Crash-Rated vs Non-Crash-Rated Bollards: Urban Safety & Planning Guide
Crash-rated, non-crash-rated, and SIRA approved bollards each serve vital roles in urban planning. While crash-rated options provide certified high-impact protection, SIRA-compliant bollards meet UAE regulatory standards, and non-crash-rated models offer spatial control. Knowing how these fit into perimeter security installation ensures smarter, safer infrastructure design.
Understanding Bollards in Urban Planning
Bollards aren’t just decorative street furniture—they are silent sentinels of urban order and safety. Whether crash-rated or non-crash-rated, these vertical posts shape our city’s movement and safety in subtle but powerful ways.
Primary Functions:
- Create physical separation between pedestrians and vehicles
- Protect storefronts and public spaces from accidental intrusion
- Guide traffic safely in complex urban layouts
- Contribute to overall architectural harmony and street aesthetics
In essence, well-placed bollards reduce chaos and risk in even the busiest environments.
Crash-Rated Bollards: High-Security Barriers
What Are They?
Crash-rated bollards are engineered to withstand high-speed vehicular impact. Certified under standards like PAS 68, IWA 14, or ASTM F2656, these barriers are rigorously tested to stop hostile vehicle threats.
Many of the bollards used across the UAE today are SIRA approved bollards, meeting the highest regional compliance standards for physical security.
Where Are They Used?
- Government and military buildings
- Airports and public squares
- Stadiums, embassies, and high-density public areas
Key Features:
- Made from reinforced steel and concrete
- Fixed or retractable configurations
- Certified as part of hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) programs
Sample Ratings Chart:
| Standard | Test Load & Speed | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| PAS 68 | 7.5-ton vehicle @ 30 mph | UK-based city infrastructure |
| IWA 14 | Similar global rating to PAS 68 | International high-risk zones |
| ASTM F2656 | 15,000 lb vehicle @ 30–50 mph | North American defense applications |
These bollards serve as the first and most physical line of defense against unauthorized vehicle access.
Non-Crash-Rated Bollards: Visual Control & Space Management
What Are They?
Non-crash-rated bollards are not designed for vehicular impact but are vital for spatial organization and light-duty safety.
Where Are They Used?
- Retail parking lots and shopping malls
- Outdoor cafés and public plazas
- Bicycle paths, sidewalks, and school zones
Purpose:
- Serve as visual cues for traffic redirection
- Deter casual or accidental entry
- Enhance pedestrian safety and urban flow
These bollards strike a balance between safety, design, and cost-efficiency in low-risk environments.
How to Choose the Right Type
Choosing the right bollard starts with a threat assessment and a clear understanding of the environment.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Is the area exposed to vehicle attack risk?
- Does your security plan align with IWA 14 or PAS 68?
- Are you managing foot traffic or preventing intrusion?
Practical Recommendation:
- Use crash-rated bollards in areas of high vulnerability or national importance.
- Opt for non-crash-rated bollards in controlled-access or design-first areas.
Construction, Materials & Aesthetics
Crash-rated bollards may be tough, but they don’t need to be ugly. Modern designs focus on aesthetic integration:
Construction Materials:
- Core: Reinforced steel with a concrete jacket
- Base: Deep-set or shallow-mount foundation
Aesthetic Add-ons:
- Powder-coated finish to match building color
- Integrated LED lighting for night visibility
- Decorative casings or sleeve covers
Urban security should never come at the cost of visual harmony.
Planning for Traffic & Pedestrian Flow
Urban flow planning doesn’t stop at crosswalks. Bollards help enforce organized movement while protecting lives.
Bollard Planning Checklist:
- Maintain access for emergency vehicles
- Avoid obstructing wheelchair-accessible paths
- Ensure bollards are spaced to prevent vehicle bypass
- Use staggered patterns for maximum effectiveness
Crash-rated options help enforce security, while visual bollards define space clearly.
Maintenance & Legal Considerations
Long-Term Durability:
Crash-rated models offer years of resistance, but even steel needs occasional TLC.
- Schedule regular inspections post-impact or monthly
- Secure a maintenance contract with your barrier supplier in UAE
Legal Compliance:
- PAS 68 and IWA 14 compliance may be required near critical infrastructure
- Improper installation may result in liability after an incident
- Insurance premiums may improve with verified HVM product integration
Real-World Examples
Times Square, NYC:
Installed shallow-mount crash-rated bollards after an incident involving pedestrian casualties. Blended into public benches and planters.
Abu Dhabi Financial District:
Utilized retractable PAS 68 bollards integrated with CCTV and access control—combining security system installation and design.
Conclusion: Safety and Style Can Coexist
Whether you’re managing a commercial space or protecting public infrastructure, both crash-rated and non-crash-rated bollards have roles to play. With the right materials, spacing, and standards—urban aesthetics and perimeter security installation can work hand in hand.
Looking for the right bollard solution or turnstile manufacturer to help secure your property? Visit us at www.fpgulf.com to connect with UAE’s top manufacturer of HVM products and explore expert services in security gate supply, safety barriers, and maintenance contracts. Ask about our SIRA approved bollards for your next high-security project.