cutting lines.

Core Drilling

A note about Core Drilling: If instead you are core-drilling concrete, make the appropriate size square or circle stencil that will help the cutter operator center the core cutter.

Marking on Landscape

Simply put an “X” marks the spot for each bollard and a circle approximately the diameter of your future hole.

Take Pictures

If your state has an online utility locate website, you may be able to upload the pics which helps a ton. Otherwise, they may come in handy for describing markings, or you may end up sending pic(s) to one of the locators if they call you with questions.

Either way, you will be either mapping out excavations on a map online, or describing the excavation locations online or on the phone.

 

Marking for Utility Locate on Asphalt
Marking for Utility Locate on Grass

Locating Underground Utilities

Open a Utility Locate Ticket

Usually, the excavator who is digging must be the one to open a public Utility Locate Ticket.

Every state has their own utility locate service. If you do not know yours, you can call 811 to find it. Or you can go to their website here: www.call811.com

Those in Canada can also call 811 or go to the 811 website.

Wait to Dig

Usually, there is a 72 hour wait until all locating is done. Some utilities know there is nothing on property so they won’t visit. Some utilities will mark “clear, no conflict” on the ground. Most or all will mark lines that are close to your digging locations. Often, if there is a conflict or they are unsure, they will call you. You will be notified via phone call or email about the status of the locate at the end. Then you will know if there are no conflicts.

Private Lines Underground

IMPORTANT!: Often times there exists private electrical, water, propane, low voltage etc. lines underground that the utility locate ticket WILL NOT LOCATE. The property owner MUST locate these themselves. They may have to contact those involved in the construction of the building, their electrician, their water sprinkler company (the list goes on) in order to find out if there are any conflicts with your digging locations.

If there are Conflicts

If there are conflicts, either public or  private, you will have to modify some digging locations or your entire project. Be safe, not sorry.

Call 811 Before You Dig

Removing Asphalt and Concrete

Cutting Asphalt and Concrete with a Flatsaw

Asphalt is typically 4-6 inches thick, and concrete can be 4, 6, 8 or more inches thick. In any case, your going to be cutting with a concrete saw, handheld or walk behind. The walk behind saw may have water fed to it to keep the dust down and the blade cooler.

There are many types of blades out there to be aware of. Some are all purpose, and some cut one material better than the other.

The walk behind style is a lot easier on the back, but the handheld is quicker if you don’t have too much to cut. The handheld also enables you to get into tighter spaces.

Core Drilling Concrete

Core drilling is done with a large drill on a sort of cart and cuts a hole in the concrete. Core drilling takes longer, requires more specialty equipment and is more expensive. It is most often done where appearance is more important. It’s not typical to be done in asphalt.

When the customer wants core drilling, we subcontract that out. For us, the request is rare enough that it doesn’t pay to own all the equipment.

Asphalt Cut but not Yet Broken Out

Cut Squares in Asphalt – note the Plywood Accordion Wall

Walk-Behind Concrete Saw

Ye Olde Target Portocut III

Remove Asphalt and Concrete

Use a jackhammer or breaker attachment to break up concrete or asphalt enough to remove it. If you find concrete was thicker than anticipated, this can take longer than expected, and you’ll wish you had a bobcat with a breaker.

Keep Debris Types Separate

A lot of disposal places won’t take mixed up dirt, asphalt and concrete. Instead of learning the hard way, keep them all separate. Often, you can keep them pretty separated in a dump trailer, enough to unload the asphalt and/or concrete by hand first and then dump the dirt.

Dump Trailer

Digging Holes for Bollards

Almost always, and whenever possible, we use a bobcat with an auger head and bit to dig holes.

Mark your depth on a 2×4 and have a second person assist the bobcat operator. When near the bottom of the hole, use the 2×4 to judge depth.

Line the Bottom with Gravel or Debris

Especially when installing a line of bollards, you’ll want them even in height. In this case, it can be helpful to dig a couple inches too deep, then fill the bottom with a couple inches of gravel. This keeps the bollard from sinking too deep and allows you to adjust the height by spinning the bollard into the gravel to drop it, and lifting it back out to raise it. If you need to raise a bollard even more, throw some larger rocks or broken concrete/asphalt down and position it with a 2×4, lifting the bollard on top of it.

Hand Digging Bollard Holes

Hand digging is not fun, but sometimes it is necessary. If you have a situation where you think there may be some private utility lines (e.g. sprinkler system lines), you may need to be more careful digging around these lines, so an auger may be too much. IMPORTANT: If you suspect public utility lines, you shouldn’t be digging at all unless you’ve discussed this with the utility locator and they’ve given you direction.

Fun tip: If you don’t have too many bollards (or if youd do…haha), and you have the energy or the labor, you can surely dig as many bollard holes by hand as you want!

 

Bobcat with 12 inch Auger Bit for 4 inch Bollards

Fun

Hand Digging Holes for Bollards

Funner

Setting Bollard Pipes

Standalone Bollards

Bollards that standalone and don’t need careful alignment can be leveled for plumb on the fly. Just make sure it’s seated at the correct depth and the pipe is centered a the hole bottom. Lean the pipe on the edge of the hole until you are pouring concrete.

