Armco carries were originally designed for use on motorways and busy roads to improve safety for motorists. They served as a physical barrier between lanes, preventing vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic or colliding with roadside obstacles. In the event of a collision, the design of the Armco barriers allows them absorb the impact energy, minimising damage and reducing the risk of injury.
Their protective qualities, minimal maintenance requirements and easy installation also saw them utilised across a wide variety of other industries such as agriculture, construction and others. Below are some of the many uses of Armco barriers:

Industrial and Warehouse Safety:

Armco barriers are employed in industrial settings and warehouses to protect buildings, equipment, and personnel. These barriers help create designated walkways, segregate work areas, and prevent accidental collisions with machinery or storage racks.

Car Park Protection:

In car parks, Armco barriers are often installed to guide traffic, protect pedestrians, and prevent vehicles from encroaching onto sidewalks or adjacent structures. They provide a visible and robust solution to highlight parking spaces and ensure orderly traffic flow.

Protecting Buildings and Structures:

Armco barriers are used to shield buildings and structures from potential vehicular impact. They are strategically placed around critical infrastructure, such as utility buildings, substations, and other sensitive areas, to reduce the risk of damage in the event of an accident.

Sports Facilities:

Armco barriers are commonly installed around sports facilities, race tracks, and other venues to enhance spectator safety. These barriers create a protective barrier between the audience and the track, reducing the risk of injury in case of accidents during sporting events.

Pedestrian Safety:

In urban areas, Armco barriers are sometimes used to protect pedestrians from road traffic. They may be installed along sidewalks, at bus stops, or in areas with heavy foot traffic to provide an additional layer of safety for pedestrians.

Construction Sites:

Construction sites often utilise Armco barriers to create a safety perimeter. These barriers help prevent unauthorised access, protect workers from potential hazards, and ensure that construction equipment is kept within designated areas.

Railway Protection:

Armco barriers are employed near railway tracks to prevent vehicles from inadvertently entering the tracks. They serve as a safety measure to reduce the risk of collisions between vehicles and trains.

Airport Security:

In and around airports, Armco barriers may be used to secure certain areas, such as runways, taxiways, and airport facilities. They help manage traffic flow and enhance safety within the airport environment.

Armco barriers, with their versatility and effectiveness, play a crucial role in promoting safety across various sectors, mitigating the impact of accidents, and safeguarding both people and property.

Armco barriers, undergo a meticulous manufacturing process to meet stringent standards and ensure optimal performance. The construction of these barriers involves several key steps, coupled with rigorous testing and adherence to UK safety standards.

Armco barriers are crafted from high quality, galvanised steel. This material is chosen for its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand impact forces.

Roll Forming:

Steel sheets are rolled into the distinctive corrugated shape characteristic of Armco barriers. This process enhances the structural integrity of the barriers and contributes to their capacity to absorb impact energy.

Galvanisation:

Following roll forming, the barriers undergo galvanisation, where they are coated with a layer of zinc. This galvanised coating serves as a protective barrier against corrosion, ensuring the longevity and robustness of the Armco barriers, particularly in outdoor and high-traffic environments.

Fabrication:

Armco barriers often feature specialised end treatments, such as energy-absorbing terminals. These components are fabricated to provide additional protection and reduce the severity of impacts at the ends of the barriers.

Quality Control:

Throughout the manufacturing process, stringent quality control measures are implemented. This includes checks for dimensional accuracy, weld quality, galvanised coating thickness, and overall structural integrity. Compliance with design specifications is essential to meet safety standards.

Testing and Safety Standards in the UK:

In the UK, Armco barriers are subject to rigorous testing and must adhere to specific safety standards to ensure their effectiveness in safeguarding roads, industrial sites, and other applications. Key testing and safety standards include:

BS EN 1317:

Armco barriers must conform to BS EN 1317, a European standard that outlines the performance requirements for restraint systems in roads. This standard categorises barriers based on their containment levels, impact severity, and vehicle compatibility.

BS 4872:

The welding of Armco barriers is governed by BS 4872, which sets out the specifications for welding procedures and welder qualifications. Adherence to these standards ensures the structural integrity of the barriers and their ability to withstand impact forces.

CE Marking:

CE marking is a mandatory conformity mark for products sold within the European Economic Area, indicating that the product complies with essential safety requirements. Armco barriers that meet the criteria outlined in relevant standards are affixed with the CE mark.

Highway Agency Sector Scheme 4A:

For barriers used on highways, compliance with the Highway Agency Sector Scheme 4A is essential. This scheme establishes the requirements for the design, manufacture, and installation of vehicle restraint systems on the UK road network.

By adhering to these testing and safety standards, Armco barriers ensure a high level of protection for road users, pedestrians, and infrastructure. The combination of quality manufacturing processes and rigorous testing makes Armco barriers a reliable and effective solution for promoting safety in diverse environments.

Armco barriers offer a range of benefits, making them a preferred choice for various applications. From road safety to industrial protection, the advantages of Armco barriers include:

Robust Construction:

Armco barriers are constructed from high-quality, galvanised steel, providing robust durability and strength. This ensures their ability to withstand impacts, making them effective in preventing vehicles from veering off the road or colliding with obstacles.

Minimal Maintenance:

One of the notable benefits of Armco barriers is their minimal maintenance requirements. The galvanised coating acts as a protective barrier against corrosion, reducing the need for frequent inspections and upkeep. This makes Armco barriers a cost-effective solution over the long term.

Longevity:

Armco barriers are designed for longevity, with the galvanised steel construction offering resistance to environmental factors such as corrosion and weathering. This extended lifespan ensures that Armco barriers provide reliable protection for an extended period, making them a sustainable investment.

Easy Installation:

Armco barriers are known for their straightforward installation process. The modular design allows for quick and easy assembly, reducing installation time and associated costs. This ease of installation makes them a practical solution for projects that require swift implementation.

Versatility:

Armco barriers are highly versatile, finding applications across various sectors. They are commonly used for road safety on motorways and busy roads, but their adaptability extends to industrial settings, car parks, and pedestrian areas. The flexibility of the barriers makes them suitable for a diverse range of environments.

Energy Absorption:

Armco barriers are engineered to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy generated during a collision. This energy absorption feature reduces the impact force on the vehicle and its occupants, contributing to enhanced safety and minimised damage.

Modular Design:

The modular design of Armco barriers allows for flexibility in configuration. This adaptability ensures that the barriers can be customised to suit specific requirements, accommodating various layouts and project needs.

Visible and Reflective:

Many Armco barriers are equipped with reflective elements, enhancing visibility, particularly in low-light conditions. This feature serves as an additional safety measure, alerting drivers to the presence of barriers and promoting safer driving practices.

Compliance with Safety Standards:

Armco barriers are designed and manufactured to comply with stringent safety standards, such as BS EN 1317. This adherence ensures that the barriers meet specified performance criteria, providing a reliable solution for containing and redirecting vehicles safely.

Armco barriers can be installed in a variety of places in order to offer protection. They are simple to install. Here at Armco Sales we supply all the crash barriers, posts, ends and fixings you need in order to install your Armco barriers. If you need to discuss a bespoke barrier installation we can help.
Alternatively if you would prefer us to install your barrier for you were are happy to help. Please contact us for a quote or further information.