With 19 years of experience in the perimeter security industry, Barrier1 Systems has the engineering know-how to provide the best protection for a business. Our high-security bollards are designed to provide a shield for businesses against both accidental and intentional vehicle impacts. We have options for shallow mount bollards, bollards that retract, and ones designed for set-and-pour applications. Here’s a breakdown of the high-security bollard options and installation methods available from Barrier1 Systems.
At Barrier1 Systems, we employ multiple methodologies for installing high-security bollards. These include:
There are numerous advantages for each. Here’s how each works:
These bollards require a depth that is usually greater than three feet. These are often used in new construction projects, as these typically have fewer constraints when it comes to excavation. With these, the bollard is set in place, and then workers pour concrete around it to secure it firmly.
When extensive excavation isn’t possible, a shallow mount bollard is the best option as these will remain firmly in place without needing extended depths. Usually, a shallow mount bollard only requires between 12 and 24 inches of underground excavation. This makes them ideal for areas with underground utilities or shallow soil. These are also a good option when a fast installation is needed.
Our retractable high-security bollards are designed to restrict access to an area. They will lower when access is required, and they are often used near government buildings, pedestrian zones, and parking garages. There are two types that we offer, which include:
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The description “M30” refers to the rating of a high-security bollard that delineates its crash resistance. Our American-made high-security bollards adhere to the ASTM F2656 test, the standardized crash test designed to evaluate how impact-resistant an object, like a security barrier, is.
For those bollards with an M30 designation, a security bollard is tested to withstand an impact from a (M) medium-duty truck around 15,000 lbs traveling at about 30 mph. The “P” rating accompanying this number is an indication of the penetration of the object past the bollard. For example, a P1 rating means the vehicle’s front will project about 1 meter or 3.3 feet past the high-security bollard. Effectively, an M30 P1 bollard prevents a medium-duty truck from penetrating past one meter of the bollard.
High-security bollards with this rating are useful for businesses with local, slow-moving traffic. These will protect businesses from impacts with the most common vehicles that could accidentally hit the bollard. We have several high-security bollards with an M30 rating. These include:
Product
Specifications
Penetration
Foundation Depth
Installation Method
Hercules M30
Diameter: 8 ⅝" Weight: 450 lbs.
1 meter
36"
Set & Pour
Hornet M30
Diameter: 8 ⅝” Weight: 740 lbs.
1 meter
12”
Shallow Mount
Triton M30
Diameter: 10 ¾” Weight: 160 lbs.
1 meter
78 ½”
Manual Retractable
Tomahawk M30
Diameter: 8 ⅝” Weight: 1,450 lbs.
1 meter
10”
Standalone Shallow Mount
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M40 high-security bollards are designed to stop vehicles up to a medium-duty truck of 15,000 pounds traveling up to 40 mph. The products we offer at this ASTM level of impact resistance include both the Hornet and Talon lines of high-security bollards. It’s worth noting that the Talon M40 employs a square shape, but uses the same strong bollard tube composition that ensures a high degree of strength and stopping power.
The table below highlights the M40 high-security bollards available from Barrier1 Systems, both of which are designed for shallow mount installation. This means that they can be installed in locations where factors like underground utilities prevent bollard depths greater than 13”.
Product
Specifications
Penetration
Foundation Depth
Installation Method
Hornet M40
Diameter: 8 ⅝” Weight: 845 lbs.
1 meter
13”
Shallow Mount
Talon M40
Sizing: 12”x 12” square steel tube Weight: 1,600 lbs.
1 meter
4”
Super Shallow Mount
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When referring to M50 ratings for high-security bollards, these bollards are tested with that same 15,000-pound medium-duty vehicle, this time traveling at speeds up to 50 mph. The bollards that Barrier1 Systems have at this crash rating include set-and-pour, shallow mount, and retractable models.
Product
Specifications
Penetration
Foundation Depth
Installation Method
Hercules M50
Diameter: 10¾” Weight: 1,300 lbs.
