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Your Guide To Armco Barrier Installation

Crash barrier along the road

With over two decades of experience in designing, manufacturing, and installing Armco crash barriers, we provide insights into the installation process, ensuring maximum safety and efficiency. Our commitment to quality and customer service makes us the go-to source for all your barrier needs.

Understanding Armco Barriers

Armco barriers, known for their durability and effectiveness, are a form of steel safety barrier protection widely used in various settings, including pedestrian areas, car parks, and industrial sites. These barriers are designed to absorb and redistribute the impact force from vehicle collisions, minimising damage and enhancing safety.

Before installing an Armco barrier, it’s important to assess the site to determine the specific requirements. Factors such as the layout, potential impact points, and the type of vehicles using the space play a crucial role in deciding the barrier type and placement for maximum safety.

Metal Armco Crash Barrier

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Armco Barriers

Here are the steps to get you started:

1. Preparing the Site

The first step in the process is site preparation. Clear the area of any debris and obstructions, marking the positions where the posts for the Armco barriers will be installed. Carefully consider the terrain and any existing structures, especially around corners, which might require additional planning for moving vehicle safety.

2. Tools and Equipment Needed

A range of tools and equipment is required for a successful installation. This includes drills, which may be necessary for creating new holes in concrete surfaces or main beam sections, wrenches for tightening bolts, and safety gear to ensure all procedures are safely followed.

3. Setting Foundations and Posts

Begin by digging holes for the posts. These should be sufficiently deep to offer stability and strength, which is particularly important in areas with high vehicle traffic. Specialised fixings will be necessary for installations on a concrete surface to securely anchor the posts.

4. Attaching the Beams and Rails

With the posts in place, the next step is to attach the Armco beams. These beams are integral to the barrier’s strength and typically come with pre-drilled holes, facilitating easier alignment and attachment to the posts.

5. Safety Checks and Adjustments

Once the Armco barrier is installed, conducting a comprehensive safety check is crucial. Ensure all components are securely fastened and the barrier is stable. Adjustments might be needed to guarantee the barrier provides maximum safety, especially in areas frequented by pedestrians or vehicles.

Handling Difficult Terrains

Installing Armco barriers on uneven or sloped ground can be challenging. Supporting posts may need to be adjusted in height or angle to ensure that the main beams are level and provide consistent protection. In such scenarios, it may be necessary to excavate certain areas of the ground or build up others to create a level base for the barriers.

Post-Installation: Maintenance and Care

Knowing how to keep your installed barriers in top shape is vital:

1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance Schedule

Regularly inspect the Armco crash barrier for any signs of damage or wear. Scheduled maintenance ensures the barrier remains effective and extends its lifespan.

2. Identifying and Addressing Wear and Tear

Look for signs of rust, impact damage, or loose components. Address these issues promptly to maintain the barrier’s integrity.

3. Long-Term Care Tips

Regular cleaning and protective coatings can prevent corrosion. Replace any damaged parts immediately to maintain the Armco barrier’s effectiveness.

Armco end barrier beside new road

Conclusion

The installation of Armco barriers is a crucial step in safeguarding properties and lives. These safety barriers provide a cost-effective solution to protect against vehicle-related accidents, especially in areas with heavy machinery or near pedestrian walkways.

For the best results, it’s recommended to consult with professional installers. Their expertise ensures that the Armco barrier installed meets all safety standards and is tailored to the specific needs of the site. Professionals can handle complex installations, such as those on difficult terrains or requiring custom solutions, ensuring that the barriers are correctly and securely bolted and installed. Remember, the primary goal of these barriers is to protect people and property, and professional installation is key to achieving this.

Protect Your Space with Expert Armco Barrier Installation

Ensure the safety and integrity of your property with professional Armco barrier installation. Our team at Armco Barrier Supplies is dedicated to providing top-quality safety barriers tailored to meet your specific needs.

Don’t compromise on safety – contact us today to discuss your requirements and let our experts guide you through the process of selecting and installing the right Armco barriers for your space.

