Armco Barriers have been providing solid steel protection in all manner of industries for many years. In many cases, such as on the side of Formula 1 race tracks, they have even saved lives.
Made to the highest standards, these galvanised steel barriers are capable of withstanding the highest levels of stress and impact from an out of control vehicle, while transferring the energy away from the collision, to ensure less of a severe outcome.
Armco Barriers are made when sheets of steel are rolled and formed into the familiar wavy shape which is created in such a way to allow the rail to slide over the supporting posts and dissipate energy from an impact.
Modern day Armco Barriers are fabricated to BS 4872 standards and galvanised to BS EN 1461. The galvanisation process makes them better wearing and last longer, even in the harshest of weather conditions. Originally the crash barriers were painted, but the galvanisation process was introduced as this protects against rust and corrosion, considerably extending the life expectancy of the barrier.
The origins of the name
The American Rolling Mill Company (ARMCO) was founded in 1899 in Ohio and it is from here that the Armco Barrier took its name.
However, it wasn’t this company which first created the barrier. The original Flex-Beam was invented by the Sheffield Steel Corporation of Kansas in 1933 – a product later acquired by the Armco company.
When Armco began making the barrier it began to be referred to as an Armco Barrier across Europe. The name remained as a generic term for the product and, despite the Armco company now going by a different name, it is used by many suppliers to describe the product to this day.
The future for Armco Barriers
Armco Barriers have remained much the same in their design from their early development and the supporting posts have been developed so that they are less likely to be in contact with a vehicle that impacts the rail and can absorb more energy.
Different methods of steelmaking and galvanisation processes which are developed and improved over time could have a positive impact on the effectiveness of modern Armco Barriers. But the fact remains that even since their first creation, their use has saved countless lives and prevented the destruction of buildings and infrastructure – and they will carry on doing so for many years to come. Their simple yet effective design has stood the test of time.
In this modern day, Armco Barriers can be curved to fit the radius of a road and come available in different shapes, heights and sizes which make them perfect for a whole host of requirements – this flexibility is made easier, thanks to the development of better equipment for making them.
Today, you’ll find Armco Barriers used for protection of people, animals, buildings, machinery and stock in all kinds of industries, such as the following:
- Transport
- Sports and Leisure
- Heritage
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Warehouses and factories
- Car parks
- Events
- Retail
They also come with a variety of powder coating options available to make them easier to be seen and avoided.
Use our Armco Barrier calculator
If you are looking to install Armco Barrier protection in your business or premises, but are unsure what or how much you will need, then at Armco Direct, we’ve made it easier for you.
Get a free calculation of your barrier requirements by using our online Armco Barrier calculator and get a result in seconds. Or, for more information, give a member of our team a call on 01530 839955.