Question

When installing heavy posts (bollards) to stop a car from hitting a building, why must the spacing between them be precisely calculated based on the width of the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

You need to space bollards—which are thick, strong posts meant to stop cars—based on the width of a vehicle to prevent the car from driving right through the gaps. If the space between the posts is wider than the smallest car you are worried about, the car can simply fit through the opening and hit the building anyway. Think of it like a baseball glove; if the spaces between the webbing are too wide, the ball will just slide right through instead of getting caught. Engineers calculate this "clearance" to make sure that even the narrowest part of a car cannot squeeze between the posts. By keeping the gap smaller than the car, the frame or the tires of the vehicle will hit the posts instead of passing through them. This ensures the bollards actually do their job of keeping the building safe.

When installing heavy posts (bollards) to stop a car from hitting a building, why must the spacing between them be precisely calculated based on the width of the vehicle?

You need to space bollards—which are thick, strong posts meant to stop cars—based on the width of a vehicle to prevent the car from driving right through the gaps. If the space between the posts is wider than the smallest car you are worrie....

Community Answers

Home → All Courses → Engineering and Technology Courses → Certified Civil Defense Engineer → Flashcard

When installing heavy posts (bollards) to stop a car from hitting a building, why must the spacing between them be precisely calculated based on the width of the vehicle?

You need to space bollards—which are thick, strong posts meant to stop cars—based on the width of a vehicle to prevent the car from driving right through the gaps. If the space between the posts is wider than the smallest car you are worrie....

Community Answers