Use 2x4s to Shore Up Bollard Pipes

On landscape, you can stake a couple 2x4s next to pipe to plumb it square to the 2x4s and stake them and screw the 2x4s to the stakes. Next, plumb it the other way and screw chunks of wood to the 2x4s. See Pic.

On asphalt or concrete, you can use chunks of 2x material to shore up pipe against cut-away asphalt/concrete edge. It helps to have a bunch of different length scraps. Just wedge them in there till bollard pipe is relatively stable.

Set the End Bollards First

For a line of bollards, set the end bollards first, then draw a line between them to set the in-between bollards. This will give you a consistent height and alignment. Since these end bollards are critical, make sure they are shored up sturdy. You can even put a bag or two of quickset concrete at the bottom.

Method to Shore Up a Bollard Pipe
Method to Shore Up Offset Bollards

Embedded Sign Posts

Keeping Signs Straight

If you are embedding sign posts into bollards, keeping signs straight and plumb can be tricky. Here is a method that works well.

Use Xs to Center Sign Posts

As long as your bollards are plumb, your sign posts will be plumb with this method.

  1. Use your choice size of galvanized perforated steel tubing (e.g. 1 1/2″, 2″).
  2. Determine how high you want these to extend above the bollard for the sign(s) (call this length A). Unless you are confident you know the exact sign sizes and target height, you may want to keep the posts longer, then cut them off afterwards. But at worst, if you’re post ends up too short, sleeve it inside and add more tubing above.
  3. Add 12″-24″ to that length (call this length B). This is how far down the posts will be embedded.
  4. Cut your post length L = A + B.
  5. Cut 5/16″ threaded rod the size of the inner diameter (ID) of pipe. Use a grinder with flap disk to fashion the length until it fits fairly snugly.
  6. Make a threaded rod “X” at the bottom of the post. Center rods and screw on nuts with washers.
  7. Make a threaded rod “X” a hole or two below what would be length B from the bottom. Center rods and screw on nuts with washers.
  8. Above the top “X”, mark with tape where the top of the concrete dome will be.
  9. When filling the bollard with concrete almost full, you will stick this contraption in, drop it down to where the top threaded rod is just under the rim of the bollard pipe.
  10. Make sure sign post is oriented correctly so sign will be facing correct direction.
  11. As you fashion concrete dome to the post and as concrete begins setting, be sure the post hasn’t sunken and remains square and plumb.

 

Method to Center Sign Posts in Bollards

Threaded Rod X

In the pic, these posts actually extended to the bottom of the bollard foundation, so the bottom X was set up higher. We found this method to be unnecessarily expensive because sign posts had to be 13′ to 15′ long. And it was a PITA: you had to fill concrete around the post the whole time without a funnel, rather than just near the top, which was difficult. Having learned, now we just have the post extend 12″ to 24″ into the bollard and leave it out until we have mostly filled the pipe.

Concrete for Bollards

Estimating Concrete Yardage

You can use our Concrete Yardage Estimator to figure out how much concrete you need. Always get extra, because it’s expensive to get an additional truck. Do estimates for both (1) the foundation as if the pipe wasn’t there and (2) the pipe from the foundation up. Then add these together. Finally, multiply this by the number of bollards you’re installing.

 

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Order Ready-Mix Concrete

Usually, you want to order the truck a day or two in advance. Larger town and cities probably have Saturday Service except in off-season in the cold north.

Concrete Specifications

For bollards, you may want to use a higher PSI like 3500 or greater. You’ll want some aggregate in the mix.

Air in the Concrete

It is advisable to do “full air” (air entrainment) if you are finishing the concrete at grade level as opposed to topping it with asphalt or dirt. The primary purpose of air entrainment is to increase the durability of the hardened concrete, especially in climates subject to freeze-thaw; the secondary purpose is to increase workability of the concrete while in a plastic state in concrete.

Concrete Slump

You’ll want a slump of about 4″. With slump, the higher the number, the wetter the concrete. You can also order a 3″ slump and have them add water if it seems to dry, but you can’t take water out obviously. Some ready-mix companies are more arbitrary, and the concrete shows up much wetter than expected. If that happens, you can let it sit for 30 mins to an hour before doing final finishing.

Chloride Accelerator

You can use some accelerator if it’s cold out – 1% to 2% max for chloride.

Ask your ready-mix concrete company what they suggest if you are unsure.

Pouring Concrete

Keeping Mess to a Minimum

If you are working over existing asphalt or concrete, you probably don’t want concrete splattered around. Some of it is unavoidable. At least right around bollards, it’s nice to have something on the ground like Ram Board, plywood, masonite, cardboard or tarps. Generally, you can resuse this stuff down the line or on the next job, but you don’t want to blow too much money here.

Also, be careful if there are cars parked close by. Especially when filling bollard pipe, the concrete can really splash up high in the air sometimes.

