Road blockers are an essential tool for controlling vehicular access to high-security areas such as government buildings, airports, embassies, and military bases. They are also used in other areas such as car parks, commercial properties, and private residences. Road blockers can be used to restrict vehicular access in various ways, such as preventing entry, controlling the speed of vehicles, and stopping or slowing down a vehicle that is attempting to enter a restricted area. In this article, we will discuss the different types of road blockers and their uses.
Types of Road Blockers
Fixed Road Blockers
Fixed road blockers are the most commonly used type of road blocker. They are installed into the ground and are usually made of steel. Fixed road blockers are designed to prevent vehicles from entering an area by blocking the road or driveway. They are typically used in high-security areas where vehicular access is restricted. Fixed road blockers can be used to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering a restricted area or to control the speed of vehicles entering the area. They are also used to prevent ramming attacks, where a vehicle is used as a weapon to gain entry to a restricted area.
Retractable Road Blockers
Retractable road blockers are similar to fixed road blockers, but they can be retracted into the ground when access is required. They are typically used in areas where vehicular access needs to be controlled but not completely restricted. Retractable road blockers are useful in commercial areas such as car parks, where access needs to be controlled during certain times of the day but allowed at other times.
Hydraulic Road Blockers
Hydraulic road blockers are designed to stop a vehicle from entering a restricted area. They are installed into the ground and are operated by a hydraulic system. When a vehicle attempts to enter a restricted area, the hydraulic system raises the road blocker, preventing the vehicle from entering. Hydraulic road blockers are typically used in high-security areas where vehicular access needs to be restricted completely.
Crash-Rated Road Blockers
Crash-rated road blockers are designed to stop a vehicle that is being used as a weapon. They are typically used in areas where there is a high risk of a terrorist attack or another type of threat. Crash-rated road blockers are designed to stop a vehicle that is travelling at high speeds, preventing it from entering a restricted area. They are tested to ensure that they can withstand the impact of a vehicle travelling at a high speed.
Portable Road Blockers
Portable road blockers are designed to be moved from one location to another. They are typically used in areas where temporary access control is required, such as at outdoor events or construction sites. Portable road blockers are easy to move and can be set up quickly, making them ideal for temporary use.
Road blockers are an essential tool for controlling vehicular access to high-security areas. There are several different types of road blockers available, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. Fixed road blockers are the most commonly used type of road blocker, but retractable, hydraulic, crash-rated, and portable road blockers are also available. With the right road blocker in place, it is possible to control vehicular access and improve security in any area where access control is required.
Installation Considerations
Before installing a road blocker, several factors need to be considered. These include the location, the size of the area that needs to be secured, the type of vehicles that will be entering and exiting the area, and the level of security required. Additionally, the site where the road blocker will be installed must be assessed for soil composition, drainage, and other environmental factors that could affect the installation.
Location
The location where the road blocker will be installed is critical. The road blocker should be installed in an area where it can provide maximum security. Additionally, the area should be well-lit to ensure that the road blocker is visible to drivers, and the area should be free of obstructions that could interfere with the operation of the road blocker.
Size of the Area
The size of the area that needs to be secured is also an important consideration when selecting a road blocker. For larger areas, a series of road blockers may be required to ensure complete access control. Additionally, the size of the road blocker itself will depend on the size of the area that needs to be secured.
Type of Vehicles
The type of vehicles that will be entering and exiting the area must also be considered. Heavy-duty road blockers may be required for areas where large trucks or other heavy vehicles will be entering and exiting the area.
Level of Security
The level of security required will also determine the type of road blocker that is needed. For high-security areas, crash-rated road blockers may be required to ensure that vehicles cannot penetrate the area. Additionally, hydraulic road blockers may be necessary for areas where complete access control is required.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Once a road blocker is installed, it is essential to maintain and upkeep it to ensure that it operates correctly. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure that the road blocker is functioning correctly and to identify any potential issues before they become more significant problems. Additionally, regular upkeep can help to extend the life of the road blocker, ensuring that it provides long-lasting security.
Conclusion
Road blockers and barriers are crucial security tools that have become increasingly necessary in today’s world. The different types of road blockers available include hydraulic road blockers, bollard road blockers, crash-rated road blockers, surface-mounted road blockers, and sliding road blockers. Each type of blocker is designed to suit specific applications and environments, and security professionals must consider these factors when choosing the most appropriate option for their specific needs.