What Height Should Armco Barrier Be? | Aremco Barriers
What Height Should Armco Barrier Be Installed at?
Install it too low for the vehicles using the area and it may not provide the protection you're trying to achieve. Choose a height without considering what is actually being protected and you may end up with a barrier that isn't appropriate for the application.
There is no single Armco barrier height that's right for every site.
The correct height depends on the type of vehicles operating in the area, what the barrier is intended to protect and the layout of the site.
At Aremco Barriers, we supply Armco barrier systems for commercial and industrial applications throughout the UK. In this guide, we'll look at the different heights available and what you should consider before choosing.
What Heights Are Armco Barriers Available In?
Aremco can supply Armco barrier arrangements at different finished heights, including approximately:
- 610mm
- 760mm
- 1100mm
However, you shouldn't simply choose the tallest option on the assumption that taller automatically means better.
The barrier needs to be appropriate for the vehicles and hazards present at the particular site.
Why Does Armco Barrier Height Matter?
The purpose of an Armco barrier is generally to create a physical barrier between a vehicle route and an area that requires protection or separation.
This could include:
- Buildings
- Machinery
- Pedestrian areas
- Storage areas
- Loading areas
- Site infrastructure
- Car park boundaries
- Industrial equipment
The height of the barrier influences where the horizontal beam will meet a vehicle if contact occurs.
Different types of vehicles have very different dimensions, which is why the intended application needs to be considered.
Is 610mm a Standard Armco Barrier Height?
Approximately 610mm is one of the common finished heights available within the Aremco Armco range.
This can be suitable for various general vehicle areas depending on the application.
However, the fact that it is a commonly used height doesn't mean it should automatically be specified for every installation.
You still need to consider the vehicles operating around the barrier and what lies behind it.
When Would I Consider a 760mm High Armco Barrier?
A 760mm high arrangement positions the barrier beam higher than a 610mm system.
This may be appropriate where the site layout, vehicles or area being protected makes a higher beam position preferable.
For example, sites regularly used by larger commercial vehicles may have different requirements from a standard car park.
The vehicle types should therefore be established before the barrier height is selected.
What Is a 1100mm High Armco Barrier Used For?
Aremco can also supply Armco arrangements at approximately 1100mm high.
A higher arrangement may be considered where the application requires the barrier to provide protection or separation at a greater height.
Again, this shouldn't simply be selected because it is the tallest option.
The complete application needs to be considered.
What Height Armco Should I Use for Cars?
If the barrier is being installed in an area primarily used by cars and smaller vehicles, the position of the beam should be considered in relation to those vehicles.
A general car park application can be very different from an industrial yard used by HGVs.
Consider:
- Vehicle bumper heights
- Vehicle sizes
- Parking direction
- Turning movements
- Distance from the barrier
- What is being protected behind it
Modern vehicles also vary considerably in size, from small cars to large SUVs and vans.
This is why there isn't one universal "car park Armco height".
What Height Armco Should I Use for HGVs?
Sites used by HGVs require particular consideration because these vehicles are substantially larger than cars.
The height and arrangement of the barrier should reflect the types of vehicles operating on the site.
Aremco offers different Armco post arrangements, including options intended for heavier vehicle applications.
If HGVs regularly operate around the proposed barrier, tell us when requesting a quotation rather than simply ordering a standard system based on overall length.
Consider What You're Protecting
The vehicle isn't the only consideration.
Ask yourself:
What is behind the Armco barrier?
For example, you might be trying to protect:
- A warehouse wall
- Cladding
- Pipework
- Electrical equipment
- Machinery
- Racking
- A pedestrian walkway
- Loading equipment
- A change in level
The position and vulnerability of the item being protected can influence the most appropriate barrier arrangement.
Armco for Warehouse Walls
Armco is frequently installed inside and outside warehouses to help separate vehicle routes from the building structure.
When planning the installation, don't just measure the length of the wall.
Consider where vehicles travel and turn.
A barrier positioned in an area where forklift trucks operate may require a different layout from one protecting an external wall alongside a delivery route.
Also consider whether doors, roller shutters, loading bays or pedestrian entrances interrupt the barrier run.
Armco Around Roller Shutter Doors
Roller shutter entrances are another common area where vehicle protection may be considered.
However, you don't want the barrier itself to obstruct the usable entrance.
The barrier height, distance from the opening and position of the end sections all need to be considered alongside vehicle movements.
In some applications, bollards may be used alongside Armco to provide protection around vulnerable corners or door jambs.
Armco for Pedestrian Areas
Where Armco is being used as part of the separation between vehicles and pedestrians, the complete site layout needs careful consideration.
Barrier height is only one part of this.
You may also need to consider:
- Pedestrian routes
- Crossing points
- Entrances and exits
- Visibility
- Vehicle speeds
- Vehicle turning movements
- Gaps in the barrier
- Accessibility requirements
Armco shouldn't simply be installed without considering how people will move safely around it.
Is a Taller Armco Barrier Always Better?
No.
This is a common assumption with physical barriers generally.
A taller barrier isn't automatically a better barrier.
The system needs to be suitable for its intended application, and the beam needs to be positioned appropriately in relation to the vehicles and hazards involved.
