Security is the primary need for any premises and crossings. But have you wondered what will happen if the security of premises or crossings is compromised by vehicle intrusion, leading to a serious accident and theft? When securing a property from vehicles, two main options exist- crash-rated bollards and barriers.
Crash-rated bollards are strong, immovable posts designed to stop a high-speed vehicle attack, protecting buildings and people. They are a permanent physical barrier. Barriers manage access control. They regulate authorised vehicle and pedestrian flow, but are not built to stop a high-speed ramming. Your choice depends on the threat. In this blog, we will discuss the same in detail!
The 6 Most Popular Types of Bollards
Crash-rated bollards are the definitive solution for perimeter security where the threat involves a deliberate vehicle ramming or impact. Let’s discuss it in detail!
Removable Bollards
They are installed in a ground socket but can be unlocked and physically removed by authorised personnel to create a temporary access point for approved vehicles. This is ideal for locations that require strong security most of the time but need occasional access for deliveries or events.
Fixed Bollards
As the name implies, these are fixed installations designed to provide significant protection. They are typically embedded deep into concrete foundations, making them a robust and cost-effective solution for defining perimeters and protecting corners of buildings. This automatic bollard system also safeguards outdoor public spaces from accidental or intentional vehicle intrusion.
Retractable Bollards
These bollards offer the ultimate in flexible access control. These heavy-duty retractable bollards can be lowered flush with the ground to allow authorised vehicles to pass and then raised again to form a high-security barrier. This type of automatic bollard system is perfect for main entrances to secure facilities where both easy access and high-level security are non-negotiable priorities.
Deep Foundation Bollards
These bollards are deeply anchored into the ground, often exceeding two feet in depth, offering extremely high levels of protection. Deep foundation bollards are more suitable for high-security areas and critical infrastructure where the highest level of vehicle impact resistance is needed.
Shallow Foundation Bollards
When deep foundations are not possible due to underground utilities or space limitations, shallow foundation bollards offer an alternative solution with strong crash ratings. They can provide robust protection, although typically at a slightly lower level compared to deep foundation bollards.
Decorative Bollards
Security does not have to be unsightly. Decorative bollards provide a lower level of physical security, often for guiding traffic and preventing accidental scrapes, while enhancing the architectural landscape. They can be made from materials such as powder-coated steel, cast iron, or even stainless steel, and can be easily combined with their surroundings.
Understanding Different Types of Crash-Rated Barriers
Barriers function differently from bollards. Their core purpose is not necessarily to stop a high-speed impact but to manage and regulate the flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic through a controlled point of access.
Railway Barriers
These are heavy-duty crash barriers designed for reliability and high-frequency use at railway crossings. Railway barriers are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and often include manual override systems to ensure operation during power outages, prioritising safety for both road and rail traffic.
Automatic Folding Boom Barriers
The most common type of barrier is seen at parking garages, gated communities, and industrial sites. A boom arm raises to deny access and lowers to permit it. Automatic folding boom barriers are controlled by a variety of methods, including push buttons, ticket dispensers, RFID readers, and remote controls.
Toll Plaza & Gate Boom Barriers
These crash barriers are engineered for rapid, repetitive operation in high-volume scenarios like highway toll booths. Toll plaza & gate boom barriers prioritise fast opening and closing cycles, durability, and minimal maintenance to keep traffic flowing smoothly while ensuring payment collection.
Fence Boom Barrier
These boom barriers are similar to automatic boom barriers but often designed with enhanced durability and anti-vandalism features. Fence boom barriers are for integration with perimeter fencing around high-security sites, providing a synchronised access point.
RFID Boom Barriers
These barriers are integrated with Radio-Frequency Identification technology directly into the access control system. This means RFID boom barriers are well compatible with all access control systems, including biometric, proximity cards, and more. Only authorised vehicles with an RFID tag can gain entry automatically, smoothing traffic flow and enhancing security.
Automatic Boom Barriers
This is a broad category of barriers that includes all motorised boom arms. Automatic boom barriers feature microprocessor-based control panels, compatibility with various security integrations (like ANPR cameras), and safety features like anti-crash loops that detect a vehicle underneath the arm to prevent it from lowering.
Flap Barriers
These barriers are used primarily for pedestrian access control in settings like office buildings, metros, and airports. A flap barrier is retracted to allow one authorised person to pass at a time, effectively preventing tailgating. They support access methods like biometrics, cards, and PINs.
Crash-Rated Bollards Vs. Barriers
The choice between crash-rated bollards and barriers is not a matter of which is better, but which is right for your specific threat model and operational requirements. They often work best in concert.
Choose Crash-Rated Bollards When:
- The Threat Is Vehicle Ramming: Your primary concern is protecting assets from a deliberate, high-speed vehicle attack (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation – HVM).
- You Need a Permanent Perimeter Defence: You require a permanent barrier to protect building foundations, utility housings, outdoor seating, or pedestrian zones.
- Discreet Security Is Desired: Many crash-rated bollards can be installed to be nearly invisible when not needed, preserving aesthetics while providing formidable protection.
- You Need a Final Layer of Protection: Behind a barrier system, bollards can serve as a last-ditch defence to stop any vehicle that manages to breach the initial gate.
Choose Barriers When:
- The Need Is Controlled Access Management: Your goal is to regulate who enters and exits a premises, logging traffic, and ensuring only authorised vehicles or pedestrians can pass.
- Traffic Flow Is a Priority: You need a system that can efficiently allow high volumes of authorised traffic through a checkpoint without creating unnecessary delays, as with toll booths or parking garages.
- The Threat Is Low-Speed, Unauthorised Entry: Barriers are excellent at preventing casual trespassing, theft of parking spaces, and unauthorised access by non-credentialed individuals.
- Integration with Access Control Is Key: You need a system that works easily with ticketing, RFID cards, biometrics, or license plate recognition software.
Conclusion
For optimal security, the choice depends on your primary threat. Select crash-rated bollards to physically stop high-speed vehicle impacts and protect critical assets. Choose barriers to manage and regulate the flow of authorised traffic. For the strongest defence, implement a layered approach, using barriers for access control and bollards as a final, physical barrier.
Hom Automation Pvt Ltd manufactures crash-rated bollards and barriers under the supervision of engineers coming from mechanical & production backgrounds. Our engineered solutions are made to meet your specific security challenges, ensuring robust protection, easy integration, and reliable performance. Contact us today!