Armco Barrier
An Armco barrier is a corrugated steel safety barrier installed along the edges of race tracks to protect drivers and spectators by absorbing impact energy when a vehicle crashes into it.
The name "Armco" comes from the American Rolling Mill Company, which developed this type of steel barrier in the early 1900s. Even though the company has since changed names, motorsport professionals still call these barriers "Armco barriers" as the term has become the standard way to describe this safety equipment.
These barriers are made from corrugated steel sheets—imagine a sheet of metal with waves or ridges running through it. This wavy design isn't just for looks; it gives the barrier both strength and flexibility. When a race car hits an Armco barrier at high speed, the corrugated steel flexes and bends rather than staying completely rigid. This bending action absorbs much of the crash energy, which helps reduce the violent forces that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the driver's body.
The barriers are held up by metal posts driven into the ground at carefully calculated intervals. These posts are spaced specifically to allow the entire barrier system to flex during an impact. This flexibility is crucial because it prevents cars from bouncing straight back onto the track after a collision, which could cause additional crashes with other vehicles still racing past.
Armco barriers became widespread in Formula 1 and other major racing series during the 1960s and 1970s. Racing legends like Jackie Stewart campaigned heavily for better safety measures after witnessing too many serious accidents. Their advocacy led to Armco barriers being installed at racing circuits around the world, from permanent race tracks to temporary street circuits like the famous Monaco Grand Prix.
You'll find these steel barriers positioned along the outer edges of race tracks, particularly in areas where there's limited space or where the track runs close to walls, buildings, or spectator areas. They work best when a car hits them at an angle rather than head-on, as they can redirect the vehicle along the barrier's length and back toward the racing surface.
Modern race tracks often enhance Armco barriers with additional safety features. Engineers might stack tire barriers in front of them in particularly dangerous corners, or use taller barrier sections in areas where cars are likely to become airborne. The FIA, which governs international motorsport, uses specialized software to determine the best barrier placement and configuration for each circuit.
While Armco barriers remain common, they're now part of a broader safety system that includes alternatives like TecPro barriers (made from high-tech foam), SAFER barriers (which combine steel and foam), and large paved run-off areas that allow cars to slow down gradually. Beyond racing, you'll also see Armco-style barriers on highways and in industrial areas where protection from vehicle impacts is needed.