How to Install Concrete Bollards
A bollard is a short post or column installed as a protection barrier. Typically, bollards are found around gas meters or at building corners that are beside or within a vehicle traffic lane.
Manufactured concrete bollards are available in a wide range of lengths and their rating take into account the amount of internal steel reinforcing. Setting a bollard is a standard procedure that you can adapt to bollards of any size or purpose and soon have secure lateral protection in place.
Things You Will Need
- Tape measure
- Posthole digger
- Ready-mix concrete
- Level
- Shovel
- Rubber mallet or hammer
Warning
State and local building codes and utility providers have specific regulations regarding height, size and placement of protection bollards. Consult your local building department to ensure legal compliance with these regulations if you place the bollards in relations to gas meters or electrical transformers.
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Lay out the desired location for the concrete bollard placement and mark the ground at the approximate center point.
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Dig a hole using a post hole digger. The diameter of the hole should be the diameter of the bollard plus 6 inches and it should be 18 to 24 inches deep.
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Mix the concrete following the manufacturer’s printed directions on the bag label. Add an extra 1/2-gallon of water to make the mix slightly wetter. This will help the concrete flow to fully pack the post hole.
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Insert the concrete bollard into the hole and use a level to hold it plumb.
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Shovel the concrete mix into the hole opening around the perimeter of the bollard. Gently tap the bollard’s side with a rubber mallet or hammer as you insert the concrete mix to help pack the mix. Leave the top surface of the concrete mix approximately 2 inches below the finished terrain surface if you need to backfill it with soil or paving once the concrete mix has cured. Otherwise, fill the mix up to the ground level.
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Allow the concrete mix to cure for a minimum of 48 hours to complete the bollard installation.
The Drip Cap
- A bollard is a short post or column installed as a protection barrier.
- Setting a bollard is a standard procedure that you can adapt to bollards of any size or purpose and soon have secure lateral protection in place.
- Dig a hole using a post hole digger.
- Gently tap the bollard’s side with a rubber mallet or hammer as you insert the concrete mix to help pack the mix.
Resources
Writer Bio
Paul Massey has been writing since 2009, drawing on a 35-year career in the construction industry. His experience includes 15 years as a general building contractor specializing in architectural design, custom homes, commercial development and historic renovations.
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