Impact dissipating bollard

An impact-dissipating bollard system comprising:

• a vertical stanchion having a first portion extending above a retaining foundation and a second portion extending beneath a retaining foundation;
• a composite energy-absorbing dumbbell-shaped deformable cartridge configured to be positioned within the retaining foundation, the composite energy-absorbing dumbbell-shaped deformable cartridge including:
• a rigid core portion including a stanchion-receiving aperture;
• first and second projections extending from the rigid core portion, the first and second projections, together with the core portion, forming the dumbbell shape;
• energy-absorbing resilient elastic material surrounding the rigid core portion and positioned within recesses within the first and second projections;
• wherein the bollard system is configured such that impact energy is transferred from the vertical stanchion to deform the composite energy-absorbing deformable cartridge;
• and
• wherein the retaining foundation includes a reinforcing frame embedded in concrete and having a strength of least 30 MPa.