Steel Pipe Bollards

Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80

Schedule 80: About 50% Thicker Pipe Wall

Schedule 80 has about a 50% thicker wall than Schedule 40. In most cases, Schedule 40 is selected for its balance of economy and strength. When a stronger bollard pipe is desired, instead of just upgrading from Schedule 40 to 80, it is worth considering upgrading the diameter instead, from say 6″ to 8″. An 8″ Schedule 40 may have the similar or better strength characteristics then 6″ Schedule 80, and it holds more concrete.

More Intimidating

Consider this: as a deterrent, the diameter increase is more intimidating. Once filled with concrete, the 6″ Schedule 40 and 80 look the same because one cannot judge the wall thickness.

Bottom Line: Bigger Pipe over Thicker Pipe

In most cases, you’ll want to use Schedule 40 and just get a bigger diameter if you want a sturdier bollard.

What Size Steel Pipe Bollards Should I Use?

4 inch In-Ground Bollard

The smaller 4 inch is often seen installed in non-vehicle collision protection situations. For instance,  to protect a building corner from forklifts or machinery from carts. The 4″ should not be used to try to stop an errant vehicle.

5 inch In-Ground Bollard

The 5″ Schedule 80 Pipe may be close to the 6″ Schedule 40 Pipe in strength. Depending on availability at the time, it may be more economical in price and perform in a similar manner to 6 inch Schedule 40.

6 inch In-Ground Bollard

The most commonly installed pipe bollard may be the 6″ Schedule 40 Steel Pipe Bollard. Properly installed, they can stop slower moving errant vehicles; vehicles moving by driver error. They prohibit good-willed drivers from entering a prescribed area. They deter ill-intended drivers from entering prohibited areas in order to ram-raid an business entry, for instance. Schedule 80, with its thick wall, may be used for added strength and security.

8 inch In-Ground Bollard

The 8″ Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 are used where even greater impact resistance is desired.

10 inch In-Ground Bollard

10″ is sometimes used for staunch building entry protection for the fact that it holds a lot of concrete.

-> Click here to learn about Pipe Sizes

Independent In-Ground Pier Installation

For in-ground bollards, footings may vary, but typical for all is that the Pipe extends nearly to the bottom of the footing. Ideally, the bollard is suspended off sub-base with a masonry chair or rebar #-shape or block so concrete flows beneath it when poured. Its a good idea to line the bottom of the hole with gravel then place the #-shape rebar on that to support the bollard,

A typical 6″ bollard application might have 48″ under finish grade in a 48″ deep footing of 18″ diameter, and then have 36″ to 48″ above finish grade. So this requires pipe to be cut to 7′ or 8′, respectively. Footing depths depend on any potential local codes, the staunchness desired and the verified clearance of any utilities.

Footing: 3 times Pipe Diameter

Footing diameter should be 3 times the Nominal Pipe Diameter. So 4″ gets a 12″ footing, 6″ gets 18″, 8″ gets 24″ and so on.

Barriers: A Line of Steel Pipe Bollards

For barrier security applications, bollards are placed a minimum of about 5′ or less apart to stop vehicle entry, and no less than 3′ apart for ADA compliance. Both of these measurements are pipe edge to pipe edge (not on-center). On center will vary by pipe diameter. Most bollard barriers are make using 6″ Pipe.

Properly installed, lining up 6″ Bollard Pipes can mitigate slower moving vehicles in accidental collisions. Using 8″ Pipe (or larger) further increases the stopping power of the system and if properly sized, may thwart a purposeful ram-raid. These barriers, or lines of bollards, are usually each set into independent footings so that one may be repaired or replaced when compromised.