Pour Slow at First

The truck operator will back up to a bollard and get the chute on and start pouring the concrete. Start with the foundation, and do the pipe only after you have at least half the hole filled. Make sure to go slow at first filling the foundation hole because the concrete can shift the bottom of the pipe and it will be virtually impossible to shift back. While it’s filling, you can distribute concrete around the pipe with a shovel or 2×4.

Filling the Pipe

It helps to use a funnel and a big scoop, like a feed scoop. A funnel is easily made from a traffic cone by cutting off the top. Have the operator fill a wheelbarrow about 1/2 way to work out of. Alternatively, if you aren’t worried about mess, have the chute pour straight into the top of the pipe. You just have to wipe down the pipe then.

Vibrating Concrete

Vibrating concrete is always a good idea as it makes it stronger and reduces voids, especially on the surface. It will help concrete fill out inside the pipe too. Even so, it isn’t typically done in bollard installation, but may be specified by engineers or project managers.

Finishing Concrete

Doming the Concrete

The simplest way is to just wear some gloves and form the dome by hand. If you want to get fancy, you can cut an old basketball in half and use that to form the dome. If it’s too wet, just wait.

Finishing at Grade

Be sure you’ve got the dome pretty much under control so you don’t screw up your finishing work below at grade.

Begin floating the concrete at the grade level and add or remove some as needed. Get it floated out nice and smooth. If specified or desired, you can slope the concrete a bit so it’s higher at the pipe and encourages water run-off. Now use an edger to put a nice consistent rounded finish edge around the square. After floating and edging, let it sit for 15 minutes or so, then brush it to give it a nice even texture. Go around the pipe first, then pick a direction and try to make the brushing straight.

Pipe Cleanup

Wipe down bollards with rags to remove concrete splatters and drips. Don’t worry about the thin layer of concrete film at this time.

Finishing Bollards

Never Leave Bollards Bare Steel

Even if you are covering with a Bollard Cover, you’ll want to at least have primed bollards, but we often paint them as if they were being left uncovered. This will increase the longevity of the pipe. Bare steel will rust, no doubt.

Painting Preparation

If the bollards are not smooth, or have concrete spatter or mild surface rust, it is good to run a sanding sponge over them first. Then, wipe down bollards quickly with a solvent like lacquer thinner or acetone. You can do this even if they are pre-primed. This will remove the dust and oils from the pipe.

Priming and Primer Touch Up

If you need to prime bare steel or touch up pre-primed bollards, use an automotive primer spray. Most commonly, we use the red-oxide primer spray.

Painting Bollards

The best all around performing coating I believe is  the rustoleum oil out of the can. Most common is the Safety Yellow color. Use a 4 inch roller and a small brush to cut-in around the bottom. Do 2 coats if you can still see through and aren’t getting full coverage. If you are going to cover the bollards, you might find a good spray enamel works just fine. Do lighter coats to avoid dripping.

Installing Bollard Covers

If you painted bollards, of course, wait til they are dry. For enamel, this could take a day.

See our page on How to Install Bollard Covers for the specifics.

Peeling paint on galvanized bollards need covers

Never Paint Galvanized Bollards

Paint does not stick to Galvanized Steel for very long. A quick solution here however, is to install bollard covers.

Walmart Blue Bollard Cover
Primed Bollards in Landscape
Painted Bollards in Landscape
Bollards Lining Service Doors
Door Protection Red Bollard Covers
Midwest Satellite Antenna Services

For comments on this article, please email sales@stpaulsign.com.

How to Cut Bollard Covers

How to Cut Bollard Covers

We Cut Your Covers For Free

This article is for the rare cases where a customer wants to cut their own covers for whatever reason.

Higher the Better

Usually, visibility is a key function of a bollard cover, so keeping them high is a good thing. A cover can extend a few inches or even a foot or more above the bollard if desired.

Bollard Cover Height

The minimum height a bollard cover can be depends on the shape of the bollard cover and the height of the concrete dome on the bollard, if any.

With the Dome-Top Bollard Cover, the minimum height, measured on the straight part of the cover wall, is the same as the height of the bollard pipe steel, from the ground to the top edge. The dome of the concrete (if any) will fit inside the dome of the cover.

With Flat-Top Bollard Covers, you will want to measure the height of the concrete dome (if any) and cut the cover with some play, like maybe an inch extra.

With the varying shapes of Decorative Covers, you’ll have to determine how much play you need and cut accordingly.

For more, see our article on How to Measure for Bollard Covers.

Bollard Cover Height Explained

Planning Ahead

You probably want to look over all your bollard heights and dedice on a height for all in a group, assuming they are intended to be similar in height. Then, take the highest one and cut all of your covers to match. 

Measuring Bollard Pipe Group Height

Types of Saws to Cut Covers

The covers we sell are all Polyethylene: Low Density and High Density. Basically, plastic. So there are many ways to cut them. Use whatever you are most comfortable with.

Cutting with a Miter Saw

For straight sided covers, 6″ or smaller, we use a 12″ Miter Saw.

