How Much Force Can a Bollard Stop?

 

 

 

 

1. What Are Bollards and Why Are They Important?
2. The Engineering Behind Bollard Strength
3. Can a Bollard Really Stop a Truck?
4. Key Installation Considerations
5. Maintenance and Lifespan of Hydraulic Bollards
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

Bollards are not just posts in the ground - they are critical safety barriers used to control traffic, protect pedestrians, and defend properties from vehicle intrusion.

Types of Bollards include:

• Fixed bollards – Permanent, deeply embedded for maximum impact resistance.
• Removable bollards – Can be lifted out for temporary access.
• Retractable / Hydraulic bollards – Rise and lower automatically, ideal for restricted areas.
• Flexible bollards – Used for traffic guidance, not for heavy vehicle stopping.

 

Primary functions:

• Directing vehicle traffic in busy areas.
• Creating safe pedestrian-only zones.
• Protecting storefronts, public spaces, and sensitive assets.
• Acting as high-security barriers against potential vehicle ramming attacks.

 

 

Stopping a vehicle, especially a truck, requires precision engineering. The strength of a bollard depends on three key factors:

• Material Strength – High-security bollards are usually made of reinforced steel and often filled with concrete.
• Foundation Depth – Deep installation into reinforced concrete ensures bollards absorb and disperse vehicle impact.
• Energy Absorption – Upon collision, bollards transfer force into the ground, preventing vehicle penetration.

 

Crash-Test Standards:

• ASTM Standards – Example: ASTM M30 bollards stop a 15,000 lb truck at 30 mph.
• K-Ratings (U.S. Dept. of State) – K4 stops a truck at 30 mph, K12 stops at 50 mph.

These standards ensure that properly rated bollards can withstand massive force and protect critical areas.

 

 

Yes - but only crash-rated bollards are designed to stop trucks effectively.

 

Real-world applications:

• Government & Military Facilities – K12 hydraulic bollards prevent high-speed truck attacks.
• Commercial Properties – Protects entrances, loading docks, and storefronts.
• Pedestrian Zones – Anti-ram bollards shield crowded public spaces.

 

How they stop trucks:

• Reinforced steel cores and anti-ram design.
• Deep concrete foundations with rebar reinforcement.
• Strategic staggered placement to create a physical barrier.

Case studies have shown bollards stopping trucks weighing over 15,000 lbs traveling up to 50 mph.

 

 

A bollard's strength is only as good as its installation.

• Placement: Install at high-risk entry points (entrances, pedestrian walkways, critical assets).
• Spacing: Typically 3–5 feet apart to prevent vehicle bypass.
• Depth: Installed below the frost line and anchored several feet deep in reinforced concrete.
• Materials: Steel bollards with concrete filling are most effective.

 

Best practices for high-traffic areas:

• Ensure bollards are highly visible to drivers.
• Balance protection with smooth traffic flow.
• Use galvanized or powder-coated steel for weather resistance.

 

 

Even the strongest bollards need care.

Maintenance essentials:

• Regular inspections – Check for cracks, foundation shifts, or rust.
• Rust prevention – Apply protective coatings.
• Cleaning – Keep surfaces clear of debris and corrosion.

 

After a collision:

• Inspect structural integrity immediately.
• Replace or reinforce compromised bollards.
• Repair damaged foundations before reinstalling.

Longevity: With proper care, crash-rated hydraulic bollards can last decades, continuing to protect properties and people from vehicle impact threats.

 

 

1. Can a bollard stop a truck?
Yes. K-rated or ASTM-certified bollards can stop trucks weighing up to 15,000 lbs at speeds of 30–50 mph.

 

2. What is the strongest bollard for stopping trucks?
Anti-ram hydraulic bollards with reinforced steel and deep concrete foundations.

 

3. How deep should a bollard be installed?
Several feet deep, below the frost line, with reinforced concrete for stability.

 

4. Are all bollards effective against trucks?
No. Only crash-rated bollards are engineered for heavy vehicle impacts. Decorative or flexible bollards cannot stop trucks.

 

5. What maintenance is required?
Routine inspections, rust prevention, and structural assessments after impacts.

 

6. How do bollards protect pedestrians?
They create physical barriers that stop vehicles from entering pedestrian zones, even during truck collisions.

 

Contact now

 

Looking to protect your property, facility, or pedestrian zones from heavy vehicle threats?
Xiamen Jietian Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in hydraulic and crash-rated bollards engineered to stop trucks and secure high-risk areas.

👉 Contact Us Today to discuss customized bollard solutions for your security needs.