Armco Barriers, Guardrails or Crash Barriers?
Armco barriers, sometimes called guardrails or crash barriers are heavy‑duty steel barricades designed to absorb impact energy and prevent vehicle encroachment into protected zones.
Originating in the 1930s, typically these barriers feature corrugated galvanised steel beams mounted on robust vertical posts ( typically RSJ or Z forms) to absorb collision forces, thereby preventing vehicles from veering into hazardous areas.
Armco barriers offer a versatile, proven solution to protect pedestrians, vehicles, workforce and infrastructure in diverse settings. Through careful specification, installation to British Standards, and timely maintenance, they safeguard lives and property in both public and industrial environments
1. Pedestrian Walkways
Why Armco Barriers Matter
Integrating Armco barriers along pedestrian routes such as car park walkways or factory corridors, creates a vital protective separation. These not only provide a visible boundary but also guide foot traffic away from vehicle routes .
Benefits
- Impact absorption: Corrugated beams deform controllably during collisions to reduce transmission of force
- High visibility: Often galvanised and powder‑coated (e.g., bright yellow or black/amber), enhancing awareness
- Modular design: Damage can be easily repaired by replacing sections rather than entire systems
- Pedestrian-friendly additions: Some systems offer integrated handrails and mesh, ideal where mixing foot and vehicle traffic (e.g., at railway depots)
2. Public Roads & Car Parks
- Highway Use: On public roads, Armco barriers serve to contain out‑of‑control vehicles, reducing the severity of accidents and protecting those beyond the verge or hard shoulder
- Car Parks & Local Streets: In car parks or depot ramps, barriers prevent vehicles reversing or driving over pedestrian areas or edges. They act as both protective and way‑finding structures, defining safe zones and traffic flow .
3. Factories & Industrial Environments
- Warehouses & Loading Bays: Armco barriers are widely used inside industrial facilities to defend against forklift and vehicular impacts. They protect walls, loading bay doors, machinery and structural supports
- Heavy‑Duty Requirements: Options include double and quadruple‑height beams (e.g., 760D, 1100D) for zones with heavy or high‑speed traffic. These are often galvanised to BS EN 1461 for high corrosion resistance and longevity (~85 years)
- Customised Protection: Colum protector sleeves, end caps (fishtail or scroll types), and corner joints enhance safety, especially around columns, downpipes, or service yard perimeters
Technical & Installation Considerations
Standards Compliance
- BS 6180: For barriers around buildings and landscaped areas
- BS 1461: For galvanising quality
- BS4872: For weld certification
Installation Guidelines
- Site preparation: Clear debris, locate posts and identify high-risk impact points (e.g., corners)
- Foundations: Posts must be embedded or bolt down deep enough for stability under impact.
- Beam fixing: Pre-drilled beams are bolted to posts. Careful alignment ensures even load distribution
- Inspection: Every bolt and post should be checked post-installation. On uneven terrain, posts may need height adjustment or ground levelling
- Maintenance: While galvanised steel resists corrosion, damaged sections should be replaced promptly to maintain safety integrity
Armco Barrier Summary
Pedestrian Walkways – 560–760 mm heights, handrails, mesh – Key Advantages Segregation, guidance, impact protection
Car Parks / Roads – Standard crash beams, high visibility Key Advantages Vehicle containment, structural defence
Industrial Facilities – Double/quadruple beams, end caps, columns Key Advantages Heavy-duty impact resistance, asset protection
Find out more about Armco Barrier Supplies on their member profile page here
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