  • Beware: 1/4″ covers cut nicely because they are fairly rigid. Thinner wall covers like 1/8″ may be too flimsy for this method.
  • Be sure your fence is higher than the half-way point of the cover.
  • You want to hold the cover firmly as you drop the blade through the side.
  • With 5″ and bigger covers, it won’t cut all the way through.
  • Stop the saw after each cut and return saw to top resting position.
  • Rotate the cover and line up the blade with the cut.
  • Again, hold firmly and cut down again.
  • Another rotation and final cut should do.
Cutting Bollard Covers

Note in the picture that we are just showing you the setup. Your left hand palm should be firmly holding the cover steady.

Cutting with Other Saws

  • A bandsaw with enough clearance works well. Use a 90 degree fence to keep cut straight.
  • A jigsaw or reciprocating saw with a medium/fine toothed wood blade cuts well. Mark and measure around with 2″ tape. Make sure tape meets itself and cut will look straight.

Tips and Tricks

  • Clean up plastic burrs or wandering edge with a rasp, file, utility knife or sandpaper.
  • If bollard is on an incline:
    • First cut cover straight for tallest side.
    • Then slip cover on temporarily and mark cut line by scribing to match the incline.
    • Then cut with appropriate tool.

For comments on this article, please email sales@stpaulsign.com.

How to Install Bollard Covers

How to Install Bollard Covers

What You Will Need

  • The covers and neoprene install tape sent to you.
  • Utility knife or scissors to cut tape.
  • If bollard pipe is wet from condensation, you’ll want rags to dry them off.

Bollard Cover Installation Instructions

Step #1

  • Remove the backing on a strip of the neoprene tape.
  • Wrap firmly around the top of post about 6″ from the top.
  • Make sure to leave about a 1″ gap between ends of the tape to allow airflow while installing the cover. You can cut the tape as needed.

Step #2

  • Remove the backing on a 2nd strip of the neoprene tape.
  • Wrap firmly around the bottom of post about 6″ from the bottom.
  • This time, don’t leave a gap in the tape. This will create the vacuum seal. You can cut the tape as needed.

Step #3

  • With the tape in place, slide the cover over the post.
  • If the tape is applied correctly, you will hear air being forced out while sliding it down the post, creating the vacuum seal.
  • The cover is now secure over the pipe.

Tips and Tricks

  • The tape may roll down as you force the cover on. That’s normal.
  • Make sure there is an adequated air gap on tape at the top by cutting the tape shorter. If you only offset the ends, the tape may roll enough to close that gap and then the cover can be very difficult to slide down because of the air pressure.
  • Do your best to make sure you are getting the cover’s bottom edge over the tape instead of plowing the tape down the post. Especially at the top tape, this can be achieved by swirling the cover.
  • Note that the covers often look slightly oval at the bottom edge. You can compress the long bias of the oval to round out the cover and get over the tape’s edge.
Installing Bollard Cover

For comments on this article, please email sales@stpaulsign.com.

How to Measure for Bollard Covers

How to Measure for Bollard Covers

We’ll Do the Rest

When we know the height of your bollards, we can cut your covers to the correct height which depends on the style of bollard cover. If they are domed with concrete, don’t worry. We work that tolerance into all the covers we cut.

 

What You Might Need

  • Tape measure or ruler to measure height and diameter.
  • Sewing tape works well if you want to measure circumference.
  • Pen and Paper or Text App on phone to record measurements.
Sewing tape to measure circumference of pipe

Measuring Bollard Height

Measure bollard height from the ground to the top edge of steel. If it has a concrete dome, ignore that. 

Measuring Bollard Height

Use Highest Bollard

For consistent look with a set of bollards intended to be the same height, find the highest one and use that height for the heights of all the bollard covers in that set.

Measuring Bollard Pipe Group Height

Measure Bollard Pipe Diameter

Rarely, pipe bollards are out of the ordinary. In most cases, you will have 4″, 5″, or 6″ Pipe. These have outer diameters (OD) of 4 1/2″, 5 9/16″ and 6 5/8″ respectively. Your measurements will very likely be close to one of those common pipes.  See the chart below the next diagram for pipe and cover sizes.

 

Ways to Measure Diameter

  1. If the top of the pipe is flat or close to flat, just measure across the pipe.
  2. If you have concrete domed on top, you can use 2 straight edges to measure the diameter above the dome.
  3. Or you can measure the circumference around the pipe and divide by Pi (3.14) to get the diameter (or just use the chart below). Measure with a sewing tape, paper ruler or by carefully rocking a rigid ruler around the pipe. If you want to print a paper ruler, go to printable-ruler.net.
Measuring Bollard Pipe Diameter

Common Pipe Diameters

Using your diameter (2nd column), or circumference (3rd column) you can determine your cover size in the 1st column.