FAQs

Let’s answer some of your frequently asked questions about Armco Barrier Installation.

How Do You Install A Crash Barrier?

Installing a crash barrier is a systematic process that begins with a thorough site assessment to evaluate the area’s suitability. This is followed by marking the ground where the posts will be placed, ensuring even spacing for stability. The next step involves digging foundations deep enough to secure the posts. Once the posts are set in place, horizontal beams are attached to them, typically bolted together for firmness. Finishing touches such as end caps or reflective strips are then applied for enhanced visibility and safety.

How Can I Install Armco Barriers?

Installing Armco barriers involves planning the layout to determine the course of the barrier and marking positions for the supporting posts. Ground preparation is crucial to ensure a level base for installation. The supporting posts are then installed either into pre-dug holes or onto a concrete surface and secured firmly. Armco beams are aligned with pre-drilled holes in the posts and secured using bolts. It’s essential to ensure all components are securely bolted and aligned for maximum safety, completing the installation process.

What Height Should An Armco Barrier Be?

The standard height for an Armco barrier typically stands at around 610mm (24 inches) from the ground to the top of the main beam. However, this height can vary based on specific site requirements and the types of vehicles the barrier is meant to protect against. The barrier may need additional safety features at different heights to provide comprehensive protection in areas with mixed traffic, like pedestrians and vehicles. Each installation should be tailored to the specific environment to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety.

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Armco Barrier Dimensions: A Guide

Crash barrier along the road

Armco Barriers are an integral part of the armco crash barrier system, used to provide a safe and robust protection system. Often seen in industrial workspaces, pedestrian areas, car parks, and around private roads, they play a vital role in preventing accidents involving moving vehicles. Made from galvanised steel, they offer maximum protection with their robust structure and design.

Metal road barrier. Barrier for protection and control. 3D rendering. Metal road barrier. Barrier for protection and control. 3D rendering. armco barrier dimensions stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Key Components Of Armco Barriers And Dimensions

The key components of Armco barriers include beams, posts and end sections.

The industry-standard height beam is crucial for providing effective protection. Armco barrier heights can vary, with different Armco barrier heights being used depending on a site’s specific requirements. Can be used internally and externally and is a modular system which is not only quick and easy to install. Any damaged components within the system can easily be replaced.

1. Height and Thickness Standards:

These are defined to ensure the barriers can withstand impacts from vehicles of different sizes and speeds. In a car park application, a post height of 560mm or 610mm high would be most suitable. However, where Heavy Fork Lift Trucks and HGV’s are in operation a 760mm high post is generally considered the industry standard. An 1100mm high post double rail system is also a popular solution in areas of heavy traffic of HGV’s as they are more visually impactful and also give higher protection. Other heights of posts are also available and can be fabricated to any specification.

2. Length and Spacing Requirements:

The barriers must be aligned with the road curvature and area type. The length and spacing of Armco barriers are meticulously calculated to provide continuous protection while accommodating natural and man-made features of the installation area. Typically Armco barriers are mounted on posts at either 3.2m centres or for additional strength/protection at 1.6m centres.

3. Installation Procedures:

These specify anchoring methods appropriate for different ground surfaces, which is crucial for maintaining barrier stability. The procedures involve selecting the right anchoring techniques based on ground type, ensuring the barriers remain firmly in place even upon impact.

Armco posts are generally either bolted down to a concrete floor or concreted in.

Where an Armco system is required on a tarmac surface this is considered to be a ‘grey area’ in terms of bolting down. Tarmac ground fixings are available but we always advise that the posts dug into the ground and concreted in.

4. Material Quality Compliance:

Armco barriers are required to be made from high-grade, galvanised steel. This ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, factors essential for the long-term effectiveness and minimal maintenance of the barriers.

5. Impact Resistance Criteria:

These standards ensure that Armco barriers can effectively absorb and distribute the force from vehicle collisions, minimising damage to both the vehicle and the barrier itself and, more importantly, protecting the occupants of the vehicle.

