Flexible bollards are recommended for lane delineation where there is a risk of collision to provide safety and minimize damage. They are constructed from a proprietary polymer blend that allows them to bend on impact from vehicles rather than causing damage. Extensive testing shows they can withstand repeated impacts from vehicles weighing up to 3,300 pounds without permanent deformation while maintaining rigidity for lane marking. Flexible bollards reduce costs by avoiding repairs from collisions and require little maintenance over time.
1. Choosing Traffic-Friendly Bollards for Lane
Delineation
Bollards are highly-effective devices for delineating laneways. They are
easily seen and clearly communicate an intended route, but using the
incorrect model in any application can create a safety hazard. Metal
posts are struck more frequently than one may imagine and this makes
using the proper style for every application very important. On
streetscapes where there is a greater chance that they may be struck,
steel posts that are too rigid may pose a threat to vehicles, cyclists and
pedestrians. In areas where bollards are prone to being hit, traffic
friendly devices are required. Traffic lanes, bike lanes, parking areas and
other perimeters can all be safely defined with traffic-friendly, flexible
bollards.
Constructed from a proprietary blend of composite polymer, flexible, or
bendable (as they are sometimes called) bollards will bend towards the
grade if bumped or run over an errant vehicle. They present the look of a
solid, permanent steel bollard, but if struck, they offer enough give to
allow a vehicle top pass over them. These models are an ideal solution
for lane delineation projects because they pair the perfect levels of
rigidity and flexibility to minimize damage to vehicles. In most cases,
after being struck, there is no damage to either the vehicle or the bollard,
and footing or foundation damage is also often avoided. If hit, a flexible
bollard will return to its upright form, usually showing no signs of
damage.
Extensive testing has shown these bendable bollards easily resist
permanent deformation from both cars and trucks weighing up to 3,300
pounds (1,500 kgs.), and stand up to repeated bending. A typical model
will exhibit the following properties:
Thermal stability: Good +/- 10 SHORE D.
2. Working Temperature: -40 Degrees C / + 60 Degrees C. (-40
Degrees F / 140 Degrees F)
Fire resistance: CLASS E. As per UNE-EN-ISO 11925-2:2002
Impact resistance: Test of 50 impacts, bending through 90
Degrees, simulating a 1500-kg (3307-lb) vehicles at 15 km/h (9.32
mph)
Fatigue resistance: Test of 500 impacts, bending through 45
Degrees, at intervals of 30 seconds.
These products provide excellent durability and weather resistance, in a
wide range of colors. Reflective strips can also be provided to improve
visibility at night. They are UV resistant and will not fade from prolonged
exposure to the elements.
Reducing damage to vehicles is not the only advantage of employing
flexible bollards; these products are extremely resistant to aesthetic
damage from vehicles themselves. They are manufactured from a
proprietary material that is impregnated with the same color with which
they are finished. This means that chips, scrapes and scratches are
virtually unnoticeable on these bendable bollards. After being struck,
they return to their standard form and generally show no signs of
damage. These models can reduce maintenance, repair and potential
replacement cost - saving business owners money.
Bendable bollards are easily installed and can be secured with several
different mounting systems. Generally installed with fixed, or permanent
(embedded or surface mount) mountings, they can also be installed with
hardware that allows them to become temporarily removable. This is an
ideal choice for areas that are normally kept free from traffic but would
benefit from allowing temporary access to maintenance vehicles,
delivery trucks and emergency crews.
These truly traffic-friendly devices and should be considered for any
roadway or parking lot delineation projects where anti-ram security is not
required. They give the appearance of immovable traffic guides but
3. provide flexibility that reduces damage to vehicles, and protects the
structure and appearance of the bollard; they are exceptionally durable
and require little in terms of ongoing maintenance.