What Do You Need to Protect?
Consider what you need to protect with bollards. Is it a building? Is it something else, like a charging station? Do you need to protect the perimeter of a parking or recreational area? Or is it a high-security facility? Common areas and buildings that require bollard protection include:Crash Ratings: The Benchmark for Protection
Bollards that are tested to the ASTM F2656-20 standard provide measurable data on how they perform during a vehicle impact. These ratings are based on vehicle weight and speed, offering a clear way to match protection levels with real-world risks. ASTM 2656-20 system ratings include:How to Apply These Ratings in Real-World Scenarios
The best bollard for your project depends on the speed, the environment, and the type of threat. For example, say you own a retail storefront on the main drag in your town. The speed limit for this road is 25 miles per hour. S30 crash-tested bollards are typically sufficient for retail store protection in downtown areas. However, if your storefront is located in a bustling area where the large vehicle speed limit is 40 miles per hour, M40 crash-tested bollards are best.
If your business or other enterprise is located in an area where the speed limit is up to 50 miles per hour and traffic typically consists of larger vehicles, you’ll need M50 crash- tested bollards. At government facilities, data centers, or stadiums where heavy trucks could be used in an attack, M50 bollards are essential. By matching the ASTM crash rating to the speed limit and vehicle type, you ensure that your perimeter is protected, which provides invaluable peace of mind.