1. Types of Gabion Structures

Different shapes are used depending on the engineering requirement:

Gabion Baskets: Box-shaped units (e.g., 2m x 1m x 1m) used for stacking into vertical or stepped retaining walls.

Gabion Mattresses (Reno Mattresses): Flatter, wider units (usually 0.17m to 0.3m thick) laid on riverbanks to prevent scour and erosion.

Gabion Sacks: Cylindrical units used in emergency flood protection or underwater foundations.

Architectural Gabions: Thinner walls or decorative pillars used in landscaping, often with specific stone textures for visual appeal.

2. Core Components

Wire Mesh: Made from heavily galvanized steel or PVC-coated wire to resist corrosion.

Rock Fill: Dense, hard stones (like granite or basalt) larger than the mesh opening to ensure they stay contained.

Filter Media: A non-woven Geotextile fabric is placed behind the gabion to prevent soil particles from washing through the stones.

3. Key Advantages

Permeability: The voids between rocks allow water to pass freely, eliminating hydrostatic pressure buildup.

Flexibility: Unlike concrete, gabions can deform slightly without cracking, making them ideal for unstable or settling ground.

Eco-Friendly: They allow for vegetation growth within the crevices, eventually blending into the natural environment.

4. Installation Steps

Leveling: Prepare a level base; most low-height gabions do not require a concrete foundation.

Assembly: Unfold the flat-packed baskets and lace the edges together using specialized wire or steel spirals.

Filling: Fill the baskets in layers (usually 1/3 at a time), compacting or hand-packing the front face for a neater look.

Tensioning: Use internal stiffeners (connecting wires) between layers to prevent the cages from bulging under weight.