Recommended Spacing Practices for Stainless Steel Bollards
Stainless steel bollards protect properties by preventing vehicles from crashing into buildings, storefronts, or other critical areas. They also prevent theft by blocking vehicles from idling in restricted spaces. However, the effectiveness of bollards depends on their spacing and installation. Install these pillars in the right places by learning the recommended spacing practices for stainless steel bollards.
Determine the Load Requirements
Before determining the spacing of bollards, you need to understand the load requirements. The load factor is how much force a pillar can handle to stop a vehicle from crashing into an area. Bollard manufacturers include considerations like vehicle speed, size, and the impacted angle to determine the load factor.
The load factor determines spacing. If a load factor is high, bollards must be close together to prevent incoming crashes. Heavy-duty bollards should be no more than two feet apart for high-risk areas.
Consider the Visibility and Access
Bollards should meet the NFPA 101 Life Safety code requirement for visibility. The code stipulates that bollards should be visible from all directions and have a minimum height of three feet. One key aspect of visibility is accessibility for pedestrians. They should be able to see these pillars. When balancing visibility and access, space these pillars at least three feet apart so people can walk through them.
Evaluate the Site Conditions
Site conditions can affect the spacing of bollards. They should be closer together in areas with high traffic to prevent a vehicle from entering a restricted area. If the site has limited space, bollards should be closer together to maximize space. Additionally, if the site has angled entries or exits, the bollards should be placed in a curved pattern to protect the area.
Installation Requirements
Following installation requirements is crucial to the effectiveness of bollards. They must have a minimum embedment depth of 1/3 of the total length of the bollard. Anchors must be secure to prevent the bollards from uprooting during a crash. You must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to install bollards correctly, and consider the site-specific factors in your location.
Maintenance and Review
Regular maintenance of bollards is essential. Maintenance workers should inspect bollards periodically for damage and carefully review the alignment to ensure the pillars are not misplaced.
Proper spacing of stainless steel bollards is important for site safety, so rely on a professional team of bollard manufacturers like Custom Manufacturing and Polishing Inc. CMPI has an award-winning team of creative metal fabricators that believe you can bring any dream creation to reality. Improve the quality of your bollards by collaborating with us to create stainless steel pipe bollard covers that meet your needs and increase visibility for pedestrians and drivers. Contact us to learn more about our bollards and the proper spacing for your site’s needs.
