Soil erosion is an ever present problem and gabions have proved to be a lasting solution around the world. The earliest known use of gabion-type structures was for bank protection along the Nile River during the era of the Pharaoh. In the subsequent 7,000 years since its initial use by the Egyptians, the gabion system has evolved from baskets of woven reeds to engineered containers manufactured from wire mesh. The lasting appeal of gabions lies in their inherent flexibility.
Gabion structures yield to earth movement but maintain full efficiency and remain structurally sound. They are quite unlike rigid or sem-rigid structures which may suffer catastrophic failure when even slight changes occur in their foundations. Highly permeable, the gabion structures act as self draining units which "bleed" off ground waters, relieving hydrostatic heads. Interstitial spaces in the rock fill dissipate the energy of flood currents and wave action.
Efficiency in gabion structures, rather than decreasing with age, actually increases. During early periods of use, silt and vegetation will collect with the rock fill to form a naturally permanent structure and may be used to remove solid pollutants or "floatables" from the water.
Gabions and mattresses may be purchased as as assembled baskets, as unassembled panels, or in rollstock form. Rollstock may utilized to build continuous gabion structures up to 300 feet in length or mattresses up to 150' in length.
River Mattresses
2×1x0.3 - 0.6m³
3×1x0.3 - 0.9m³
4×1x0.3 - 1.2m³
6×2x0.17 - 2.04m³
6×2x0.23 - 2.76m³
6×2x0.30 - 3.60m³
Nominal sizes of standard Weldmesh Mattresses
Length (m) Width (m) Height (m)
2.0 1.0 or 2.0 0.15, 0.225 or 0.3
3.0 1.0 or 2.0 0.15, 0.225 or 0.3
4.0 1.0 or 2.0 0.15, 0.225 or 0.3
5.0 1.0 or 2.0 0.15, 0.225 or 0.3
6.0 1.0 or 2.0 0.15, 0.225 or 0.3
Gabion Baskets
1×1x1 - 1m³
2×1x1 - 2m³
3×1x1 - 3m³
4×1x1 - 4m³
1×1x0.5 - 0.5m³
2×1x0.5 - 1m³
3×1x0.5 - 1.5m³
4×1x0.5 - 2m³
6×2x0.5 - 6m³
1.5×1x1 - 1.5m³
2×0.5×0.5 - 0.5m³
4×0.5×0.5 - 1m³
River Mattresses
2×1x0.3 - 0.6m³
3×1x0.3 - 0.9m³
4×1x0.3 - 1.2m³
6×2x0.17 - 2.04m³
6×2x0.23 - 2.76m³
6×2x0.30 - 3.60m³
BENEFITS OF GABIONS
Flexibility: Subjected to alternating forces of tension and compression, the inherent flexibility of a gabion structure enables it to deform rather than break. This prevents loss of structural efficiency. Deforming in response to subsidence of foundation or internal stress is a functional feature, and rather than being a fault is in fact, a benefit.
Flexibility: Subjected to alternating forces of tension and compression, the inherent flexibility of a gabion structure enables it to deform rather than break. This prevents loss of structural efficiency. Deforming in response to subsidence of foundation or internal stress is a functional feature, and rather than being a fault is in fact, a benefit.
Strength: Since gabions are bound together as a monolithic unit, the wire mesh is extremely strong under tension. The wire mesh shell is not simply a container for the stone filling, but a reinforcement of the entire structure. Additional strength is achieved by the use of vertical diaphragms. These diaphragms are affixed to the base of the gabions to restrict internal movement of the stone filling and provide further reinforcement. Gabion efficiency, rather than decreasing with age, actually increases. During early periods of use, silt and vegetation will collect within the rock filling to form a naturally permanent structure, enhancing the environment.
Permeability: Interstitial spaces in the stone fill within the baskets provide a great degree of permeability throughout the structure eliminating the need for a drainage system and preventing buildup of hydrostatic pressure which will displace and crack concrete structures. In river works, pressure and counterpressure on the banks due to variations in water depth between flood and low water are therefore also eliminated.
Economy: Wire mesh gabions are less expensive than most construction materials. Graded stone fill is usually locally available. Waste materials such as crushed concrete may be specified in place of stone.
Construction costs are reduced; unskilled laborers can easily learn to erect Modular Gabion Systems, fill them and close them properly. Many gabion structures may be built without any mechanical equipment. Pilings, underwater drainage systems and excavations are unnecessary. There's no need to drain the site or to construct a cofferdam for underwater installation. The first layer of gabions can be laid in water or in mud.
Upon completion, a gabion structure will take its full load immediately - without the waiting periods of up to one month normally associated with concrete structures. Gabion structures are virtually maintenance free.
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