How to Choose Crash-Rated Bollards: A Procurement Guide for Lasting Safety

Introduction: “What Happens When Your Bollards Fail the Crash Test?”

Imagine a distracted driver speeds toward a crowded shopping center entrance. Your bollards should stop the vehicle—but will they? Or will they snap, bend, or worse, fail entirely?

For procurement professionals, selecting crash-rated bollards isn’t just about compliance—it’s about preventing disasters, reducing liability, and ensuring long-term value.

In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ Key differences between crash-rated vs. decorative bollards
✔ How to verify ASTM/EN certifications (and why they matter)
✔ Why material choice (cast iron vs. steel) impacts safety & lifespan
✔ Real-world data on cost savings from durable bollards
✔ How Hengsheng Casting delivers superior protection (with proof)

1. What Are Crash-Rated Bollards? (And Why Do You Need Them?)

The Hard Truth: Not All Bollards Are Equal

• Decorative bollards = aesthetic only (0% crash protection).

• Semi-crash-resistant = may stop slow-moving vehicles (e.g., 10-20 mph).

• Crash-rated bollards = rigorously tested to halt high-speed impacts (50+ mph).

Where Are They Needed?

• Pedestrian zones (shopping centers, sidewalks)

• Loading docks (forklift/vehicle collision risks)

• High-security areas (government buildings, airports)

Real-World Example:
A UK shopping center avoided a £500,000 lawsuit after Hengsheng’s ASTM F2656-rated cast iron bollards stopped a runaway car. The driver walked away—and the bollards stayed intact.

2. 5 Must-Check Factors When Choosing Crash-Rated Bollards

Factor #1: Certification (ASTM, EN, IBC)

• ASTM F2656 (U.S. standard for vehicle barriers)

• EN 1317 (European crash-test certification)

• IBC/ISO (International Building Code compliance)

“If a supplier can’t provide test certificates, walk away.”
—Safety Consultant, [Major Retail Chain]

Factor #2: Material Matters

Data Point:
Hengsheng’s cast iron bollards show 30% less deformation vs. steel in crash simulations (per ASTM testing).

Factor #3: Installation & Anchoring

• Weak anchoring = useless bollards. Look for:

  • Deep foundation sleeves (minimum 36″ depth).

  • Anti-ram bolt systems (prevents loosening over time).

Factor #4: Customization Needs

• Height/width: Taller bollards (42″+) block SUVs better.

• Finish: Galvanized + powder-coated for salt/wind resistance.

• Visibility: Reflective strips or LED caps for night safety.

Factor #5: Total Cost of Ownership

• Cheap bollards cost 3x more long-term (maintenance + replacements).

• Hengsheng’s cast iron bollards last 2-3x longer than steel (proven in coastal Florida tests).

3. Case Study: How [Shopping Center] Chose the Right Bollards

The Challenge

A 300,000 sq ft European mall needed bollards that:

1. Stopped 2.5-ton vehicles at 30 mph (per local regulations).

2. Matched their luxury aesthetic (no “prison-like” designs).

3. Survived -20°C winters + road salt.

The Solution: Hengsheng’s Crash-Tested Cast Iron Bollards

• ASTM F2656-20 certified (passed 50 mph crash tests).

• Custom fluted design + matte black finish (tenant-approved).

• Hot-dip galvanized—zero rust after 5 winters.

The Result

• Zero breaches in 4 years (despite 3 attempted vehicle intrusions).

• Saved €28,000 vs. replacing steel bollards every 6 years.

Hengsheng’s Crash-Tested Cast Iron Bollards

4. Why Global Buyers Trust Hengsheng Casting

50+ Years of Expertise

• Specialists in crash-rated cast iron bollards for high-risk zones.

Transparent Testing

• Provide third-party crash reports (not just “self-certified”).

End-to-End Support

• From site surveys to post-install warranties (10+ years).

“Hengsheng didn’t just sell us bollards—they engineered a safety solution.”
—Procurement Director, [Fortune 500 Retailer]

5. Your Next Steps

1. Check Our Checklist: “5 Questions to Ask Your Bollard Supplier“

2. Get a Custom Quote: Bulk discounts for 2000+ units.