Decorative bollards and their types
What are bollards?
Bollards are one of the most common things that people often see on every other road. However, most of the people tend to walk through it without even noticing it. For all those of you who are not aware of this term, bollard is a small and vertical post placed by the side of the road / footpath. The term might be new to you, but you would’ve definitely seen a bollard on almost every alternate road. Although you would’ve seen them mostly in metallic substance, they do come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The safety bollards assist in creating a shielding perimeter by the side.
1. Pedestrian bollards:
Pedestrian bollards are the most common types of bollards one might come across. Across the roads or even on different properties, people use pedestrian bollards to specify the walking area. To make it more good looking, they often go for multiple bollards along a line. These bollards are then linked together with a chain to make sure that the pedestrians are defined the walking area. Even in parks, you will find these bollards that restrict its use as through way, but it makes sure that the access to the park is made easy.
2. Construction bollards:
Like the pedestrian bollards are inserted in the road on permanent basis, the construction bollards are placed there on temporary basis. Whenever the road or some building is under construction, these construction bollards can come in handy. To make sure that traffic and pedestrians don’t enter the working zone, it is important to ensure that they are informed accordingly. Having a rubber bottom, these bollards have a bright colored plastic material that is visible from distance. You might find these close together on places where the work or construction is done.
3. Traffic bollards:
Also known as street bollards, the traffic line bollards are very useful. As the name suggests, these bollards are mainly used to maintain traffic in the right manner. Placing them in the right areas can make sure that the cars are being divided in the right manner so that there is no rush in a particular area. They can even be used to restrict the entry in a particular area like the bike lanes or traffic islands. The important thing is that people should look after these and obey them respectfully.
4. Security bollards:
Similar to the pedestrian bollards, these security bollards also help in pedestrian management. The security bollards are filled with solid concrete and inserted in the road. You might find them outside the super markets and other stores. This is to make sure that in case any burglar tries to enter the store through their car, these security bollards can come in handy. Often these burglars are looking to loot in high valued items which can leave a drastic impact on the storeowners. These bollards are also known as the Ram-Raid bollards. The best part about these bollards is that they are the best for decoration. Made of steel, it gives the decorators a great opportunity to showcase their skills and apply aesthetics.
5. Bicycle parking bollards:
Bicycle parking bollards are very commonly found in universities, colleges, and even parks. They are usually placed in playing grounds so that students and other people can park their bicycles along the bollard. You would usually find multiple bollards placed right along with each other so that the bicycles can be parked and locked easily. This extremely important as otherwise other space would have to be occupied for providing place for parking.
Bollards construction material
Bollards are not only classified on the basis of their functions. Rather bollards can also be distinguished by the material used for constructing it. Different materials are used based on the quality required for construction. Let’s have a look at some of the common materials used for construction of bollards,
1. Cast iron:
One of the most common material used for bollards is the cast iron. It is one of the top choices for architects as it offers them the space to use their inner talent and enhance the outer structure. The material is very durable and gives a nice appearance to the bollards. They have been used traditionally and are made of extremely heavy metals. This is why they can be used separately or as a support to the steel and concrete posts.
2. Steel bollards:
Made of an iron alloy, steel bollards are often used together with the concrete bollards. The best part about steel bollards is that they are extremely light and resistant in comparison to the cast iron. This is why they are the prime choice when security bollards are considered. The steel plating offers the architects to get together their designing tools and work on it.
3. Stainless steel bollards:
Almost the same as the steel bollards, the stainless steel ones have a slightly different look. They are preferred to be placed in areas where the weather changes are rapid and extreme. These bollards are highly resistant if the weather changes which makes them long lasting and durable. Even if you don’t do any designing, the clear shining steel leaves a good appearance for people. This aesthetic view is worth the look.
4. Concrete bollards:
Often used together with cast iron and steel bollards, concrete is one of the hardest bollard available. People might not be aware of it, but concrete bollards can also be used alone to give a nice architectural look. It is often used for traffic bollards due to its strong substance which is good enough to make it stand alone.
Conclusion
These are some of the commonly used bollards that you might come across in your day to day life. The most important thing as a citizen is to ensure that the purpose of these bollards is fulfilled. These bollards are put in for different reasons to make sure that the citizens are guided correctly. Hence, it is our responsibility to obey them and fulfill their purpose.
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