Drop-in insert installation is recommended for decorative applications to create architectural perimeters. This installation technique offers little impact resistance.

Drop-in anchors should only be installed in fully cured concrete that is at least 4″ thick.(1) All measurements in this installation guide assume a bare, level concrete surface.

PARTS LIST

#

PART

QTY

1

Bollard Base

1

2

Bollard Cap

1

3

3/4″ Drop-In Concrete Insert

1

4

3/4″ Threaded Bar

1

5

3/4″ Washer

1

6

3/4″ Hex Nut

1

7

Hexagon Socket Set Screw

3

8

Plastic Plug

3

INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT

1″ Masonry Drill Bit

3/4″ Insert Setting Tool (or equivalent)

1-1/8″ Socket Wrench

3/16″ Hex Key

Broom/Pressure Washer

Vacuum

Chalk

Hammer

Hammer Drill or Rotary Hammer

Level

Measuring Tape

NOTE

  • To protect the finish, keep bollards in original packaging until the exact moment of installation.
  • Handle with care to avoid scratching or damaging bollard surfaces as abrasions will lead to rust.
  • Once scratched, bollards cannot be repaired to original form without re-finishing the entire surface.
A diagram of parts you will need for installing bollards using drop-in inserts

Before installation

Check for hazards
Always check for hazards such as water pipes, gas lines, and underground wiring before digging.

Clean the surface
Dirt and debris can affect the line of sight and disrupt placement of the bollards.

Use a broom or pressure washer to clean the concrete surface prior to bollard installation.

Study the site plans
Site plans are generally created by the architect of the project.

Refer to site plans to locate and mark the precise center point of each bollard.

For secure installation, ensure there is a minimum radius(2) of solid concrete around each mark.

Drill the hole

Create pilot hole
Tap a pilot divot hole in the center of each mark.

This will prevent the hammer drill or rotary hammer from drifting while boring the hole.

Set the depth control on the hammer drill (or rotary hammer) to 3-1/8″
If depth control is not available, mark 3-1/8″ on the masonry bit.

Drill the hole
Drill a hole that has a 1″ diameter and 3-1/8″ depth.

Drill on high speed, using the hammer function if available.

Check the masonry bit often to ensure it remains free of debris.

Diagram showing the drill going into the cement with depth control at 3-1/8 inch and 1 inch diameter

Secure the bollard

Clear the hole
Clear the hole of all debris and/or standing water using the vacuum.

Diagram showing the vacuum clearing the hole of all debris

Tap the drop-in insert into the hole
With the slotted end facing down, drive the drop-in insert (A) down until its top sits flush with the concrete surface.

Ensure that the top is perfectly level.

Set the concrete insert
Insert a setting tool (B) into the threaded hole, then hammer down.

If a proper setting tool is not available, an equivalent flat-end punch can be used.

This will cause the internal expansion plug to set the concrete insert in place.

Diagram showing the drop-in insert, labelled

Place the bollard base near the concrete insert
Keep the bollard in its protective packaging. Carefully place the bollard near the installation position.

When ready to install, remove its protective packaging.

Set the bollard over the concrete insert
Set the bollard base upright and maneuver it so the center lines up with the threaded hole in the concrete insert.

Lower the threaded rod and tighten
Lower the threaded rod through the bollard base.

 

Diagram showing the threaded rod being lowered through the bollard base

Continue to thread the rod into the concrete insert.

Tighten(3) the threaded rod by hand until it is secure in the concrete insert.

A diagram showing the threaded rod being lowered into the anchor casting below and then hand tightened until it is secure

Secure the bollard
Place the washer over the threaded rod so that it rests on top of the bollard.

Apply the 3/4″ hex nut to the threaded rod and tighten until the bollard is secure.

Diagram showing the washer over the threaded rod, and the hex nut being tightened by wrench

Secure the bollard cap
Remove bollard cap from its packaging.

Place the cap on the top of the shaft of the bollard.

Secure and align the cap to the bollard base with the three set screws. Tighten in equal amounts to ensure that the cap remains centered.

Diagram showing the bollard cap on top of the bollard base with a set screw being tightened with the hex key

Place the plastic plugs (C) over the set screw heads.

Diagram showing the plastic plugs, labelled

Inspect

Inspect the installation
From a distance, examine the plane of view.

Ensure the bollard is plumb.

Check the bollard for any signs of surface damage
Abrasions should be covered as soon as possible to prevent rust and ensure the proper life of the bollard. For damage repair or other servicing needs, please contact Reliance Foundry’s sales department.

Care and maintenance

Reliance Foundry manufactures its products to the highest design standards to ensure their durability. Reliance Foundry’s bollards are finished with long-lasting powder coating. In most North American environments, routine inspections and cleaning will ensure that bollards retain their aesthetic appeal. Proper care and maintenance are required to maintain the finish and ensure a full service life.

1. Concrete insert manufacturers such as www.ucanfast.com recommend a concrete depth of at least 6″.

2. Concrete insert manufacturers such as www.ucanfast.com recommend an anchor spacing of 7-1/2″, and a minimum edge distance of 9″ for 100% performance.

3. The manufacturer recommends tightening the threaded rod to a depth of approximately 1″ into the concrete insert.

Diagram of decorative bollard installed with anchor castings in new concrete