Barrier System and Barrier System Installation Method

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a bollard system including an impact receiving post and a foundation cage. The impact receiving post includes an outer surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The foundation cage defines a three-dimensional lattice structure. The foundation cage is coupled to the proximal end of the impact receiving post and is configured for installation in concrete beneath a ground surface. The foundation cage defines a recess to receive a proximal portion of the impact receiving post. The foundation cage includes a horizontal stop member at least partially extending across the recess and supporting the impact receiving post and preventing the impact receiving post from extending further into the foundation cage before the concrete sets.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method of installing a bollard comprising:
 digging a hole having a maximum diameter of 24 inches into a ground surface;   inserting a first end of an impact receiving post having a solid cross section into a foundation cage, the impact receiving post having a diameter of 4 inches and a height of about 24 inches to about 48 inches;   inserting the foundation cage and the impact receiving post into the hole; and   pouring concrete into the hole to cover the foundation cage.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26  further comprising:
 core drilling an opening in a surface, wherein the core drilling step is performed prior to the digging step. 
 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein core drilling includes drilling with a 12-inch drill bit. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein digging the hole includes using a 10-inch auger. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26  further comprising:
 prefabricating or pre-constructing the foundation cage to a standard configuration off-site from the installation site. 
 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the foundation cage is completely underground once the foundation cage and the impact receiving post have been inserted into the hole. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the foundation cage at least partially supports the impact receiving post in an upright position before the concrete is poured in the hole. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the digging of the hole is achieved using only an auger. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the foundation cage is commercially available as a kit. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 26  further comprising:
 installing a cover over the distal end and a distal portion of the outer surface of the impact receiving post and a damper sandwiched between the cover and the impact receiving post, 
 wherein the damper is comprised of an elastomeric material. 
 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the impact receiving post includes a post height as measured from the proximal end to the distal end, and
 wherein the damper includes a damper proximal end, a damper distal end, and a damper height as measured from the damper proximal end to the damper distal end, the damper height being approximately 40 percent to approximately 60 percent of the post height.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the distal end of the impact receiving post is unsupported and configured to deflect relative to the proximal end of the impact receiving post and the bollard is a single, standalone bollard that complies with ASTM F3016 when the foundation cage and at least a portion of the impact receiving post are installed in concrete beneath the ground surface. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the foundation cage and the impact receiving post are configured to limit a displacement of the distal end of the impact receiving post to 48 inches or less when the bollard is struck by a vehicle weighing up to 5,000 pounds and traveling at up to 10 mph when the foundation cage and at least a portion of the impact receiving post are installed in concrete beneath the ground surface. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the foundation cage is cylindrical and has an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the impact receiving post. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the bollard is unattached to other bollards or support systems. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the foundation cage is configured to support the impact receiving post in generally the final position under the ground surface before adding concrete. 
     
     
         42 . A method of installing a bollard comprising:
 core drilling an opening in a ground surface using a drill bit;   digging a hole using an auger to extend the opening to a maximum diameter of 24 inches;   inserting a first end of an impact receiving post into a foundation cage, the impact receiving post having a diameter of 4 inches and a height of about 24 inches to about 48 inches;   inserting the foundation cage and the impact receiving post into the hole, the foundation cage at least partially supporting the impact receiving post in an upright position before concrete is poured in the hole; and   pouring concrete into the hole to cover the foundation cage.