GABIONS: MODERN RESURRECTION OF A THING OF THE PAST

Increasing interest in controlling erosion and stabilizing soils is focusing attention on modernized versions of the simple rock-filled wire device. Today's gabion is a compartmented rectangular container made of thick steel wire, woven with a triple twist at all intersections, it cannot unravel even when cut. Gabions have a number of advantages: On unstable ground, or moving water, the strength and flexibility of the steel wire mesh allows the containerized rock to settle and change contour without failure or loss of efficiency. Gabions also permit and support plant growth which adds a live coating to the mesh and rock. Gabions are economical, and users report saving of up to 40%. Climate has virtually no effect on gabion performance or longevity. Major application of gabions include the following: Revetments, to prevent erosion of river embankments. Retaining walls, gabions securely wired together form a structure capable of handling the streams behind it and earth movements below it. Placed around bridge abutments, gabions reduce the erosive action of rivers and heavy rains. As groins, gabions projected into rivers deflect the current from the banks and into the desired course. In protecting lakeshore property, caged-rock walls and jetties absorb and dissipate wave energy. At marinas and boat docks, launching ramps are being built with rock-filled mesh. Gabions can also provide attractive and natural building blocks for decorative landscaping.

• Corporate Authors:

  Construction Digest, Incorporated

  Box 603, 101 East 14th Street
  Indianapolis, Indiana,   United States  46206
• Publication Date: 1977-8-18

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 20-23
• Serial:
  • Construction Digest
  • Volume: 50
  • Issue Number: 14

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge abutments; Earth movements (Geophysics); Embankments; Erosion; Gabions; General surface features of the earth; Retaining walls; Revetments; Soil stabilization; Soils; Wave motion; Wire mesh
• Uncontrolled Terms: Earth movements; Landscape
• Old TRIS Terms: Wave action
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167460
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1978 12:00AM