Nominal Pipe Size & Cover Size

Outside Diameter (OD)

Circumference
4″ 4 1/2″ (4.5″) 14.12″ (approx 14 1/8″)
5″ 5 9/16″ (5.563″) 17.48″ (approx 17 1/2″)
6″ 6 5/8″ (6.625″) 20.81″ (approx 20 13/16″)
8″ 8 5/8″ (8.625″) 27.10″ (approx 27 1/8″)
10″ 10 3/4″ (10.75″) 33.77″ (approx 33 3/4″)
12″ 12 3/4″ (12.75″) 40.06″ (approx 40 1/16″)

For comments on this article, please email sales@stpaulsign.com.

Pyramid Sign Base Assembly Instructions

Pyramid Sign Base Assembly Instructions

Putting these together is fairly self explanatory, but these Pyramid Sign Base Assembly Instructions will help you get it right the first time.

What You Will Need

  • It’s helpful, but not required, to have 2 people for assembly.
  • #2 or #3 Phillips screwdriver or impact driver with Phillips bit.
  • 3/16” and 5/32” Hex Keys, a.k.a Allen wrenches or hex impact drivers.
  • 1/2” box wrench, gear wrench or crescent wrench.
  • Base Fill:
    • If your climate rarely freezes for extended days, you can fill bases with water using a garden hose.
    • If your climate does freeze, fill bases with pea gravel (suggested) or sand. Use 2 to 3 50lb bags per base available at Home Depot, Menards, Lowe’s etc.
  • If you are filling with gravel or sand, you will need a wide mouth funnel like this 6 quart funnel at Menards. If it has a screen, just remove it. Or you can fashion a funnel out of a one gallon bleach bottle or similar. The bigger the funnel mouth, the quicker the filling will go.
  • Recommended but not required: 5/16” Nylon washers. These go between the steel washers and sign face to prevent distorting the reflective sheeting when tightening nuts.
Handicap Blue Pyramid Sign Base

Hardware Check

Below is the hardware you should have for a Pyramid Base with a single pair of brackets and with or without wheels.

Note that Bases with Wheels have 8 threaded studs in for mounting the 2 wheels.

If you are missing any hardware, let us know right away by emailing us at sales@stpaulsign.com or using our contact page.

Hardware for Pyramid Base With Wheels

Hardware Kit with wheels option

(2) wheels

(8) phillips machine screws

(2) brackets

(4) 5/16″ threaded studs with (4) nuts

(1) connector bolt and (1) connector nut  

(1) plastic fill hole plug

Note: Pyramid Base (not shown) should have 8 threaded studs in it.

Hardware for Pyramid Base Without Wheels

Hardware Kit without wheels option

(2) brackets

(4) 5/16″ threaded studs with (4) nuts

(1) connector bolt and (1) connector nut  

(1) plastic fill hole plug

Please Note these Warnings:

WIND WARNING DURING ASSEMBLY: Until bases are filled, especially when signs are installed, either work out of the wind, or work with the sign system tilted down horizontally.

HIGH WINDS IN GENERAL: If winds or wind gusts are 50, 60, 70 mph or greater, depending on surface area of signage, consider taking the signs indoors or laying them down in a location that is not a trip hazard. When you do have a stiff breeze or moderate winds, check the stability of your sign systems by grabbling the post and lightly rocking sign system, making note of their stability.

BE CAREFUL: Especially when signs are attached, take care when moving around or tilting bases. Sign edges are relatively sharp and care must be taken since the bases can be ungainly when filled or even empty.

 

PART A: Base and Wheels Assembly

  1. If you have ordered bases without wheels, skip to PART B.
  2. Attach wheels to base using 4 phillips screws provided for each. Start threads by hand especially if using an impact driver or drill driver. Get all screws started before tightening any.
  3. Tighten firmly, but not too tight. If you use an impact driver, don’t overdo it. (FIG 1)
  4. For bottom screws, tilt the base up on it’s side. (FIG 2)
Attaching Wheels to Pyramid Base

Figure 1

Attaching Wheels to Pyramid Base

Figure 2

PART B: Post to Base Assembly

  1. Inspect the post and take care that the holes in the plastic sleeve and steel are aligned and remain aligned as you do the next step. (FIG 3)
  2. Look inside the base and see the protrusion at the center bottom. (FIG 4)
  3. While vertical, insert post into hole in base and seat it over the nub. You will know you’ve found it when the post won’t lean freely without tipping the pyramid. (FIG 5)
  4. This is easier with 2 people: Insert the connector bolt into the hole and through the post. The post may have to be lifted a bit to align the bolt in the center of the hole. (FIG 6)
  5. Screw the connector nut onto the bolt. Make sure you aren’t cross-threading. Then, hand tighten at first, then use 3/16″ allen wrenches to tighten firmly. (FIG 7)
Aligning Holes on Sleeve and Metal Post on Pyramid Base

Figure 3

Showing Post Seat in Pyramid Base Interior

Figure 4

Showing Post Seated in Pyramid Base Interior

Figure 5

Aligning Post Bolt on Pyramid Base

Figure 6

Tightening Pyramid Base Post with 3/16" Allen Wrenches

Figure 7

PART C: Base Fill

FILLING WITH WATER – WARM CLIMATES ONLY

  1. If the wind is moderate, then you may want to start filling the base in a horizontal position and tilt up as it gets more weight to withstand the wind. If the wind is quite strong, find a windbreak or wait until the wind dies down.
  2. You may want to fill it only half full until you get the signs on in PART D, and then fully fill afterwards.
  3. Fill to nearly the top is recommended. The bigger the surface area of the signs, the more it can catch the wind. 

