Bollards have become crucial in airport safety and functionality. With bollards, airports can deter unauthorized vehicular access, directing pedestrian flow and optimizing traffic patterns. These devices can help airports create secure, efficient and resilient environments for visitors and staff alike.
Below, we look at bollard solutions for airports to help you choose the best options for your airport.
Understanding Airport Bollards
Airport bollards ensure the safety and security of airport environments. Among the various types of bollards, crash-rated bollards stand out as security barriers that provide adequate protection against vehicle collisions. These specialized bollards are designed to withstand the impact of low- and high-speed vehicles, making them ideal for safeguarding buildings, property and pedestrians within airport premises.
Crash-Rated Bollards
Crash-rated bollards offer a solution in settings where security requirements range from light to maximum protection. These bollards are engineered to serve as a robust line of defense against potential threats posed by vehicles, whether driven intentionally or accidentally. The unique design and construction of crash-rated bollards enable them to absorb and mitigate the force of vehicle collisions, preventing unauthorized entry, minimizing damage and safeguarding the well-being of pedestrians and staff.
The adaptability of crash-rated bollards to diverse security needs is a significant advantage. Airports are a complex environment with a blend of public spaces, restricted zones and critical infrastructure. They require a versatile security approach — which can be found with strategically placed crash-rated bollards to create secure perimeters, control vehicular traffic flow and channel pedestrians through designated pathways.
- Crash ratings and levels of protection: Crash-rated bollards are available in various ratings that determine their capacity to withstand different levels of impact. These ratings range from ASTM F2656-07 M30 (stopping a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 30 miles per hour) to ASTM F2656-07 M50 (stopping a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 miles per hour). The choice of crash rating depends on the airport’s specific security requirements, with higher-rated bollards offering greater protection against more substantial threats.
- Integration with aesthetics and architecture: Airports are often architecturally notable, showcasing modern design and functionality. As such, crash-rated bollards are available in various designs and finishes, allowing them to seamlessly blend into the airport’s visual landscape without compromising security.
Removable Airport Bollards
The distinctive feature of removable pipe bollards lies in their detachability. Unlike their collapsible counterparts, these bollards present a solution that marries security with flexibility. Ideal for temporary security requirements, they can be effortlessly set up and taken down as the situation dictates. This dynamic adaptability empowers airports to configure secure perimeters and controlled pathways swiftly and efficiently.
Securely resting in covered ground sleeves, these bollards can be easily unlocked and removed. This design ensures that when not in use, the covered ground sleeves are inconspicuous, preserving the appearance of the airport environment. The bollards can be swiftly repositioned, making them ideal for responding to evolving security demands during events or peak travel periods.
Removable bollards have a locking mechanism that ensures they remain in place upon impact and serves as a formidable theft deterrent. Two options for locking include:
- Internal lockable bollards: Concealing the lock from view, these bollards offer a more permanent solution, suitable for instances where relocation is infrequent. They minimize the risk of attracting vandals or thieves.
- External bollards: Opting for external bollards introduces convenience and flexibility. They are designed for rapid unlocking and relocation, ideal for scenarios requiring frequent adjustments to security configurations.
Security Challenges Addressed by Airport Bollards
In the bustling atmosphere of an airport, precision in traffic management is paramount to avoid congestion, delays and confusion. Proper vehicular movement and well-organized passenger flow are instrumental in ensuring timely departures and arrivals. These security strategies enhance the passenger experience and optimize operational efficiency.
Further, the possibility of vehicle-related threats is a major consideration for airports everywhere. The potential for a vehicle to be used as a weapon, intentionally or accidentally, demands a preemptive response.
Airport bollards, particularly crash-rated ones, are ideal for traffic management and form a barrier against potential threats. With their robust construction and standardized crash ratings, these bollards are capable of absorbing and diverting the impact of a vehicle collision. When there isn’t a risk of collision, bollards still serve the purpose of guiding traffic and ensuring travelers and staff move properly throughout the airport.
1. Preventing Unauthorized Access
Airports feature a complex arrangement of restricted areas and public spaces. Unauthorized access to sensitive zones poses a potent security threat. Bollards can be strategically positioned to delineate between public areas and restricted zones. Their presence acts as a psychological and physical deterrent, deterring unauthorized individuals or vehicles from getting inside high-security areas.
2. Creating Clear Pedestrian Pathways
In the hustle and bustle of airport activity, ensuring the safe movement of pedestrians is a multifaceted challenge. Pedestrian pathways must be created to prevent congestion and confusion, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents and facilitating efficient passenger flow. Airport bollards play a role in guiding pedestrians along designated routes and ensuring separation from vehicle traffic.
3. Managing Vehicular Traffic Flow
Bollards help channel and direct traffic, preventing unauthorized shortcuts and optimizing space utilization. By designating lanes, segregating drop-off and pick-up zones and creating buffer zones, bollards mitigate congestion and prevent potential collisions. Their presence supports the overall efficiency of airport operations, streamlining vehicular movement for both passenger and service vehicles.
See How Bollards From Blockaides Can Improve Safety at Your Airport
At Blockaides, Inc., we’re dedicated to providing innovative safety solutions. Specializing in products like bollards and barriers, we’re committed to safeguarding people and buildings with high-quality safety solutions that are applicable in numerous industries. Just as we cater to various safety needs, we also create bollard solutions that address the diverse security requirements of airports, from light security enhancements to the most stringent protection protocols.
Interested in learning more about how our bollard products can improve safety at your airport? Contact us today to get in touch.