Bollards – a safety engineer’s best friend and a facility engineer’s worst nightmare. I am not quite sure how we lost our way in such a simple design for such a significant safeguard. But the International Fire Code (IFC) since the early 1990’s when I began using it has remained consistent in the design of Bollards. I am not even aware of any other design standard for bollards. Heck, those of you that follow my ramblings have been seeing me discuss the critical role of a simple post (when designed and installed properly) for years in my newsletters and these blog posts. But for those new members who may not be fully aware of the IFC Bollard Design, I will provide the update:
(emphasis by me – based on the video above)
SECTION 312
VEHICLE IMPACT PROTECTION
312.1 General.
Vehicle impact protection required by this code shall be provided by posts that comply with Section 312.2 or by other approved physical barriers that comply with
Section 312.3.
312.2 Posts.
Guard posts shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1. Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter and concrete filled.
2. Spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) between posts on center.
3. Set not less than 3 feet (914 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15-inch (381 mm) diameter.
4. Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above ground.
5. Located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the protected object.
312.3 Other barriers.
Barriers, other than posts specified in Section 312.2, that are designed to resist, deflect or visually deter vehicular impact commensurate with an anticipated
impact scenario shall be permitted where approved.
NOTE: this design requirement can be found in the Year 2000 IFC, but the IFC did not get published until that year. We have to use the Uniform Fire Code 1994 – 1997 to go way back to my early days.