What is an Armco Barrier?

Armco Barriers Installed In Front Of Machinery

When you’re going about your daily life, you might not notice the presence of an Armco barrier, let alone know what it’s called, but if it happens to get in your way one day, it could just be the one thing that prevents costly damage to your business or saves lives if you’re unlucky enough to need it to. 

Armco Barriers are safety barriers made from robust galvanised steel that’s tough enough to withstand the impact of a car. 

The barriers that we provide at Armco Direct are not highway tested, but can be used on private roads and can also prevent impact from other vehicles, such as forklift trucks in warehouses, where there’s the need to protect stock and machinery from damage – and the workforce from injury. 

They might also be used to prevent vehicle access to pedestrianised areas, or define areas within a car park where vehicles can and can’t go. 

Armco barriers are normally around 3500mm long and 3mm thick with a versatility which means the rails can be curved to suit the purpose it’s being used for. The posts, which attach the barriers to the ground, can be made of RSJ or spring steel and can be bolted down or cast into the ground. 


Types Of Armco Barrier Available 

There are two types of Armco Barrier available. Firstly, there’s an RSJ, which is heavy duty, popular in warehouses and better for slow speed impacts where protection of goods and equipment from the impact of a vehicle is paramount. 

Then there is the Armco Z post, which is lighter, and often found on roads and highways. These buckle under impact to spread the effect of the collision and cause less severity upon impact. 

If a car travelling at high speed was to hit an Armco Z post, for example, there would be less damage to the car and driver, than if they were to hit a solid RSJ barrier which would bring the car to an abrupt halt, causing the level of damage you might find when hitting a brick wall. 

As mentioned above, this isn’t such a bad thing when vehicles are moving at slow speed, but at high speeds the difference in damage caused is vast.


What Is The Purpose Of An Armco Barrier? 

Sometimes referred to as crash barriers, the Armco barrier is essentially put in place to prevent vehicles from going places they shouldn’t, such as down a steep slope, off a bridge or into a pedestrianised area or school yard. They act as a sturdy protection for both drivers and the object or person that would be driven into if the barrier wasn’t there. 

When making the decision to put an Armco barrier in place, planners have to decide whether the collision that could occur with the barrier would be a safer outcome than the one which would happen if it wasn’t there and careful thought is given before putting one in place. The barriers can then come as a single or multiple height with a variety of accessories and additions. 


How Are Armco Barriers Installed? 

There are two ways that the different types of Armco safety barriers can be installed. 

‘Dug In’ means they are dug into the ground and filled in with concrete, which is a suitable method when the ground is soft. ‘Bolt Down’ is better for when you’re installing barriers into existing concrete. 

In addition to the added safety and peace of mind that an Armco barrier can offer, they are also popular because of their versatility and the fact that they require little to no maintenance once they’re in place. They can also come powder coated to offer a high visibility deterrent that is often a less costly outcome than a full on impact. 

When you choose Armco Direct for your safety barriers, delivery is available in 48 hours or less. Customers must, however, cover themselves by being aware of health and safety regulations, and not get barriers installed after an accident, before a proper inspection has taken place. 


Armco Barrier Calculator 

At Armco Direct, we have been in the business of supply and manufacture of high quality barriers for many years and take pride in being able to offer our customers that added bit of safety and peace of mind. 

Why not start the process of getting your Armco Barriers installed by using our FREE online Armco Barrier Calculator to get an accurate estimate of the required products in just a matter of seconds. 

To find out more about the usefulness of an Armco barrier or to order one for your business, with 48 hours or less delivery, enquire today by calling 01530 839955 and speaking with one of our professional and friendly members of staff, who will be delighted to assist.