6. Environmental Adaptability:

There are specific guidelines for barrier installation in different environmental conditions, such as coastal areas or regions with extreme weather. These guidelines ensure that the barriers maintain their integrity and functionality regardless of environmental challenges, such as saltwater corrosion or temperature extremes.

Installation Considerations for Different Dimensions

The installation of Armco barriers requires meticulous planning, taking into account their dimensions. The total length of the barrier is a critical factor, as it must align with the specific requirements of the site to provide effective protection.

Larger barriers, or those installed in areas with unique dimensions, such as sharp corners or spaces with low ground clearance, demand special attention during installation to ensure they deliver maximum safety and efficiency. Furthermore, understanding the armco barrier prices in relation to their sizes and specifications is vital for budgeting in construction and safety projects.

Maintenance and Upkeep of Various Sized Barriers

Regular maintenance is not essential to preserve the functionality of Armco barriers. The Armco system is ‘low maintenance’ and simple to replace damaged components.

Providing damaged items are replaced after impact no additional maintenance is necessary, other than periodic cleaning if needed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, these barriers play a vital role in ensuring the safety of properties, vehicles, and pedestrians, capable of withstanding significant impacts and safeguarding both private and other business premises.

Choose the UK’s Leading Armco Barrier Expert

For top-quality Armco barriers backed by decades of expertise, trust Armco Barrier Supplies. Our journey from a steel fabrication company to a specialised Armco product provider has established us as a reliable and honest industry leader. Now directly offering our extensively crafted Off-highway Armco products, we’re committed to delivering excellence.

Contact Us for Unparalleled Crash barrier solutions.

connection of metal and concrete highway barriers with screws. reinforcement with metal struts and tensioned bars in places where there is not enough space between the lanes. noise barrier connection of metal and concrete highway barriers with screws. reinforcement with metal struts and tensioned bars in places where there is not enough space between the lanes. noise barrier armco barrier pedestrian stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some of your most frequently asked questions about armco barriers and their dimensions:

What Are Crash Barriers?

Crash barriers, such as Armco crash barriers, are essential safety installations predominantly used in off highway installations. Their primary function is to prevent damage to pedestrians, plant and infrastructure, thereby significantly reducing the risk of serious accidents. These barriers are crucial in enhancing site safety, effectively acting as a protective shield that absorbs and deflects the impact of a vehicle collision. This function is particularly vital in areas with high traffic volumes or near pedestrian zones, where the consequences of a vehicle losing control can be particularly severe.

What Size Are Armco Barriers?

Armco barriers’ size varies to cater to different safety needs and location-specific requirements. They are typically available in multiple lengths, allowing for continuous coverage across extended areas. The height of these barriers also varies, tailored to the specific environment in which they are installed. This adaptability in size ensures that Armco barriers can be effectively used in a wide range of settings, from industrial warehousing etc to commercial premises and car parks.

What Height Should Armco Barriers Be?

The appropriate height for Armco barriers is determined based on the specific location and the type of traffic it encounters. For instance, barriers intended to protect pedestrian areas might be lower to prevent obstruction, while those in high-speed vehicle zones may be taller to offer better containment. The selection of the right Armco barrier height is crucial for ensuring that the barrier performs effectively in its intended role, whether it’s safeguarding pedestrians, securing vehicle-heavy areas, or protecting property and infrastructure from vehicular damage.

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Why Armco Barrier Supplies?

Are you thinking about purchasing protective barriers and materials for your business? If so, then you have certainly come to the right place. You might be wondering what makes our business a better option compared to the countless other possibilities on the market. Here’s why you should purchase barriers from Armco Barrier Supplies and how we provide a service a cut above the rest.

Great Pricing

We know that when you buy crash barriers and barrier posts, you want to make sure that you are getting a great deal. There are plenty of businesses on the market that overcharge for these products and supplies. We’re proud to say that we don’t fall into this category. Instead, we work hard to keep our prices competitive and deliver an efficient solution so that we can pass the savings onto you. Our aim is to deliver fantastic value for money with every client.

