bollard

A bollard is a short vertical post installed in the ground to control or direct traffic, delineate pedestrian areas, and protect buildings or other infrastructure from vehicle intrusion. They are used on streets, sidewalks, in plazas, parking facilities, and at building entrances, and in maritime settings as mooring posts. Bollards can be fixed in place or installed as removable or retractable units to allow vehicle access when needed. Some bollards are designed to resist high-force impacts and are described as crash-rated or security bollards.

Bollards are made from a range of materials, including steel (often galvanized or stainless), concrete, timber, and various plastics or composites. They may be coated or painted and frequently feature reflective bands or illuminated elements to improve nighttime visibility. Decorative bollards emphasize aesthetics while providing basic delineation, whereas security bollards prioritize strength and protective capability.

Design and installation vary by application. Typical street bollards range in height from about 600 to 1000 millimeters and are anchored in concrete foundations or mounted on base plates. Placement should consider accessibility requirements, sight lines, and local regulations. Maintenance involves cleaning, corrosion protection for metal units, repainting, and replacement of damaged bollards.

Variants include removable or retractable bollards for controlled access, as well as crash-rated security bollards designed to resist vehicle impacts in critical locations.