Does filling an anti-ram bollard with concrete improve the performance?

Before we discuss the subject matter below, I wish to point out that nothing I say in any way applies to the formally tested PAS68 concrete blocks and other PAS68 concrete tested products. Those products (for which they are only a few) are fully PAS68 tested and perform very well when installed to the manufacturers drawings.

The question I wanted to answer relates (primarily) as to whether or not filling a bollard with concrete improves its anti-ram properties, characteristics and performance. Now just so you now, I have witnessed the same bollard (with a proper foundation) tested both with and without a concrete fill and it only provided minimal improvements; so I have a good frame of reference to make the following comments.

As I have stated in my other posts, most (if not all) anti-ram bollards have not been tested and unless they have a decent foundation, they offer little or no anti-ram defence. So if the foundation on most anti-ram bollards is not suitable for anti-ram purposes, then pouring concrete into it adds no value whatsoever. In fact, it probably makes it worse in that it will make the bollard stiffer and less able to absorb energy. If you want to properly defend your property from a ram raid attack, choose a PAS68 product (until the new anti-ram tested products are available - which re coming!) or get in touch with us and we can help design something that will give you a higher performance rating that standard anti-ram products.

This question also relates as to whether concrete bollards offer good anti-ram protection? Hmmmm - no. I would not recommend using a concrete bollard as an anti-ram bollard. Sure they look mean and heavy and like they would cause significant damage, but how many concrete bollards have you seen that have sheared at the bottom - keep an eye out and you will see lots. The problem is that concrete is quite brittle and it will shear with minimal impact. Concrete bollards do not offer good anti-ram protection and they should only used for decorative purposes only.

Finally, something is always better than nothing!