Tested to only 236 mm of penetration over P1 standards
36”
Set & Pour
Tomahawk M50
Diameter: 10 ¾” Weight: 1,965 lbs.
1 meter
14”
Standalone Shallow Mount
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In addition to our M50-rated high-security retractable bollard, the Nautilus M50 PPG, we also have two additional models in the Nautilus line that work as retractable security barriers. Retractable bollards use a retracting mechanism, which is powered by hydraulic systems to lower into the ground and rise above the ground when needed. At Barrier1 Systems, our automatic retractable bollards are also designed to remain in a raised position when affected by a power outage. Businesses can then lower the bollards manually until power returns.
Noteworthy for these retractable bollards is their PAS 68 rating. PAS 68 is a European standard used to test and certify how well bollards and other barriers perform under vehicle impact. The Nautilus C730 Automatic Retractable bollard carries both PAS 68 and ASTM F2656 crash test certifications. It’s rated PAS68:2013 V/7500[N3]/48/90: -0.5, meaning it can stop a 7.5-ton (16,535 lb) goods vehicle traveling at approximately 30 mph, with a penetration distance of just 1.64 feet.
It also holds an ASTM F2656 C730/P1 rating. The “C730” designation indicates it can stop a cabover-style vehicle weighing 15,873 lbs at 30 mph, with minimal penetration past the point of impact.
Product
Specifications
Penetration
Foundation Depth
Installation Method
Diameter: 11¹³⁄₁₆” Weight: 750 lbs.
0.5 meters
13”
Automatic Retractable
Nautilus C730 Automatic Retractable
Diameter: 10 ⅘” Weight: about 750 lbs.
1 meter
13”
Automatic Retractable
Barrier1 crash-rated bollards are tested to ASTM F2656 standards, with most models, including the best-selling Hercules series, earning M30, M40, or M50 ratings and a P1 penetration classification. This means that they can stop a 15,000-lb vehicle within 1 meter of the bollard line, even at 50 mph.
The Hercules line of security bollards is known for their robust set-and-pour construction and are the trusted solution for airports, stadiums, and government facilities. The Hercules line has a deep mount design and requires a foundation depth of at least 36”. Bollards like the Talon and Tomahawk are engineered for bi-directional protection, helping safeguard high-security sites from both head-on and reverse-impact threats. These are made for shallow and super shallow mount installations, which are useful when there are underground utilities or limited subgrade depths.
Crash-rated bollards are available with a variety of foundation depths to suit different site conditions and utility layouts. The Hornet shallow-mount arrays install in just 12–13 inches of concrete, avoiding conflicts with duct banks and water lines. A Talon bollard requires only 4 inches, making it ideal for sidewalk installations where vault lids and underground infrastructure must remain undisturbed.
Bollard covers enhance security without sacrificing design, offering stainless finishes, brand colors, planter-style enclosures, or integrated lighting. Ideal for hospitality, retail, and commercial spaces where curb appeal matters as much as protection.
Our team works closely with you to understand site conditions, vehicle threat risks, and design requirements. Consultations are handled by phone or in person, based on project complexity.
Once a purchase order is received, we provide an Order Acknowledgement to confirm all project details before fabrication begins.
Within seven business days, you’ll receive product-specific submittal drawings for review and approval.
Bollards are manufactured in the U.S. and shipped directly to your project site, ready for installation by your team or preferred contractor.
Barrier1 is a certified General Services Administration (GSA) contract holder, enabling us to work with any government agency.
Our products and designs adhere to procedures and standards approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Manufactured in Summerfield, NC, our full line of bollards, barriers, and arms reflects our dedication to quality and American craftsmanship.
Barrier1 Systems has been innovating in the high-security bollard industry for nearly 20 years. We stand by the quality of our high-security bollards. We focus on quality, reliability, and engineering excellence so that our customers can depend on our products to protect their businesses.
Looking to understand more about set-and-pour, shallow mount, or retractable high-security bollards or just want a consultation? Give us a call at (336) 617‑8478 or email us at info@barrier1.com today!
