High-Security Bollard Installation Guide 2025
High security bollards are essential for protecting critical infrastructure, government buildings, and commercial properties from vehicle-borne threats. Designed to stop unauthorized vehicles with certified stopping power, these systems form the first line of defense in modern physical security architecture.
However, simply choosing a bollard is not enough. Effective protection requires PAS 68 or IWA 14-certified solutions and technical expertise in security system installation. From stopping a 7.5 tonne truck at 50 mph to securing pedestrian zones at large public venues, the right bollard system is an investment in safety, compliance, and operational continuity.
What Certified Bollards Can Do
- PAS 68 bollards are crash tested to stop a 7.5-tonne truck moving at 80 km/h (50 mph) with less than 1 meter of penetration.
- IWA 14-1 bollards withstand impacts from vehicles up to 2,300 kg traveling at 64 km/h (40 mph).
- SIRA-certified bollards meet rigorous UAE government standards, making them mandatory for official projects.
Types of Bollards and Their Functions
Each system serves specific threat profiles, site layouts, and operational needs.
When Your Facility Needs High-Security Barriers
Facilities requiring bollard protection often fall into these categories:
- Government and Military Sites – Require PAS 68-certified static bollards for maximum perimeter protection.
- Corporate and Financial Institutions – Benefit from automatic bollards for secure but flexible access control.
- Public Spaces (Malls, Transport Hubs, Stadiums) – Need pedestrian-friendly SIRA bollards for crowd safety.
- Industrial Facilities (Energy, Chemical, Utilities) – Must use high-impact barriers to prevent large-scale incidents.
Risk Indicator Matrix
Certification Standards: PAS 68 vs IWA 14 vs SIRA
- PAS 68: UK standard focused on kinetic energy absorption and vehicle penetration limits.
- IWA 14-1: Internationally accepted impact test standard, often required for embassies, data centers, and international airports.
- SIRA: UAE’s national compliance certification; essential for all security infrastructure on government projects.
Always ensure your barrier supplier provides complete testing documentation.
Technical Factors for Reliable Installation
A certified product is only as good as its installation. Key technical considerations include:
- Foundation Design: Soil condition, depth, and rebar specifications directly affect crash performance.
- Power Systems: Automatic bollards require dedicated power sources and fail-safes.
- Drainage: Prevents water pooling that can damage hydraulic systems.
- Environmental Conditions: Coastal or desert environments require tailored materials and protection measures.
Project Timeline and Planning
Planning ahead helps prevent costly delays and rushed decisions.
Cost Considerations and Long-Term Value
Total cost of ownership includes installation, maintenance, replacement parts, and potential insurance savings. Certified systems often qualify facilities for reduced insurance premiums due to risk mitigation.
System Integration for Comprehensive Security
High-security bollards can be integrated with:
- Access control systems (gates, keypads, ANPR)
- Surveillance systems for real-time visual monitoring
- Communication networks for centralized control
- Perimeter detection sensors for automated threat response
This layered approach builds a complete physical security ecosystem.
Why Your Security Partner Matters
Choosing the right security partner is critical to project success:
- Technical Expertise: Frontier Pitts has over 50 years of British engineering excellence in perimeter protection.
- Certification & Compliance: LPS1175, PAS 68, IWA 14, and SIRA-approved systems.
- Regional Support: Our UAE-based team provides full service—from planning to maintenance.
- Proven Track Record: Trusted by embassies, military bases, airports, and critical infrastructure across the Gulf.
Act Now – Don’t Wait for a Security Incident
Security threats evolve quickly. Waiting for an incident puts lives, assets, and reputations at risk. A proactive approach ensures protection before vulnerabilities are exploited.
📞 Contact Frontier Pitts today for a full security consultation. We’ll assess your facility, provide technical recommendations, and deliver a detailed proposal tailored to your protection needs.
Visit www.fpgulf.com or call our Abu Dhabi office to schedule your assessment.
Don’t leave your facility’s safety to chance. Invest in certified protection today.