A guide to Armco crash barriers

Armco crash barriers are such an everyday sight across the UK that you might not even notice them. These industry-standard impact barriers make a huge difference to safety at a wide range of work sites, making them a staple item on a site manager’s shopping list. We delve into all things Armco-type crash barriers below…

What is an Armco barrier?

Whether you realise it or not, you’ve been seeing the classic Armco crash barrier and its equivalents for decades. Armco crash barrier has become the generic name for the corrugated steel crash barrier you’d expect to see surrounding a racetrack or in other off-highway locations. It comprises tough metal posts and distinctive corrugated beams, and is typically used for low-impact, low-speed, off-road settings.

But the Armco crash barrier’s distinctive design is not just for show; it’s an extremely effective shock absorber and all-important safety measure. This crash barrier system is designed for durability and resilience, with ample beam and joint strength to absorb heavy impacts.

Why might you need an Armco crash barrier?

Different road settings require different barrier solutions. Whilst Ezi Klamp’s Armco crash barrier is not designed for use on public roads, highways and motorways, it is ideal for off-road spaces such as car parks, factories, service yards and warehouses. These areas might regularly have large goods vehicles reversing, forklift trucks being operated, or delivery drivers dropping off goods. Accidents may occur at much slower speeds in these settings, but they can still be extremely serious.

Armco crash barriers secure the area behind the barrier, protecting buildings and people from out-of-control vehicles and vehicle drop-offs. By installing an Armco crash barrier, you could avoid the worst-case scenario of serious personal injury and prevent costly damage to buildings, vehicles and stock. Measured against what you stand to lose by not installing one, the cost of an Armco crash barrier is highly competitive, making it a must-buy for any busy work site.

Why are Armco crash barriers so effective?

Armco crash barriers are designed for ultimate strength. Their corrugated steel design, combined with secure fixing to fixed posts, offers maximum protection and unsurpassed performance.

Armco crash barriers are constructed from steel and manufactured to the highest quality in compliance with all BS standards (specifically BS 4872 standards). They are available in a galvanised steel finish to BS EN ISO 1461, which makes the Armco crash barrier resistant to environmental exposure. This increases the barrier’s lifespan, mitigating the need for frequent replacements.

Armco barrier specifications

Beams

Armco crash barrier beams are available in 1.9m and 3.5m straight lengths. However, curved beams (convex and concave) can be supplied upon request for a radius of less than 50m. Measure your space in metres to determine the correct Armco beam length. 

Posts

Your armco barrier height depends on your specific use cases and the moving vehicles that will be present in the area.  Recommended heights include:

• Forklifts – 560mm 
• Cars/SUV/LGV – 610mm 
• HGV for single row of beam – 760mm  
• HGV for double row of beam – 1100mm 

Beams are attached with M16 fixings to the posts. The more posts you install, the greater the strength of the crash barrier. Supporting posts can either be concreted into the ground (dig-in) or, if there is already a firm concrete surface, bolted down using base-plated posts.

Armco crash barrier dig-in posts are available in 1200mm and 1500mm lengths in RSJ or Z sections. RSJ posts are suited for heavy-duty applications, whilst Z posts are ideal for lighter duty applications such as supermarket car parks.

Bolt-down posts are available in several different heights. Ultimately, post height should be determined by the specific application and its potential hazards. For example, the 1500mm post is suitable for areas with HGVs, but the 560mm bolt-down armco crash barrier post is better for standard height vehicles.

Post spacing

The standard post spacing for Armco barriers is 3.2m c/c. For greater protection, especially in zones where HGVs operate, we recommend opting for 1.6m c/c. Ezi Klamp’s specialist advisors can help guide you through choosing the right spacing requirements for your environment, which will help you determine how many posts you need overall.

Ends

There are three styles of end terminals used on Armco crash barriers, all of which we offer here at Ezi Klamp. When making your selection, it’s important to remember that the end terminal will add to the final length of your crash barrier.

Rubber end covers

Made from high-visibility, yellow flexible PVC, these end covers are designed to be unmissable. Each end cover slides onto the end of the crash barrier, preventing catching and scratching on the end of a beam.

Fishtail end covers

A fishtail crash barrier end is ideal for finishing a run of impact barriers, minimising the risk of blunt ends to people or vehicles. These types of end covers are mainly used within vehicle areas.

Pedestrian end covers

Pedestrian-friendly ends can be used to prevent any edges from being caught on the crash barrier. Alternatively, they can also be used to hold removable posts with signage. These are perfect for environments with frequent pedestrians, such as walkways.

How to install Armco barriers

Armco crash barriers from Ezi Klamp are supplied in kit form with no specialist tools required, making assembly quick and hassle-free. If you are looking for a one-stop solution and require guidance with armco barrier installation, our specialist teams can take care of the installation process, giving you total peace of mind throughout the entirety of your project.

Where can I find Armco crash barriers for sale?

Ezi Klamp supplies a wide range of Armco barriers in standard 3.5m/1.9m beam lengths with dig-in or bolt-down posts and a galvanised finish. We offer free, no obligation quotes, and our UK-based warehouse stocks all the equipment you could need for a custom barrier solution.

Contact one of our specialist team members to discuss your Armco barrier project requirements.