ELI5: What are Bollards?
Those short, strong metal or concrete posts you see outside buildings are bollards. They stop cars from driving where they shouldn’t — like a row of sturdy tree stumps protecting the front door.
Definition
Bollards are short, sturdy vertical posts—typically made of steel or concrete—installed around buildings or critical infrastructure to prevent vehicle ramming attacks. They protect pedestrians, building entrances, and secure perimeters from unauthorized vehicle access, whether from deliberate attacks or accidental collisions. Bollards are a physical deterrent and preventive control.
Key Details
- Available in fixed, removable, and retractable varieties to balance security with legitimate vehicle access needs.
- Must meet specific crash rating standards (e.g., ASTM F2656) to qualify as anti-ram barriers.
- Used at entrances to government buildings, data centers, airports, and high-value facilities.
- Often combined with other perimeter controls: fencing, security guards, and lighting.
- A key control against vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) attacks and vehicle-as-a-weapon terrorism.
Connections
- Parent: physical-security — a perimeter physical security control
- See also: fencing