Gabions

Gabions

Rectangular or cylindrical wire mesh cages, filled with stones, used in civil engineering

Purpose of Gabions

• Prevent erosion

• Retain soil

• Stabilize slopes

• Slow water flow

• Protect riverbanks & road embankments

Materials used in Gabion Construction

• Prevent erosion

• Retain soil

• Stabilize slopes

• Slow water flow

• Protect riverbanks & road embankments

Gabion Baskets

Standard rectangular units; used for retaining walls and erosion control

Gabion (Reno) Mattresses

Shallow and wide; used for riverbeds, canals, slops; 6-12 inches thick

Gabion Sacks

Cylindrical and flexible; used in emergency works like flood control

Gabion Tubes

Long mesh tubes filled with sand or stones; used in coastal protection

Functions of Gabions and Mattresses

• Erosion control

• Soil stabilization

• Channel lining

• Riverbank protection

• Retaining walls

• Bridge abutment protection

• Coastal protection

• Energy dissipation (slowing fast water)

Construction Process

1. Site preparation

2. Assembly of gabion units

3. Placement in rows

4. Filling by hand along edges with hard, angular stones

5. Lidding

6. Stacking (offset joints like masonry)

Advantages of Gabions

• Flexible (accommodates ground movement/settlement)

• Permeable (no need for drainage)

• Durable

• Environmentally friendly (plants can grow through them)

• Cost-effective

• Quick to install

Disadvantages of Gabions

Flexible (accommodates ground movement/settlement)

Permeable (no need for drainage)

Durable

Environmentally friendly (plants can grow through them)

Cost-effective

Quick to install