FILLING WITH PEA GRAVEL OR SAND – ANY CLIMATE

[Refer to Fig 8 & Fig 9 below for funnel setup.]

  1. Use 2 to 3 50lb bags per base.
  2. If you have someone to hold the funnel, great! If not, place the funnel mouth in the fill-hole and use a clamp or two and clamp the funnel to the post. A “Quick Clamp” with the rubber jaws work well. Otherwise, duct tape to the rescue!
  3. Place the base with the funnel in it just under the edge of a table or workbench or tailgate of a truck and place the bag of fill above. Cut the corner off the bag of fill and slowly tip it, pouring the fill into the funnel. As the gravel or sand gets caught up in the funnel, what works best is to keep scooping it away from the funnel bottom with your hand as your other hand is slowly tilting the fill bag. If you have 2 people, this is easier.
  4. Fill to nearly the top is recommended for maximum wind resistance. This will be 3 50 lb bags. Note the size of your signs. The bigger the surface area of the signs, the more it can catch the wind.
Filling the Pyramid Base with Pea Gravel

Figure 8: Filling with Pea Gravel using Workbench

Filling Pyramid Base with Pea Gravel

Figure 9: Filling with Pea Gravel using Bumper/Tailgate

PART D: Bracket & Sign Assembly

  1. Each square bracket has 2 threaded studs and 2 nuts. For now, just thread studs into each bracket such that the inside end of the stud is even with the inside of the bracket. Be sure the hex socket end of the stud is facing outwards.
  2. Lean Post/Base assembly down and support at mid-pole by something a foot or two high. 
  3. You will be attaching signs facing the sky, so be sure you have the base oriented correctly. If you have a wheeled-base, then usually the wheels would be towards the ground, such that the sign(s) are opposite the wheels. If you are putting signs on both the front and back, then this step may be arbitrary. But, you may prefer the wheels to face to the side. The choice is yours.
  4. Slide ALL brackets onto the post, letting them slide down to the bottom of the pole. Why? You will be attaching sign(s) and brackets top down so you need the lower bracket(s) already on the pole below. If you have one sign, then slide on 2 brackets. If you have 2 signs, slide on 4 brackets etc.
  5. On the sign (the top sign if you have 2), note the distance from the hole to the sign’s top edge. Take the top bracket and place it as close as desired to the top of the post. Usually, you’d want the top of the post a little lower than the top edge of the sign.
  6. From the top end of the post, eye up the face of the bracket such that it is parallel with the bottom edge of the base. By hand, tighten the studs enough so that the bracket eventually stays put as you get it aligned. Be sure both studs are protruding on the inside of the bracket (don’t tighten one stud much more than the other). Once you are confident in the alignment, use an allen wrench to tighten both studs firmly, going back and forth so both studs are indenting the sleeve.
  7. Place the sign’s top hole onto that bracket stud, slide on optional nylon washer if you have them, slide on steel washer and then hand tighten the nut. Double check that the sign appears aligned to the base’s bottom edge and adjust the bracket if necessary.
  8. Now, slide up the 2nd bracket repeating the process just described. IMPORTANT: If you have back-to-back signs, then get the back sign that faces the ground onto both brackets before fully tightening the studs on the bottom bracket. Otherwise, if the brackets aren’t perfectly perpendicular to the post, the holes will not line up on the back side sign.
  9. Finally, tighten the nuts onto the studs, being careful not to over tighten or you may distort the sign face RECOMMENDATION: Use 5/16” Nylon washers to go between sign face and steel washer, available at any hardware store.
  10. If you have a second sign below the first sign, then repeat this process. In most cases, an inch or two between signs looks good.
Numbered Bus Parking Signs
Aligning Sign on Bost with Base

Aligning Bracket/Sign Face

Tightening Studs on Sign Post

Tightening Studs

Tightening Sign Nuts on Sign Post using Nylon Washers

Tightening Nuts with Nylon Washers

Pyramid Base Sign ATtachment Back View

Back of Sign

For comments on this article, please email sales@stpaulsign.com.

Bollard Barriers for Store Front Protection

Bollard Barriers for Store Front Protection

Disclaimer:

ALL Readers: The purpose of this page is to give a rough overview of some basic bollard barrier systems. 
Our Definitions: We have come up with many of these definitions for our own purposes. They are not necessarily definitions that are used by others in the industry.

What is Bollard Barrier?

A bollard barrier or barricade is a line of bollards installed to inhibit vehicles from from crossing the line, while still allowing passage of non-vehicular traffic, such as pedestrians on foot, or people in wheelchairs or delivery persons with carts etc. Often called Perimeter Security Bollard Systems, Bollard Barriers have a multitude of applications and range widely in vehicle stopping capability. Here, we are talking specifically about Building Entrance and Store Front Protection from both errant vehicles and ram-raids.

