First Installation of SSAB TubeRail Guardrail in Hämeenlinna Finland

Recent product development has utilized high-strength steels, enabling a weight reduction of approximately 25%. This directly results in both cost savings and lower CO₂ emissions per installed meter of guardrail. In addition, the new barriers provide improved working width values, making them suitable for demanding environments.

The latest product, the double-tube TubeRail guardrail, has been specifically designed for locations where traditional edge barriers pose a risk of snow accumulation or restrict visibility. Development has focused on ease of installation and practical functionality. CE marking requires passing demanding crash tests, which evaluate the flexibility and safety of the structure with different types of vehicles.

Tested in autumn 2025, TubeRail consists of two tubular rails, splice tubes, and posts. The tubular components are manufactured from products of SSAB’s Hämeenlinna tube mill, while the posts are made from cold-formed open profiles in Toijala. The first installation site was the yard area of the Hämeenlinna tube mil in Finlandl, where safety improvements were needed.

“The new tube guardrails were installed between the hot coil warehouse and the electrical room, as well as to separate the pedestrian walkway from the truck route. Especially from the perspective of winter maintenance, the tube guardrail between the walkway and truck route is a functional solution, as snow does not accumulate next to the barrier and the routes remain sufficiently wide and safe,” says Tommi Ouramo, Mill Manager at the Hämeenlinna tube mill.

Picture: Taivo Valk and Henrik Loos (right), Railtech Oy and Teemu Yli-Kovero, SSAB (left)

The installation was carried out by Railtech Oy’s experienced fitters, Taivo Valk and Henrik Loos, who gave positive feedback on the product’s installability and identified several practical improvements compared to similar products on the market.

Customer feedback has played a central role in the development of SSAB’s barrier products. Experiences and insights from customers have enabled technically up-to-date and practically functional solutions. Technical Development Manager Teemu Yli-Kovero emphasizes that SSAB’s barrier products now meet both technical and practical requirements better than ever.