Bollard installation. Need help!

I have a job coming up to install 3 6" bollards in an asphalt parking lot. This is my first time installing these. I was going to cut a square out of the asphalt and then auger a hole. Can I use sack crete to cement the bollard in or do I have to use redi mix?? Then I was going to fill the bollard with cement also. Then install the cover over top. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to installing these?

If you are in a parking lot, I would not use an auger. Lots of stuff hiding under the surface. We also have used a post hole digger. It safer and you can feel a pipe or wire before you cut it. Make sure you call for a mark out. We always use bags since in our area the trucks charge for a short load of concrete

The real way is to core drill the asphalt with a 8''-10'' bit, then use post hole digger to remove the dirt. We used to just take our 60lb electric jack hammer with a spade bit and punch a square out, so however you gotta do it. We use rustoleum enamel and a little spray gun to paint them at the shop. I think its much easier to paint before you install and just take care during transport. We also just use concrete bags. Have the GC approve the dig location as well. Rags and water will help to clean the concrete off the painted bollards.

so do you guys mix the concrete before in a wheelborrow, or just dump it in add some water and mix around? I will call for locates before any digging.

I mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow. I get the fast setting mix at lowes or home depot to "set" the post and then use the regular mix for the rest of the hole.

ncstripe1 wrote on Sep 17, 2015:Go to #5

I mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow. I get the fast setting mix at lowes or home depot to "set" the post and then use the regular mix for the rest of the hole.

Do you fill the pipe also?

If you're on a budget... an axe works well. Asphalt is generally soft enough to just give it four well-placed whacks to make a square.

Multiple bollards I have a guy who will sub them cheap. Putting in a few or sign posts I pour some water in the hole, fill with dry mix about 3/4 full, a little more water and top off with mix. I use my digging bar to poke the mix at settle the aggregate and bring up the creme to trowel and finish. Fill them the same way. Always fill them.

Chevron94 wrote on Sep 17, 2015:Go to #6

ncstripe1 wrote on Sep 17, 2015:Go to #5

I mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow. I get the fast setting mix at lowes or home depot to "set" the post and then use the regular mix for the rest of the hole.

Do you fill the pipe also?

yes. these are not fun but I get a fair price for them so I don't mind doing them. a 6" bollard with h/c signage should be north of $600.00.

Thank you guys so much! I will let you know how it goes. Just ordered the materials today.

Hint when filling bollards: take a traffic cone and cut off the head to fit into the bollard. Shovel the concrete into bollard. It may have to be a little watery than normal to slide down the funnel and into the bollard

Why does everyone assume filling bollards with concrete always helps? I have replaced many posts, and it seems to me that when they get hit hard enough that the post will bend or the concrete base will be damaged ...either way! You have to dig out a damaged base, but you can sometimes repair a hollow post using heat and good cable winch.

most new construction specs call for the bollard to be filled with concrete.

ware-ever wrote on Sep 18, 2015:Go to #11

Hint when filling bollards: take a traffic cone and cut off the head to fit into the bollard. Shovel the concrete into bollard. It may have to be a little watery than normal to slide down the funnel and into the bollard

Thanks for the tip!

Why does everyone assume filling bollards with concrete always helps? I have replaced many posts, and it seems to me that when they get hit hard enough that the post will bend or the concrete base will be damaged ...either way! You have to dig out a damaged base, but you can sometimes repair a hollow post using heat and good cable winch.

Markings #1 wrote on Sep 20, 2015:Go to #12

Why does everyone assume filling bollards with concrete always helps? I have replaced many posts, and it seems to me that when they get hit hard enough that the post will bend or the concrete base will be damaged ...either way! You have to dig out a damaged base, but you can sometimes repair a hollow post using heat and good cable winch.

You fill it with concrete because the intention is to stop a car without bending.

most new construction specs call for the bollard to be filled with concrete.

ware-ever wrote on Sep 18, 2015:Go to #11

Hint when filling bollards: take a traffic cone and cut off the head to fit into the bollard. Shovel the concrete into bollard. It may have to be a little watery than normal to slide down the funnel and into the bollard

Thanks for the tip!

straightline wrote on Sep 21, 2015:Go to #16

Markings #1 wrote on Sep 20, 2015:Go to #12

Why does everyone assume filling bollards with concrete always helps? I have replaced many posts, and it seems to me that when they get hit hard enough that the post will bend or the concrete base will be damaged ...either way! You have to dig out a damaged base, but you can sometimes repair a hollow post using heat and good cable winch.

You fill it with concrete because the intention is to stop a car without bending.

Agree!

It also has to do with the wall thickness of the pipe you are using, Schedule 10 pipe we always fill with concrete. Schedule 40 pipe, we fill with pea stone to hold the post and top with concrete.