What Is An Armco Barrier?

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Chris Caunce

Armco barriers are a widely used type of safety crash barrier. They are made from corrugated steel, which is tough enough to hold out against the impact of any vehicle and can absorb the energy from a collision. Their main purpose is to prevent vehicles from colliding with people and valuable property.

The most common place that an Armco beam is seen by the general public is on motorways. In this setting, the Armco barrier’s function is to prevent cars from colliding into oncoming vehicles and the central reservation. They also deter both people and animals from straying onto roads and protect trees, walls and other vulnerable installations from a potential collision.

In the past, concrete was often used to create this separation. However, advancements in technology over the years have encouraged modifications, especially for use in places where soil reinforcement was needed. One of such new age modifications include the Armco barriers.

These ultra-reliable and cost-effective vehicle crash barriers are now considered the ideal solution for protecting both people and property in the UK. Not only are they used widely on road networks across the country. Armco barriers, such as those supplied by CT Safety Barriers, are also commonly used for off-road protection of car parks, industrial zones, warehouses and distribution centres.

Armco barriers at train station

What does Armco stand for?

Armco stands for the American Rolling Mill Company.

Armco Barrier is a brand of corrugated steel barriers originally manufactured by the American Rolling Mill Company, which was established in 1899. In 1986, the European branches of the company began operating under the name ARMCO Specialty Steels Europe.

In 1999, the parent company merged with AK Steel Corp. and the company name was changed. Yet, the name Armco remained and became synonymous with high quality steel safety barriers.

Why are they called Armco barriers?

The term “Armco” is applied to any type of crash barrier made and reinforced with galvanised steel. Armco barriers come in a variety of styles and sizes, depending on their function and application.

They can also be installed upright or slanted at an angle for greater safety performance in a range of settings.

Browse our Armco Barriers solutions.

What are Armco barriers made from?

Armco safety barriers are made from ultra tough galvanised steel, which can withstand impact from vehicles of any size and weight. The protective nature of Armco barriers is why they must be manufactured to the highest industry standard.

Armco barriers are typically made with a standard thickness of 3mm. The corrugurated steel material is usually painted to ensure its durablity. These types of barrier networks are available in varying heights and  lengths which can be produced upon request.

Armco barrier dimensions

What are the uses of Armco barriers?

Traditionally, Armco barriers were introduced as road safety barriers. However, they are also commonly used off-road, both indoors or out, wherever there is a need to protect people and property. For example:

  • Buildings of all kinds (inside or outside)
  • Car parks
  • Construction sites
  • Pedestrian ways
  • Factories
  • Warehouses
  • Airports
  • Stadiums
  • Train stations
  • Perimeter fences to protect properties

The easy installation and Armco barriers allow for them to be used as safety crash barriers across a wide variety of settings.

How are Armco barriers installed?

Armco safety barriers can be installed in two ways using our in-house manufactured Armco posts:

  • Dug In: This process involves digging the Armco barrier into the ground and filling up the hole with concrete or asphalt. This works best when the ground is soft. Anchors can be drilled into the ground by machine or by hand. It’s important that this process is carried out by experts to ensure the utmost reliability for your barrier.
  • Bolted Down: This process involves driving bolts through pre-drilled holes in your posts into concrete blocks below them. This is a more suitable option for harder grounds.

The first step of installation is to ensure that the ground is level and firm so that the barrier can be dug in or bolted down effectively. The base material (concrete or asphalt) needs to be suitable for your application.

The next step is to measure the length and width of your metal barrier before placing your order from a trusted supplier such as CT Safety Barriers.

Read our installation guide for more information.

Armco barrier in White city

Looking for an Armco Safety Barrier Supplier?

Look no further than CT Safety Barriers! Armco safety barriers manufactured by CT Safety are designed and built to meet British Safety Standards. Using our own production facilities, we can manufacture safety barriers quickly, ensuring delivery is fast.

We’ve earned our reputation for exceptional customer service through ISO 9001 certification and our commitment to quality is evident in everything we do.

Crash-tested Armco barriers from CT Safety Barriers have been installed at construction sites, along roadways, buildings, etc.  throughout the United Kingdom for years. See our different projects.

Besides Armco barriers, we also manufacture warehouse protection, safety handrails, hoop barriers and bollards. Our production facilities enable us to manufacture and install these safety barriers quickly and precisely, so that you can be sure your site will remain protected even under challenging circumstances.

Contact us, and we will take time to understand your complete safety requirements, help you choose the right Armco barrier system for your needs and handle the entire installation process.