You shouldn’t fill bollards with cement

A question people typically ask is whether they need to fill a bollard with cement. Some do it simply because they see others doing it. However, is it the right path? Let’s have a look.

The two main issues

Filling bollards with cement can actually cause two issues. Firstly, cement is wet when you mix and pour it. Then it dries as it cures. But, what happens to some types of steel when you expose it to a lot of moisture? It rusts of course. By pouring cement into them, you could be causing them to corrode and compromise the strength.

Secondly, if there is an impact, you need the bollard to absorb as much of the energy as possible. With cement, it can’t do its job. Instead it can result in a very big impact. In some cases the cement will even break off or the whole thing will pull out of the ground. Breakage is even more likely if there has been corrosion. Ultimately, it can cause a bigger hazard.

Many bollards are core drilled too. What this means is that the installation is similar to fence posts. You dig the hole, drop the bollard in, pour in the cement, and fill the hole. This might work for chain link fences, but it does not for a bollard. After all, people don’t design a fence to stop vehicles. Instead, they are simply for keeping people out of certain areas. As a result, to get the extra protection you should choose a different kind of installation.

Talk to us about bollards

At Barrier Mart, our commitment to providing the finest barrier products has led to us being considered an industry leader. Other items we supply include handrails, fencing, and guards. To guarantee quality, we manufacture all our goods in house. We can install them nationwide as well.

So, if you would like to discuss your needs with us, whether it is for bollards or anything else, feel free to get in touch. We can help you to select suitable products and get the right installation.