Gabions are engineering structures made from metal mesh and filled with natural or artificial stone. The primary advantages of gabions are their high strength, durability, and the ability to allow water drainage, which prevents erosion.
Gabion Mattresses
Flat structures with low height and a large surface area. Due to their porous structure, gabion mattresses provide effective drainage, preventing water accumulation and reducing the risk of landslides.
Work Procedure:
- Base preparation: Cleaning and levelling the surface on which the gabion mattress will be installed.
- Geotextile installation: A layer of geotextile is laid on the prepared base to prevent plant growth and improve drainage.
- Gabion mattress installation: Gabion mattresses, which are mesh structures filled with stones or gravel, are unfolded and installed.
- Filling the mattresses: The mattresses are filled with stones manually or using specialised equipment to ensure even material distribution.
- Closure and securing: After filling, the mattresses are closed with covers and tied with wire to prevent material spillage.
Gabion Baskets
Volumetric mesh structures filled with stones or other durable materials. They are used to create stable retaining walls, reinforce slopes, and prevent their collapse. Gabion baskets stabilise the soil and protect the slopes of bridges.
Work Procedure:
- Site preparation: Cleaning and levelling the surface where the gabion baskets will be installed.
- Gabion basket assembly: Assembling the metal mesh baskets from individual panels, securing them with wire.
- Basket installation: Installing the gabion baskets in place, possibly using geotextile.
- Filling the baskets with stones: Filling the baskets with stones manually or mechanically, ensuring density and even distribution of the stones.
Closure and securing: Closing the filled baskets with covers and securing them.
