Protective tank bollards must be how large in diameter?

The requirement for protective tank bollards to have a minimum diameter of 4 inches is based on safety standards designed to prevent damage to storage tanks from vehicles. Bollards serve as a physical barrier, safeguarding tanks and associated infrastructure against impacts that could result in leaks, spills, or catastrophic failures in the event of an accident.

A diameter of 4 inches provides sufficient mass and structural integrity to withstand the forces exerted during a collision. It ensures that the bollards are robust enough to effectively deflect or absorb impact energy, thereby minimizing the potential for damage. This size aligns with commonly accepted engineering practices and regulations related to fuel storage facilities, enhancing the overall safety and reliability of these installations.

Smaller diameters, such as 2 inches or 3 inches, would not provide adequate protection against the significant forces typically involved in vehicle collisions, while a diameter larger than 4 inches, such as 5 inches, may be unnecessary for most applications and could lead to increased costs without substantial benefits in protective capability.