Mooring Bollards
The word “bollard” probably comes from the word “bole”—as in the bole of a tree. The first reported use is from a Scottish newspaper in 1763 referencing a marine bollard, used at a dock to moor boats
12
Aug
Tag Archives: History
24
Jun
7 Types of Cannon Bollards
Some cannons were buried muzzle down, and others muzzle up. When up, the bore was usually sealed using an oversized cannonball.
10
Mar
What is a Foundry?
Foundries are responsible for our current standard of living and industrial development, but most of us know next to nothing about them. So what is a foundry? Foundry Definition In simplified terms, a foundry is a factory where castings are produced by melting metal, pouring
14
Feb
Introduction to Cast Iron: History, Types, Properties, and Uses
The presence of iron in everyday life began in about 1200 BCE, encompassing a wide range of uses from farming implements to weapons of war. Blacksmiths became a critical profession, working with iron to change its properties and shape the material into tools. Every village and town would have a blacksmith’s shop, where sickles, plowshares, nails, swords, candlestick holders, and more were produced.
20
Dec
The History of Infrastructure
With infrastructure, people can work together and provide specialized services to one another. In this way, robust infrastructure supports complex societies.
25
Jun
Globalization of Production
Read our interview with Brian Done, a foundryman for 46 years, on the business of general manufacturing—and what has been lost in an era that has seen the globalization of production.
10
May
Business Success: Saved through Innovation
In the 1990s, most foundries were local, doing custom castings. Globalization created challenges for all but a few. Read the business success story of a family foundry that had to innovate to save the company.
07
Nov
Looking for a Career? Consider Historic Preservation
Historic preservation is the process of choosing, investigating, and maintaining older sites that capture cultural legacy.
11
Oct
Security Upgrades to Fenway Park
Creating a fan-friendly secure perimeter at historic Fenway Park meant paying attention to the details. Cast-iron ornamental bollards are attractive architectural accents that protect fans without blocking pedestrian flow.
19
Sep
Historical Looks Using Decorative Plastic Bollard Covers
Decorative plastic post covers turn plain steel security bollards into architectural highlights.
15
Aug
Protecting Baseball’s Players and Fans
Stadium security is of growing interest to baseball clubs. Fears of attack on gatherings mean that ballparks are target-hardening their arenas. Read more about baseball and bollards: a civil solution.
20
Jul
History of Vancouver Foundries
Before Vancouver became the City of Glass, it was host to a strong manufacturing base. Foundries first appeared in Vancouver near the beginning of the 20th century, and they saw rapid growth over the course of several decades.
04
Jul
Industrial & Ugly? Decorative Post Covers Hide and Protect Steel
Traffic posts made of steel and concrete are often ugly, yellow-painted eyesores. Metal post covers are available in a variety of architectural styles and beautify these bollards. Explore the options and installation methods to turn traffic guidance posts into complementary elements of the streetscape.
12
Jun
Land Ho! How Nautical Bollards Crept Inland
The word “bollard” used to describe mooring posts for vessels in port—the term “bollard pull” is even a standard measurement of a watercraft’s drawing force. Now, most bollards are inland; the term has come to describe the little traffic guiding or security posts that dot the urban landscape.
22
May
Decorative Concrete: From Buildings to Bollards
Concrete is often a structural material, doing supportive work. Only some architectural schools use decorative concrete to make a statement, or to achieve an aesthetic effect. Read more about its artistic use in everything from buildings to bollards.
16
Aug
No Longer your Grandpa’s Foundry
A metal foundry is an industrial factory that produces metal castings. They’re evolving with innovative technology & workplace safety.
02
Aug
How Architectural Façadism Keeps the Old New
Architectural facades and adaptive reuse can maintain historic style and meet new building standards.
21
Jun
Architectural Bollards: for Security and Design
Every year in the United States, there are about 20,000 incidences of vehicles crashing into bus stops, offices, shopping malls, restaurants, and other storefronts.i Over the past few years, there have also been numerous vehicle ramming attacks around the world. Though the circumstances vary, the
29
Mar
Metal Bollards: Classic Style, Modern Security
Steel pipe bollards provide site security, but they aren’t exactly pretty. Thankfully, there are plenty of decorative options for covering pipe bollards—bollard sleeves slip over for a polished look.