You Cannot Deter an Accident

Obviously, you can’t deter an accident. Errant vehicles happen. Accidents happen at any time and they are most dangerous when employees and customers are present. It’s not only ram-raids you should consider, but accidents too. It’s one thing to lose money. It’s quite another to lose a life.

 

Bonus: People are Protected by Default

If a bollard barrier is designed stout enough to stop most ram-raids, it should also stop most accidental store front damage events. By stopping ram raids, you have the added bonus that people are protected too.

Bollard Spacing

Bollards that form a perimetery security line should be spaced no less than 3′ (36″) apart and no greater than 5′ (60″) apart. The minimum 3′ is to satisfy ADA requirements and may be different for your jurisdiction. The maximum 5′ is the recommendation to stop cars because they are generally no narrower than 5.5′ wide (66″). It is important to note a couple things. The closer they are together, the better the chances that a car will hit more than one.  The spacing is the distance between the outer diameters (OD) of the pipes, not the on-center distance. For example, a 6″ Schedule 40 has a 6 5/8″ outer diameter and so a maximum 60″ spacing would yield a 66 5/8″ on-center layout.

Errant Vehicles Happen

  • Operator error like “I hit the gas pedal!”, “I thought I was in reverse!”
  • Operator Error caused by Medical Condition
  • Reckless Drivers
  • Intoxicated Drivers
  • Car accidents
  • Mechanical problems

Ram-Raids

Ram-Raids are like a smash-and-grab with a vehicle. The criminal uses a car or a truck to smash through your front doors, or even a wall to gain access to your business. Often, the vehicle is stolen and is sometimes left at the scene, but other times driven off and typically ditched. Tens of thousands of dollars of damage is typically the effect on the business owner. In some cases, the thief might just grab a carton of cigarettes. That’s what you’d call a serious nic fit. In other cases, thieves have been known to haul of an ATM, or clean out a jeweler of their diamonds. Basically, if you have something people want, there probably exists a person crazy enough to try and get it.

Please Note: Stopping terroristic raids is outside the scope of this article and outside our realm of knowledge. The topic of this article is Bollard Barriers for Store Front Protection. When we talk about ram-raids, we are talking about burglary, not people on a suicidal mission to destroy. The K12 described below begins to enter the realm of High Security, but there are many levels above that. If you are looking for such protection, here’s a Google Search for “terrorist level security bollards”.

3 Levels of Conventional Bollard Barriers for Store Front Protection

All Store Front Protection Barriers are designed with some expectation that errant vehicles may collide with the barrier while providing substantial protection from ram raids. At St. Paul Sign, we construct barriers with conventional bollards in either of three ways:

  1. Deep Pier (DP): 36″-48″ deep independent pier footings. Bollard may be rebar reinforced. Pier typically is not reinforced.
  2. Deep Pier/Shallow Trench (DPST): Each bollard shares a “shallow” trench of say, 18″ deep by 22″ wide and the length of the bollard array. Then, each bollard pier extends down to 48″ below grade. Rebar reinforcement is a must.
  3. Deep Trench (DT): all bollards are set into a common reinforced trench 24″ to 30″ wide, 30″ to 36″ Deep and 30″ on each end longer than the bollard array. This is similar to the configuration of the Impact Rated Bollards Barriers (RBB) in next section. Rebar reinforcement of trench is a must.

CBB Codes

It will be helpful to fully name these systems. They are:

  • DP-CBB: Deep Pier Conventional Bollard Barrier (Strong)
  • DPST-CBB: Deep Pier/Shallow Trench Conventional Bollard Barrier (Stronger)
  • DT-CBB: Deep Trench Conventional Bollard Barrier (Strongest)

Deep Pier/Shallow Trench Conventional Bollard Barrier

 

Rebar Reinforcement

Concrete has very high compressive strength, but a low tensile strength. Tensile weakness means it will be pulled apart maybe easily. Reinforcing the concrete footing helps minimize tensile weakness there. Reinforcing with a couple pieces of rebar within a bollard stiffens it by minimizing the ability for the concrete to crack into pieces and move apart inside.

Matching Pipe to Footing

If the trench footing is virtually immobile, the weak point is going to be the bollard itself so it is important that it’s staunch enough to handle the impact without sheering off, or bending over. Some bending is good, or it would sheer. On the other hand, If the bollard outmatches the footing, the footing is going to shift or give way. These are the concerns of structural and mechanical engineers who work on designing crash-tested bollards. When one is designing a barrier using conventional bollards that are not crash-tested, one should err on the staunch side when selecting a bollard pipe, especially with a massive concrete Deep Trench DT footing. For more certainty in performance, you must use impact or crash rated bollards for your Bollard Barrier.

Bollard Pipe Sizes

> To understand Pipe “Schedule” or “Standard” declarations, see our article on Pipe Schedule vs Tube Gauge.