That’s not the only way we work to make sure that our prices are the best. We also provide quotes that you can trust. With some companies, when you get a quote, this is a basic estimate that could rise by the time you make your final purchase. With our business, the price we quote is the one you pay, offering the peace of mind that you deserve.

Fast Deliveries

You don’t want to wait for weeks or even months for crash barriers you need to protect your business. That’s why at Armco Barrier Supplies, we are delighted to be able to provide a fast turnaround on all our products. We’ll make sure that they are supplied to your business in no time at all, no matter where your company is located in the UK. Efficiency is built into our business model and as soon as you order a product, we’ll set to work preparing it for dispatch.

The Highest Quality

When it comes to safety, you want to know you’re buying the best products on the market. That’s exactly what we provide and we only offer Armco barriers that have been manufactured to the highest standards. All the products that we sell are built to the highest specifications and are recognised throughout the industry. We don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that we have the best welders on the market today, fully qualified to complete the job you need.

A Great Service

Most businesses won’t provide you with personalised service, but we will. We’ll work hard to find out exactly what you need for your business and then make sure that we deliver it to you. As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of crash barriers, our aim is to make sure that you are provided with a service that you can trust completely. We have years of experience operating on the market and won’t rest until you are one hundred percent satisfied with the solution that we provide.

We hope you see now why we are the best choice for Armco barrier supplies. With great prices, fantastic service and a quality solution guaranteed, we won’t let you down when you buy our products.

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Where to use Armco Barriers

You might think that Armco barriers or crash barriers are only suitable for use on motorways or near roads. However, these barriers actually provide a fantastic level of security and safety that you will need in a range of different environments. They can be used to protect property, pedestrians and drivers, ensuring that a business is safe for everyone. Let’s explore some of the different places you can use the barriers and why they would be beneficial for your company.

Car Parks

If your business has a car park, it would be beneficial to purchase Armco barriers and provide an additional level of safety and security. In a car park there will always be pedestrians walking around to and from their cars while vehicles drive in and out. It’s important that this process is safe and that pedestrians do not walk into the path of oncoming vehicles. Similarly, it is important that drivers do not hit pedestrians.

With Armco barriers, clear and designated pathways can be set up. This will ensure that vehicles are able to leave and enter safely while pedestrians can walk on the other side of the barrier. It also provides a clear message to pedestrians where they should and shouldn’t be walking. This will keep them on the designated path.

Vehicle Protection

You might be running a business where vehicles are stored or kept outdoors. If that’s the case, then Armco barriers can once again ensure that these vehicles are not damaged from a potential car colliding when coming off the road. They can also guarantee that these vehicles are safe from theft. If your vehicles are left in an open space with no fencing, it may be seen as an opportunity for criminals. Large Armco barriers can act as a deterrent against this.

Building Protection

If your business property is close to a main or busy road, you might be worried about what happens if a car crashes into the side of your property. If this happens, it’s possible that customers, clients and employees could all be at risk while your building could sustain a serious level of damage. Well with Armco barriers, this issue can be avoided completely. Instead, you can make sure that the barrier takes the impact of the crash completely and your building is safe from harm.

Internal And External Loading Bays

Internal and external loading bays have both pedestrians and heavy-duty vehicles constantly moving around in close vicinity to one another. Processes here are often fast-paced and it’s important that everyone remains protected. It’s also crucial that people do not fall off the edge of loading bays and Armco barriers can prevent issues here. Since they are also highly visible, these barriers are great for ensuring that drivers can reverse and navigate around the loading bays safely as well.

Hospitals

Finally, you may want to set up Armco barriers around hospital bays. These are often incredibly crowded with both pedestrians and emergency vehicles. Armco barriers can help ensure that walkways for pedestrians are clear while protecting them from a potential collision.

We hope this helps you understand that there are various business environments where Armco barriers could provide the right solution.

