Armco or Open Box – Which crash barrier do you need?

The great thing about a crash barrier is it can provide effective protection in various settings. Most people will think motorways and busy roads when they consider the barriers. However, they are also useful in towns and cities, car parks, warehouses, docks, and more. Anywhere you want to separate vehicles from pedestrians or buildings, a barrier can be very useful.

Two styles

If you look at barriers, you will spot two distinct styles. The first is Armco and you can identify it easily from the wavy shape of the beams. The other option is Open Box. As you can guess from the name, the shape is like a U, with a slight opening.

Both Armco and Open Box barriers can provide a great level of protection in different settings. The goal with both styles is to absorb energy from an impact to protect the inhabitants of the vehicle. The barriers also direct the vehicle along the barrier rather than allowing it to continue in the direction it was heading. This can prevent other collisions.

While Armco barriers are very effective in many locations, the Open Box style can offer slightly more protection. This is because the shape allows the crash barrier to absorb more impact. They can also come in various formats, including single, double, or even triple beam. If it is a high traffic area, Open Box may be the best type to choose.

Help choosing the right crash barrier

If you are still unsure what type of barriers to choose, we are happy to help. Barrier Mart can supply products to cater for various needs. You can tell us about the setting, the hazards, and the type of vehicles that will be moving around. Then we can suggest the right style of barrier.

You can contact us to learn more or to place an order.