Answering your Armco Barrier questions
We’re asked many questions about Armco Barriers, with customers keen to know more about the various beams we manufacture, supply, and install. We’ve collated the 10 most asked questions and compiled them into an easy-to-read guide. If you have any more queries about your Armco Barrier, give us a call on (01977) 666 818 and we’ll be happy to help you with any additional questions you may have.
1. Why are they called Armco barriers?
The Armco name has a long history, going all the way back to 1899. The company started as a steel production facility in Ohio, originally called the American Rolling Mill Company. As the business expanded, they rebranded as Armco Steel Corporation in 1948, then again as Armco Inc. in 1978.
In 1999, however, Armco Inc merged with AK Steel and the company name was changed to AK Steel.
Despite this, Armco Barriers still remains the industry standard name for corrugated steel crash barriers.
2. What is an Armco barrier made of?
Armco crash barriers are made of the highest quality galvanised steel, making them strong enough to bring a moving vehicle to a stop.
Durability is critical, as safety barriers are likely to be subjected to harsh weather, so the galvanised steel adds essential protection from damage and corrosion.
Our Armco barriers require little maintenance and provide long lasting value. They can also be powder-coated in bright colours – usually yellow – to aid visibility.
3. What are the different types of Armco barriers?
There are three main types of Armco barrier beams:
These beams can be mixed and matched in unlimited ways to create an Armco barrier that’s perfectly suited to its location.
You can also choose whether to have one or two beams, depending on the size of the barrier you need:
- Single safety barriers
- Double crash barrier
4. How do Armco barriers work?
An Armco crash barrier is made of three parts: the steel beam, the posts, and accessory pieces like fishtail end caps and corners.
- Armco Barrier Beams – The beams are the main part of the crash barrier. Sheets of corrugated galvanised steel are bent into a ‘W’ shape. This unique shape flattens on impact, absorbing the energy and redistributing it along the length of the barrier to help slow the vehicle.
- Armco Barrier Posts – A crash barrier’s posts are designed to withstand significant force, keeping the barrier standing upon impact. There are two different styles of Armco barrier posts – which one you use will depend on the barrier’s protective requirements.
- Armco Barrier End Caps – End caps help protect pedestrians from sharp edges. They can also aid visibility for drivers when painted yellow.
5. What is the most common barrier used in driving?
Armco barriers are the most common barrier used to protect drivers and pedestrians from vehicle collisions.
These solid steel barriers were originally used as crash barriers for Formula 1 racing, and are now a common sight across the world. Their unique corrugated shape crumples on impact, helping to slow a crashing vehicle and reduce damage.
Armco barriers are also often used off-road, anywhere that colliding vehicles could cause harm: car parks, warehouses, factories, airports, construction sites, train stations, stadiums and arenas, pedestrian walkways and perimeter fences.
6. Who invented Armco?
The original ‘W’ shaped design for Armco barrier beams was created in 1933 by the Sheffield Steel Corporation of Kansas, USA.
Armco Inc. acquired SSC in 1954, and to this day these uniquely shaped steel crash barriers are known worldwide as Armco barriers.
7. What height should an Armco barrier be?
The industry standard height for an Armco barrier is 610mm high.
However, at CT Safety Barriers, we offer four different heights of Armco barrier:
- 560mm high – Lower beams are mostly used internally – for instance, in buildings such as factories or warehouses – to protect pedestrians from forklifts and vehicles with low ground clearance.
- 610mm high – These are the industry-standard height beams. They’re used in locations like car parks to protect against SUVs and other personal vehicles.
- 760mm high – A safety beam of this height can be used to protect against impact from HGVs – for instance, in places like lorry yards and areas where larger vehicles are common.
- 1100 high – The tallest beam in our catalogue is also designed to resist impact from HGVs. These crash barriers can be used to protect fuel tanks, water tanks on building sites, and offer extra protection as double barriers.
8. What lengths do Armco barriers come in?
The standard length for a single Armco barrier beam is 3.5m. Armco barriers are fully customisable, however, so you can request crash barriers in whatever length you require.
Use our Armco Barrier Calculator to calculate an estimate for how many beams, posts, corners, ends and bolts you would need for your space. For an accurate quote, please contact our team.
9. How can I purchase Armco products?
If you need to purchase any of our Armco products, please call our team today on (01977) 666 818. They will discuss your requirements and offer their expert advice and knowledge on every aspect of your barrier, including quantity, pricing, delivery, and installation needs.
You could also use our Armco Barrier calculator to submit your dimensions and requirements. Our team will then get back to you with a quote and answers to any questions.
10. Does Armco offer custom solutions for specific customer needs?
Yes, all our Armco barriers are custom-made for our customers.
The flexibility of an Armco barrier system means there are infinite ways they can be utilised. Our design engineers can work with you to discuss your requirements and create a bespoke barrier that perfectly fits your space.