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Armco Barriers in F1

Formula 1 racing is an incredibly dangerous sport. The cars regularly reach speeds of up to 230 mph – that’s travelling at approximately 101 metres per second. Every second counts and the driver’s reaction needs to be lightning quick to respond to their surroundings.

Couple this speed with some of the cityscape circuits that the Grand Prix races take place in – Monaco, Singapore, Melbourne and London – and you can understand why safety is of paramount importance for the welfare of the drivers, spectators and the landmarks that they pass.

This is where Armco barriers come into their own.

From the late 60s, Armco Crash barriers have provided a highly effective protection solution to keep everyone safe in the event of a collision during F1 races. They proved to be so successful at reducing fatalities that they were introduced to the motorway networks as a defence against collisions.

The design of the F1 cars appears to show them to disintegrate on impact, so that injury to the driver is minimised, but the barriers can further disperse the energy of the high-speed impact so that the damage is limited.

The drivers take advantage of the design of the barriers and drive as close to them as possible to ensure that they are reaching the top speed that they can on the track. The safety testing of Armco barriers ensure that, should a vehicle connect with them, they are directed along their line, rather than flipping or turning.

Armco have transformed the safety records of F1 and are the go-to vehicle safety measurement across all areas: domestic, workplace and leisure.

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How do Armco Crash Barriers Work?

Armco crash barriers are used to protect the public in areas where there has been a significant risk of harm to the road user identified, and that the outcome of the moving vehicle colliding with a barrier is far less serious than letting it continue its route.

Armco barriers are not just designed to stop moving vehicles, they are engineered to control and reduce the impact of the collision, but how do they do this?

  • Materials Used

The barriers are made from steel which, although feels very rigid and strong to us, it is flexible through its corrugated profile. The internal structure of steel gives it flexible properties that allow it to bend under impact so that the energy of the collision is absorbed and diverted from the vehicle. The energy of the collision is spread across a wider area and so the force of the impact is reduced.

  • The Design

The design of the barrier ensures that on impact the vehicles are redirected along the line of the barrier. This prevents the vehicle from re-joining the carriageway or turning over, or around. Being able to have some influence on the direction of travel of the colliding vehicle diminishes the risk to other road users that may be otherwise impacted.

  • Testing

To be used on the motorways and high-volume, high-speed roadways, Armco crash barriers must have met the stringent safety regulations that are set by Government. These include tests to confirm that the barrier will not break upon impact, the barrier will not be able to enter the vehicle compartment (where the passengers are) and that the barrier must prevent the vehicle rolling during or after impact.

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What Are the Benefits of An Armco Barrier?

The Armco barrier system has many benefits and has been instrumental in diminishing the effects of collisions through the many ways this safety solution can be used.

  • Reduces Impact of Collision

Armco barriers are designed to reduce and limit the impact of a vehicle collision. This is because the barriers are made from British Safety Standard corrugated steel that helps to absorb the energy from the impact.

  • Inexpensive

In comparison with other forms of safety protection, Armco barriers are an inexpensive solution to gaps in health and safety at the workplace whether in the warehouse, in the car park or on the forecourt.

  • Quick to Install

Armco barriers are made up of standard parts that can be customised to suit your circumstances, this means that installation is quick – there is no need to wait for specialist parts to arrive, there are no complex plans or drawings to be considered.

  • Versatile

Armco barriers are a versatile option for protecting people, assets and property against potential harm and damage from a moving vehicle – either accidental or intentional. The barriers are not just limited to roadside protection, they can also be used to protect utility areas such as electricity pylons, car parks, schools, warehouses – wherever there’s a need for collision protection, Armco barriers can be used.

Armco barriers are a strong and stable protection and security feature that can be adapted to any environment. Made with standard manufactured parts, the barrier system that you need can be assembled and installed quickly and efficiently, and it can be customised to suit the environment.

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How Armco Barriers Protect You and Your Business

You may not be aware of what an Armco crash barrier is, but you will have a Eureka moment once it is defined for you: an Armco barrier is the name of the grey safety crash barriers that you see on the central reservation of motorways or lining the track of racing circuits.