Choosing the correct system is more important than simply choosing the largest available option.
Does the Post Height Determine the Finished Barrier Height?
The posts form part of the complete Armco arrangement and are selected according to the required installation.
The finished beam height should be established as part of the specification rather than assuming any post can simply be installed at whatever depth produces the desired result.
Different post types and sizes are available for different applications.
What About Uneven or Sloping Ground?
Sloping sites require additional consideration.
If the ground level changes along the length of the barrier, maintaining the correct beam arrangement can become more complicated.
You should establish:
- Direction of the slope
- Amount of level change
- Length of the barrier run
- Vehicle route
- Required finished height
Photographs and site measurements can be particularly useful when requesting a quotation for an installation on sloping ground.
Measure From the Finished Ground Level
When discussing barrier height, measurements should relate to the finished ground level around the installation.
This is particularly important on new construction projects where the surface may not yet have been completed.
If additional tarmac, concrete or other surfacing is going to be added later, this could alter the effective finished height of the barrier.
Make sure the final ground level is taken into account before the posts are installed.
Don't Forget the Foundation
The height of the barrier above ground is only part of the installation.
The supporting posts also need appropriate foundations or structural fixings.
Depending on the system, posts may be:
- Root fixed into prepared foundations
- Bolt down onto suitable structural concrete
A bolt-down post shouldn't simply be fixed through tarmac or paving without establishing whether there is an appropriate structural foundation beneath it.
Does Armco Height Affect the Number of Beams Required?
Not necessarily in terms of the length of a standard single-beam run, but the required system configuration should always be established before ordering.
A standard Aremco Armco beam is approximately 3.5 metres overall, giving approximately 3.2 metres effective installed length once overlapping is taken into account.
The total number of beams, posts, corners and terminations depends on the complete layout rather than height alone.
Can Armco Be Installed at Two Different Heights?
A site may have different requirements in different areas.
However, transitions between different barrier arrangements need to be properly considered.
Rather than improvising different heights during installation, provide Aremco with the layout beforehand so the required system and components can be considered.
Should I Send a Drawing?
Yes – and it doesn't need to be anything fancy.
A simple hand-drawn sketch showing:
- Overall lengths
- Corners
- Openings
- Required height
- Buildings
- Vehicle routes
- Areas being protected
can be extremely useful.
Photographs are also helpful.
The more we understand about the site, the easier it is to identify the appropriate components.
Is Armco Designed to Stop Any Vehicle?
No.
This is particularly important.
Standard industrial Armco-style barriers shouldn't automatically be assumed to stop any vehicle travelling at any speed.
Their performance will depend on the complete system, installation, vehicle, speed, angle of impact and many other factors.
If your project requires a specific tested vehicle containment or impact rating, you should specify a system certified for that requirement.
A standard industrial Armco system shouldn't be represented as having a certified crash rating unless that particular system has the appropriate testing and certification.
610mm, 760mm or 1100mm – Which Should I Choose?
As a starting point:
610mm:
A commonly used general-purpose Armco arrangement for various vehicle areas.
760mm:
A higher arrangement that may be considered where the vehicle type or application requires the beam to sit higher.
1100mm:
A substantially higher arrangement for applications where protection or separation is required at a greater height.
These are not universal recommendations.
The final choice should be based on the particular application.
What Information Should I Provide for a Quotation?
To help us identify the appropriate Armco arrangement, provide:
- Total barrier length
- Number of separate runs
- Required height, if known
- Vehicle types using the area
- What you're trying to protect
- Corners required
- End termination requirements
- Existing ground/surface
- Required finish
- Delivery postcode
A photograph or sketch is strongly recommended where possible.
Not Sure What Height You Need?
You don't necessarily need to know before contacting us.
If you're unsure whether you need a 610mm, 760mm or 1100mm Armco arrangement, explain what you're trying to achieve.
Tell us about the vehicles using the area and what you're trying to protect.
At Aremco Barriers, we supply Armco barrier systems alongside manual gates, height restriction barriers, bollards and other physical vehicle access-control products for commercial and industrial sites throughout the UK.
With more than 40 years' industry experience, we're happy to discuss your application before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard height of an Armco barrier?
There isn't one height appropriate for every installation. Aremco offers arrangements including approximately 610mm, 760mm and 1100mm, depending on the application.
Is 610mm high enough for Armco?
It can be suitable for various applications, but the correct height depends on the vehicles using the area and what the barrier is intended to protect.
What Armco height should I use around HGVs?
HGV applications need to be considered specifically because of the size and characteristics of the vehicles. Tell Aremco that HGVs will use the area when requesting a quotation.
Can Armco be installed on a slope?
Potentially, but changes in ground level need to be considered when planning the barrier layout and finished height.
Is a 1100mm Armco barrier stronger than a 610mm barrier?
Height alone shouldn't be used as a measure of barrier strength. The complete system, including beams, posts, connections, foundations and intended application, needs to be considered.
Where should Armco height be measured from?
Finished barrier height should be considered in relation to the finished ground level at the installation.
Can Aremco help me choose the correct height?
Yes. Provide details of the site, vehicles, area being protected and preferably photographs or a sketch so the application can be discussed.
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