The CBBs are usually constructed using 6″ Schedule 40 Bollard Pipe. Heavier installations with more stopping capability may use 8″ SCH40, 10″ SCH40 or even 12″ STD (Standard) Bollard Pipe. For 6″ and 8″, we can also use Schedule 80, a thicker walled pipe to maximize capability in a more compact form. See 6″ SCH80 and 8″ SCH80. But, it is usually more effective to go to the next larger pipe diameter rather than a thicker wall.

Codes for systems can be appended with the pipe size like so: DP-CBB-6-40 or DT-CBB-8-40.

No pipe size in code means it is 6″ Schedule 40 by default.

3 Levels of Impact-Rated Bollard Barriers for Store Front Protection

For more certainty in the capability of the system to stop a vehicle of a defined weight at a defined speed, we have ASTM Impact-Rated Bollards at 3 levels of fortitude. (For a more in-depth look, see our Impact Rated Bollards page.)

When installed to specifications, these 3 systems are capable of the following:

  • C40: One properly installed single standalone bollard is engineered and designed to stop a 5,000 lbs. vehicle at 30 mph impact with less than 24″ of vehicle penetration. (Strong)
  • K4: The K4 passed an independent ASTM test of 2,430 lbs. vehicle at 42.6 mph with less than 24″ of penetration. (Stronger)
  • K12: One single standalone bollard has the ability to stop 15,000 lb. vehicle at 50 mph with 47″ of penetration. (Strongest)

RBB Codes

Our “Rated Bollard Barriers” (RBB) have the codes C40-RBB, K4-RBB and K12-RBB.

C40 & K4 Install Diagram

K12 Install Diagram

What is Bollard Penetration?

Penetration is how far the vehicle, at least the main part of the vehicle, goes past the bollard. A successful car stopping bollard can make it through the crumple zone of the vehicle and finally stop at the engine, which doesn’t “crumple”. A failed bollard will bend over, sheer or become uprooted at some point in the crunch, and penetrate an arbitrary or unknown amount past the bollard, depending on how much momentum is in reserve at the failure point in time. Impact and Crash Rated Bollards use penetration distances when describing their effectiveness.

C40 Impact-Rated Bollard Test

Levels of Building Entrance and Store Front Protection

Now that we’ve covered a spectrum of types of bollard barriers, it’s time to determine what is economical and sufficient for your business or organization. In general, the cost of a conventional system (CBB) along with a C40-RBB system is considerably less than a K4 or K12 Impact-Rated system. Here, we list the types of systems that an organization might use:

  • Any organization who wants simple errant vehicle protection: DP-CBB
  • Convenience Store: DP-CBB, DPST-CBB
  • Liquor Store: DP-CBB, DPST-CBB
  • Drug Store: DP-CBB, DT-CBB, DPST-CBB
  • Pawn Shop: DP-CBB, DT-CBB, DT-CBB-8-40
  • Cash-on-Hand Business: DP-CBB, DT-CBB, DT-CBB-8-40
  • Jewelry Store: DT-CBB-8-40, C40-RBB, K4-RBB, K12-RBB
  • Check Cashing Store: DP-CBB, DT-CBB, DT-CBB-8-40, C40-RBB
  • Bank:  DT-CBB-8-40, C40-RBB, K4-RBB, K12-RBB
  • Minor Government Building: DT-CBB, DT-CBB-8-40, K4-RBB
  • Major Government Building: K12-RBB or greater not described here
  • Skyscrapers: K4-RBB, K12-RBB or greater not described here
  • Airports: K12-RBB or greater not described here

Choosing Bollard Barriers for Store Front Protection

You don’t have to outrun the bear, just the other guy!

Grim, but often true. You may not necessarily have to have the highest rated bollard barrier to deter ram raiders. You may just need a basic one that is better than other like businesses nearby. If you are remote, or have something extra special like diamonds or cash, then you may want a high rated bollard barrier after all. In all cases, the strategy is to deter first, stop vehicles second.

1) Deter: To protect your storefront or building entrance, the strategy is to first deter would be ram-raiders by having what looks like a heavy duty system where the risk appears to outweigh the benefits of breaking in by ram-raid. Most often, they use stolen or rented vehicles, so it may be of no concern to the thief what kind of damage the vehicle undergoes. So, it may just be that the risk of bodily injury looks too great to bother with an attempt. Especially so if there are other like businesses equally prone to theft that do not have a bollard barrier.

2) Stop Vehicles: For one, the most common reason a business gets crashed into is operator error. This makes the first step, to deter, irrelevant. So, you want a system that can stop an out-of-control car up to a certain speed that you reckon is adequate. At the same time, you want a system that can stop a motivated ram-raider from breaking through.

 It’s a Judgement Call

In the end, only you can decide what kind of protection you may need. We are happy to chat with you and/or visit your property and go over options. Surely, there are budgets to work within, and you can let us know what you are comfortable with. Or have us give you a quote an a couple different systems. We’re here to help.

The ASTM K-4 Bollard Crash Test

For comments on this article, please email sales@stpaulsign.com.