The crash barriers are not just relevant for protecting against high-speed impacts from out of control vehicles, they are also the ideal safety solution for protecting against heavy impact too, whether they be HGVs or forklift trucks.

Armco can also be used in off-road circumstances such as protecting gas tanks, garage forecourts, inside industrial warehousing complexes or in car parks. Although crashes in carparks typically are low speed and low impact, the damage that these scrapes can cause can be expensive to repair and so every step should be taken to reduce the damage that can be caused by a collision.

Armco barriers are also used to demarcate an area that is safe for pedestrians; whether you actively use heavy machinery on site or your building is located near a busy road, the barriers protect and provide security for your business and workforce.

The Armco barriers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your business needs, but all provide the same outstanding level of protection for pedestrians, your employees, your premises and even machinery. Your employees, clients and customers that visit your business site will feel safe, which will help your business too.

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What is an Armco barrier?

Although most people see Armco barriers regularly, many do not know their purpose or even what they are called. Despite this, Armco barriers, also known as crash barriers, could very well save your life or that of someone you love.

Granted Armco barriers aren’t a whole lot to look at, they are made of robust steel & designed to fully withstand the impact of an oncoming vehicle. The crash barriers are often located on motorways across the United Kingdom, keeping our drivers safe from oncoming collisions, however they can also be used for a range of different purposes, including protecting livestock & machinery.

Things to consider when installing an Armco barrier

Before installing an Armco barrier, planners have to decide whether the collision which could occur would be more or less dangerous with the barrier in place. Armco barriers do come in a multitude of different shapes and sizes, meaning that no matter what your requirements, we have a product to suit your needs.

As previously mentioned, Armco barriers can be used on much more than busy roads & motorways. You will often see Armco barriers located in warehouses, yards, car parks, farms, outside schools and loading bays.

On top of the peace of mind you have after installing a crash barrier, they’re also extremely versatile and require very little maintenance once they’ve been installed.

Speak to a professional today

The purpose of this blog is to help our users find the correct product for them. If you have any further questions regarding our Armco Barrier products, we would invite you to email our support team on info@armcobarriersupplies.co.uk or why don’t you pick up the phone and give our team a call.

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Armco Barriers in Farming and Agriculture

Despite originally being invented for protecting racing drivers and crowds on F1 circuits, Armco barriers have become an essential form of protection across a wide variety of industries. Due to the versatile nature of the Armco barriers, their popularity has increased over the past couple of decades. The ease of installation, combined with the ability to tailor length and height, make the barriers an attractive form of protection, both from a labour and financial perspective.

The versatility of the barriers have made the barriers a success within the farming and agricultural industry. Ideal for segregating livestock, as well as protecting heavy and expensive machinery, the relatively low cost barriers are an effective form of protection.

The durability of the barriers also mean that once installed they can last for decades, whilst still remaining effective. The galvanised finish also means that they are less likely to rust and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

The extensive manufacturing process and testing that each barrier goes through means that they can withstand vast amounts of pressure from both livestock and machinery. The relatively easy installation process that allows installers to adjust height gives farmers and agricultural workers further opportunity to use the barriers to meet their specific needs.

Armco Barrier Supplies can also manufacture barriers to specific dimensions, making them an ideal form of protection for both small and large areas. This is essential within the farming industry where there can often be vast areas of land that needs segregating or protecting.

All of the Armco barriers provided by Armco Barrier Supplies are manufactured to industry standards, with all barriers fabricated to BS 4872 standards, and galvanised to BS 1461 standards. This thorough production process ensures that all of the crash barriers that come out of Armco Barrier Supplies are built to the highest standard and capable of enduring the highest levels of stress and impact.

Armco Barrier Supplies can deliver barriers throughout the UK. Despite the ease of installation, which may result in many customers opting to install their own barriers, Armco Barrier Supplies also provide an installation service when delivering the barriers and posts.