Many people are unaware that one of the first uses for bollards was maritime security. These posts are used to protect ships, docks, and other maritime assets. Bollards are strong enough to secure boats and ensure that they do not drift off.
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Ships, Docks And Other Maritime Assets
A bollard is a strong, vertical, and short post. This term is used to refer to a post that was found on a ship or quay used for mooring boats. These days, it also refers to a post that has been installed to manage traffic and they are also designed to prevent vehicles from colliding with pedestrians and structures.
These collisions may be intentional from vehicle-ramming attacks and ram raids, or unintentional loss of control. In the case of maritime settings, which is where the term originates from, posts are either made from wood or iron. These bollards were used as deck fittings on ships or boats. They were used to secure ropes for mooring and towing, as well as other purposes. On land, these short iron, stone, or wooden posts were found on a quayside to which ships could be moored.
When it comes to heavy traffic most of the time it suggests a lot of cars or bikes on paved roads, but waterways have also been known to have heavy traffic. This is relevant in areas where people use ferries or boats to commute to work. This is even seen in areas where water sports are a popular tourist attraction. Bollards were invented for exactly this purpose. They were designed to help dock boats along quaysides. The first bollards that were used were cannons that have been decommissioned and planted in the dirt.
Today, bollards are used for both waterways and land to increase the safety of docks. Bollards are used to secure ropes and they can even assist during storms. On land, they serve more than one purpose. Bollards that are needed specifically for ships are designed like mushrooms. This makes it easier for the rope to be fastened in a loop around the bollards and then tightened. With these bollards, there will be no concern about the rope slipping free.
Bollards must be designed in such a way that it prevents ships from slipping free from the docks. Modern bollards that are used in high-traffic areas have been designed with lights to help mark the shore at night and whenever there is poor visibility.
Visibility can also be an issue because if there is not enough light pedestrians and cyclists can be in danger of falling over the dockside. Bollards also help control the water’s edge. Unprotected docks can be threatened by drivers losing control or attached tows getting damaged and breaking between a boat and a carrier vehicle. If there are any emergencies, removable traffic bollards are perfect for giving access. These bollards lock into a fixed location and can also be removed whenever a boat needs to be towed.
Energy Efficient Bollards
Some bollards are equipped with light bulbs and are used to illuminate pathways at night. Other bollards that make use of motorisation include retractable bollards – these are able to lower to the ground to allow certain cars to pass.
There are a few different bollards that have been designed to be more energy efficient. Some bollards are equipped with solar panels to reduce the need for electricity in the event of power outages. There are a few advantages to both solar and energy-absorbing bollards. The benefits of using solar bollards include:
Impact on the environment: The carbon footprint of these solar posts is low. Using this type of bollard can reduce the overall environmental impact due to not using electricity. Most of the parts used can also be recycled.
Saves a lot of money: Installing solar bollards is more affordable compared to wired ones. You can save money during the installation process as there will be no reason for electrical designs or trenching.
Makes use of smart technology: These solar posts can be controlled with a remote. The lighting can be adjusted depending on the time of day, and the activity of different areas and other aspects can efficiently be controlled.
Lasts for a long period of time: Resistant material is used to build these solar posts which attribute to their durability. One material used includes die-cast aluminium. This allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Does not disrupt the landscape: The type of solar bollards you choose can be self-sufficient and perform using enhanced efficiency. Due to this, no trenches need to be dug so this will ensure that the landscape stays intact.
Fewer risks of accidents: The lack of external wires needed for these bollards minimises the possibility of anyone being electrocuted by open wires or causing accidents.
Does not experience power outages: This independent source of power will not be subject to power outages. They will function during power outages and the power disruption will not affect these solar posts.
These bollards are perfect for public areas such as parks, harbours, and pedestrian walkways. Reducing the need for electricity by using solar panels can save communities a lot of money.
