Shallow-Mount Bollards
When Are Shallow-Mount Bollards the Right Choice?
- Surface-mounted bollards are not suitable due to performance, aesthetics, or fixing limitations
- Permanent vehicle control is still required
- Standard in-ground installation is not possible due to service or structural constraints
Fixed Bollard Protection Where Excavation Is Restricted
Shallow-mount bollards are a specialised type of fixed bollard designed for sites where standard in-ground installation is not possible due to excavation constraints. They provide permanent pedestrian and asset protection in locations affected by underground services, post-tension slabs, structural limitations, or restricted ground depth.
Unlike traditional in-ground bollards, which rely on deep embedment into concrete footings for strength, shallow-mount bollards use engineered mounting systems to achieve performance with significantly reduced excavation depth. This makes them a critical solution for complex sites — but one that must be carefully specified.
MSA Bollards’ Sentry Shallow-Mount Bollards are designed for applications where standard installation methods cannot be used, while still delivering reliable, long-term protection.
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What Are Shallow-Mount Bollards?
Shallow-mount bollards are fixed bollards installed using specially engineered footing or mounting systems that require minimal penetration below the surface. They are typically specified where excavation depth is limited by:
Underground services (electrical, hydraulic, communications)
Post-tension concrete slabs
Basement structures or suspended slabs
Structural decks or podiums
Heritage or protected surfaces
Rather than relying on depth alone, shallow-mount systems achieve performance through footing design, concrete mass, and load distribution.
Where Shallow-Mount Bollards Are Commonly Used
Sentry Shallow-Mount Bollards are commonly used in:
Urban environments with dense underground services
Shopping centres and commercial podiums
Transport hubs and forecourts
Basement slabs and car park decks
Sites with post-tensioned concrete
Retrofitted pedestrian zones
In many cases, shallow-mount bollards allow bollard protection to be installed where it would otherwise be impossible.
Strength Through Engineered Installation
Because shallow-mount bollards operate with reduced embedment depth, engineering and installation quality are critical to their performance.
Sentry Shallow-Mount Bollards are designed to work in conjunction with purpose-designed footing systems that spread loads across a larger concrete mass. This allows the bollard to resist vehicle impact forces without relying on deep embedment.
Shallow-mount installations typically require:
Larger or specially shaped concrete footings
Precise installation tolerances
Consideration of slab thickness and reinforcement
Coordination with site drawings and service locations
Due to these requirements, shallow-mount bollards are generally more complex to install than standard in-ground bollards and should be specified with site conditions clearly understood.
Shallow-Mount vs In-Ground vs Surface-Mounted Bollards
Understanding the difference between fixed bollard types is essential:
In-ground bollards are the preferred option where excavation is possible and provide excellent strength and value
Surface-mounted bollards are ideal for retrofit applications on suitable concrete slabs
Shallow-mount bollards are a specialised solution used only when depth restrictions prevent standard installation
Selecting shallow-mount bollards is typically driven by site constraints, not cost savings.
Materials, Finishes & Customisation Options
Sentry Shallow-Mount Bollards are manufactured using quality steel and locally sourced components to suit demanding environments.
Available finishes:
Galvanised for outdoor corrosion resistance
Colour powder coated finishes for safety or architectural integration
Stainless steel options for premium or corrosive environments
Powder-coated finishes are applied over galvanised substrates to enhance durability.
Customisation options:
Multiple diameters and above-ground heights
High-visibility reflective bands
Site-specific mounting solutions
Due to the nature of shallow-mount installations, customisation is often part of the design process.
Bollard Tops & Architectural Options
To suit different environments and design requirements, Sentry Shallow-Mount Bollards can be supplied with a range of top styles:
Cap top (standard knock-on cap)
Flat top (available plain or engraved)
Domed top
Mitred or sloped top
Architectural tops
These options allow bollards to integrate seamlessly into both utilitarian and architectural settings.
Why Choose Shallow-Mount Bollards?
Shallow-mount bollards are typically specified when:
Standard in-ground installation is not possible due to service or structural constraints
Permanent vehicle control is still required
Surface-mounted bollards are not suitable due to performance, aesthetics, or fixing limitations
Excavation depth must be minimised to avoid risk to existing infrastructure
They are not intended as a default alternative to in-ground bollards, but rather a problem-solving solution for complex sites.
Australian Made. Designed for Complex Sites.
MSA Bollards is an Australian-owned designer and manufacturer of bollards and safety infrastructure, supplying projects across Australia and New Zealand. With decades of experience, our team understands the challenges posed by service-restricted and structurally complex sites.
We work closely with specifiers, builders, and facility managers to ensure shallow-mount bollards are correctly selected and installed for long-term performance.
Get Advice Before You Specify
Because shallow-mount bollards are typically used where standard solutions are not suitable, early consultation is recommended. Contact MSA Bollards to discuss site constraints, installation requirements, and suitable configurations before finalising specifications.
