CPSB FREQUENTLY ASKED
BOLLARD QUESIONS

Many factors go into the decision of what type of bollards should be used for a particular application. A few things to consider before choosing a particular bollard are: What am I trying to accomplish? What is it that I need to stop? Is it a traffic deterrent or a security issue? If it is a security issue, I need to ask, how big a vehicle do I want to stop and how fast could it be traveling when it makes impact? These are the basic questions you need to be answered before starting the bollard selection process. You may find useful suggestions for your project on our CAL PIPE BOLLARDS RECCOMENDS page.

Basically, there are 3 basic functional styles of security bollards. Embedded post and Surface Mount, stationary bollards, removables (external & internal locking), retractables (manual, assisted, and automatic). Lighted bollards security models are a type of fixed or embedded bollard while Lighted Architectural bollards serve as lighted guiding posts. The same functionality is available in very high security K12 Embedded and Retractable models and in K4 Engineered Embedded and Removables.

Cal Pipe Security Bollards recommends strip footing.  For maximum security protection, a strip footing with a rebar cage tied into the bollards will make it more secure and much stronger because the entire footing structure will absorb the impact instead of an individual footing for each bollard.  An individual footing is sometimes practical where less security is needed. We do, however, always recommend a rebar cage for any type of footing.  Please ask for footing recommendations and Cal Pipe Security Bollards will be happy to provide them. Email us at info@calpipebollards.com for help.

In the course of the installation process, it is always recommended that you x-ray the area that will be excavated before installation. If you x-ray the area first, it will eliminate expensive downtime if a hidden utility line or water pipe is accidentally hit.

Cal Pipe Security Bollards never recommends core drilling into a slab. We recommend a base plate bollard in that situation. Although, a base plate bollard does not have the vehicle stopping capacity that an embedded or removable bollard has, it will be a visual deterrent and will protect items to some degree.

Cal Pipe Security Bollards recommends a locking/removable bollard. With this type of bollard, you have the flexibility and security of an embedded bollard. Instead of embedding the bollard itself, you install the embedment sleeve and the bollard slips into the sleeve. When the event is over, simply remove the bollard and the stainless steel flip top lid that is attached to the embedment sleeve falls into place to cover the hole. The lid has a security bolt with it so you can lock down the lid when not in use. More and more clients are seeing the benefits of the locking removable bollard and are getting more embedment sleeves than bollards for multiple locations. That way, whenever a bollard is needed in any given area, the embedment sleeve is already in place. Lifestyle Centers as well as city or town events are the perfect candidates for a locking/removable bollard. Locking/removable bollards have either an external padlock for locking into place or an internal key-locking system for a tamper proof solution.

This situation would probably require a retractable bollard. When a bollard is over 6” in diameter, a retractable bollard would be the most practical. Over 6”, they are simply too heavy to move. With a retractable bollard you need to determine whether you want it to be manually retracted, retracted using assisted-lift technology, or retracted automatically. A manually retractable bollard has the advantage of simplicity and is for lighter bollard solutions. A simple pull raises the bollard or unlocked to lower the bollard post into the embedded bollard sleeve. Assisted lift retractable bollards feature compressed air assistance, built into the bollard, to make raising it as simple as turning a key and watching it float and lock into position. Retracting the bollard is just as simple; turn the key and gently push the bollard down and step on it to lock it in the down position. An automatic retractable bollard should be used in high use areas such as a guard gated entrance, an entrance with numerous deliveries per day or any use where the bollards will be going up and down on a near continuous basis.

We polish the stainless steel to a #4 satin finish.  We can also electro-statically powder coat our bollards with your choice of either safety yellow or black as standard colors, or choose from over 150 custom colors.

Our bollards range in size from 3” diameter to 12” diameter for the majority of our bollards.

The most obvious difference is that an internal locking bollard because it locks underground is virtually tamper proof. Another feature of the internal locking bollard is that when in place, it will look the same as the embedded bollards it is most likely mixed in with. The lock is waist high, so there is no kneeling on the ground to unlock the padlock. The external padlocking bollard is preferred for industrial use such as an alley or thru-way.  The police or fire department usually prefer the padlocking bollard because they have the universal key – the bolt cutter for emergencies.

A surface mounted bollard should be utilized in a suspended slab, warehouse, distribution centers or any place it may be difficult to excavate below 6”.  The surface mounted bollard has no measurable stopping capabilities, but is a visual deterrent.

Cal Pipe Security Bollards are manufactured entirely in the United States. We currently manufacture our bollards in Downey, California.

That is entirely up to the installer. However, a common misconception is that a cement filled bollard is stronger. The strength of a bollard is dependent upon the diameter and wall thickness of the bollard coupled with the proper footing installation of the bollard. Cement adds bulk but not strength.

For Fixed, Surface Mount, and Locking Removable models, delivery is approximately 4 weeks. For most retractable bollards the delivery time is approximately 8-12 weeks, Our goal is to manufacture and deliver the highest quality bollards as fast as we possibly can.