Promote Community Development And Engagement
Many people only see these posts as a barrier that drives them away from certain areas. However, these posts can be used to promote community development and engagement. Different bollards can be used for different things but one of the things they have in common is that they support social activity. Bollards regularly play a role in a cover for people, it helps them feel comfortable in public areas where they may normally feel exposed.
People will often lean on these posts to feel more comfortable. Bollards play a vital role in preserving and creating space for public spaces. These posts can be sitable, playful, or provide aesthetic pieces.
They can be used to make public spaces look more appealing and inviting for all community members. Furthermore, they are often used to create places for community members to gather. In these cases, they can be used as seating areas or spaces for individuals to sit, lean, strike up a conversation with people or perch. This can be useful in areas where there is limited public space, this will provide a place for community members to socialise and relax.
Additionally, when they are used correctly, they can be used as a centre point for social gatherings. Creating areas for people to socialise will foster a feeling of belonging and connection between community members. Bollards have been used to create a feeling of pride in communities, by designing the posts in ways that are unique to the area. Moreover, these sturdy posts can be used to promote community engagement.
They are often used to create visual connections between various parts of a community. These posts do not have to be used in simple ways. There are so many possibilities for these posts including creating a safe space for community members.
These posts are also perfect for advertising. Information regarding community events, directories or maps may be placed on these posts to keep everyone informed regarding events or directions.
These posts have also been used to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Environmentally friendly designs, methods and materials have become more popular for creating sustainable and eco-friendly posts.
These posts are often made from recycled materials and designed with energy-efficient lighting. This promotes sustainability, these posts may help encourage community members to protect their community.
These posts can also be used as objects that create statements. They can be designed in ways that draw attention to nearby activities or buildings by providing people with social gathering places.
How Are Bollards Incorporated Into The Design Of Buildings?
Bollards are more commonly used to increase security in specific areas, however, they can also be used as design features and landscape elements. They also have a few other purposes:
- They can be used as visual boundaries for private property.
- They can separate various areas on sites.
- They are also commonly used to guide or control traffic.
- They provide pedestrians access to areas while at the same time denying access to vehicles.
Posts that can be removed allow for different levels of access restriction for different situations. These posts often tell people where they can and cannot walk, drive, cycle, or park. They can also be incorporated into the designs of buildings in the following ways:
- Security cameras
- Seating
- Bicycle parking
- Lighting
Increase aesthetic appeal to building exteriors.
Decorative posts are often used to add to the design of buildings. They can be designed in a variety of shapes and patterns to harmonise with a range of architectural styles. The concrete-filled steel pipe inspired the manufacture of architectural bollards.
These posts are designed to fit covers over standard steel pipe sizes, adding pleasing forms to their function. These posts can be integrated into the planning of cities to enhance their security. The posts are commonly integrated into the designs of cities to protect buildings from vehicles ramming into them.
There are designs that are used to deter and prevent vehicle attacks. This can also be done without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. In addition, bollards can form part of the landscape for structures of all types.
These aesthetically pleasing posts can be found at airports, government, and military buildings. These posts can be customised to suit city plans. Some people are concerned that posts can distract from the appearance of properties, but it is possible to create a custom bollard or bollard cover. This will help make a positive contribution to the aesthetics of architecture and security design.
Cast iron can be used to mould posts into any shape needed. This allows people to use their creative abilities to create posts that are perfect for city plans or any private properties. The design and colour can be customised to support the structure and enhance the aesthetic appeal of any structure. There is also a cost-effective option which is installing decorative removable bollard covers.
These covers can add creativity and additional protection. Bollard covers protect bollards against harsh weather conditions and vehicle damage. Lastly, these posts will add long-term value to your projects. They increase the value of building projects by adding more secure structures that also meet the appearance requirements of the project.
When it comes to business, these durable posts can help you achieve all the unique needs of a 21st century building owner. This also allows you to have a competitive edge in building and city planning.
StreetScape can help you find aesthetically pleasing bollards for all your projects. We will also help you have a competitive edge in this industry and you will meet all the needs of your clients by ordering bollards through us.