Gabions

From Massachusetts Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Urban and Suburban Areas

Description

Gabions are rectangular baskets fabricated from a hexagonal mesh of heavily galvanized steel wire. The baskets are filled with rock and stacked atop one another to form a gravity- type wall. Gabions depend mainly on the interlocking of the individual stones and rocks within the wire mesh for internal stability, and their mass or weight to resist hydraulic and earth forces. Gabions are a porous type of structure that can sometimes be vegetated. Gabions are considered to be a "hard" structural solution that has minimal habitat and aesthetic value.

Applicability

Gabions are used to slow the velocity of concentrated runoff or to stabilize slopes with seepage problems and/or non-cohesive soils. Gabions can be used at soil-water interfaces, where the soil conditions, water turbulence, water velocity, and expected vegetative cover are such that the soil may erode under the design flow conditions. Gabions can be used on steeper slopes than riprap and are sometimes the only feasible option for stabilizing an area where there is not enough room to accommodate a "softer", vegetated solution.

Advantages

Some advantages of gabion walls are:

• Ease of handling and transportation
• Speed of construction
• Flexibility (Gabions tolerate movement)
• Permeability to water (Good drainage)
• Gabions offer an easy-to-use method for decreasing water velocity and protecting slopes from erosion.

Disadvantages/Problems

• Gabions are sometimes criticized as being unsightly. They can be made more attractive by use of attractive facing stone toward the front of the wall and by establishing vegetation in the spaces between the rocks.
• Low habitat value.
• Gabions are more expensive than either vegetated slopes or riprap.
• The wire baskets used for gabions may be subject to heavy wear and tear due to wire abrasion by bedload movement in streams with high velocity flow.
• Difficult to install, requiring large equipment.

Planning Considerations

For easy handling and shipping, gabions are supplied folded into a flat position and bundled together. Gabions are readily assembled by unfolding and binding together all vertical edges with lengths of connecting wire stitched around the vertical edges. The empty gabions are placed in position and wired to adjoining gabions. They are then filled with cobblestone-size rock (10-30 cm in diameter) to one-third their depth. Connecting wires, placed in each direction, brace opposing gabion walls together. The wires prevent the gabion baskets from "bulging" as they are filled. This operation is repeated until the gabion is filled. After filling, the top is folded shut and wired to the ends, sides, and diaphragms. During the filling operation live rooting plant species, such as willow, may be placed among the rocks. If this is done, some soil should be placed in the gabions with the branches, and the basal ends of the plants should extend well into the backfill area behind the gabion breast wall.

Several diffierent design configurations are possible with gabions. They may have either a battered (sloping) or a stepped-back front. The choice depends upon application, although the stepped-back type is generally easier to build when the wall is more than 10 feet high. If large rocks are readily accessible, inexpensive, and near the proposed site, then their use in construction of a rock wall may be preferable. On the other hand, if rock must be imported or is only available in small sizes, a gabion wall may be preferable.

Sequence of Construction

• Since gabions are used where erosion potential is high, construction must be sequenced so that they are put in place with the minimum possible delay. Disturbance of areas where gabions are to be placed should be undertaken only when final preparation and placement can follow immediately behind the initial disturbance.
• Where gabions are used for outlet protection, they should be placed before or in conjunction with the construction of the pipe or channel so that they are in place when the pipe or channel begins to operate.

Maintenance

• Gabions should be inspected on a regular basis and after every large storm event.
• All temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control practices shall be maintained and repaired as needed to assure continued performance of their intended function.
• All maintenance and repair shall be conducted in accordance with an approved manual.

References

Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation, Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, Hartford, CT, January, .

Gray, Donald H. and Leiser, A. T., Biotechnical Slope Protection and Erosion Control, Leiser Van Reinhold Inc., .

Pennsylvania, Commonwealth of, Bureau of Soil and Water Conservation, Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual, Harrisburg, PA, April, .

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts Sediment and Erosion Control Guidelines for Urban and Suburban Areas..

Freeman, G. and Fischenich, C., Gabions for Streambank Erosion Control,

Gabions are rectangular baskets fabricated from a hexagonal mesh of heavily galvanized steel wire. The baskets are filled with rock and stacked atop one another to form a gravity- type wall. Gabions depend mainly on the interlocking of the individual stones and rocks within the wire mesh for internal stability, and their mass or weight to resist hydraulic and earth forces. Gabions are a porous type of structure that can sometimes be vegetated. Gabions are considered to be a "hard" structural solution that has minimal habitat and aesthetic value.Gabions are used to slow the velocity of concentrated runoff or to stabilize slopes with seepage problems and/or non-cohesive soils. Gabions can be used at soil-water interfaces, where the soil conditions, water turbulence, water velocity, and expected vegetative cover are such that the soil may erode under the design flow conditions. Gabions can be used on steeper slopes than riprap and are sometimes the only feasible option for stabilizing an area where there is not enough room to accommodate a "softer", vegetated solution.Some advantages of gabion walls are:For easy handling and shipping, gabions are supplied folded into a flat position and bundled together. Gabions are readily assembled by unfolding and binding together all vertical edges with lengths of connecting wire stitched around the vertical edges. The empty gabions are placed in position and wired to adjoining gabions. They are then filled with cobblestone-size rock (10-30 cm in diameter) to one-third their depth. Connecting wires, placed in each direction, brace opposing gabion walls together. The wires prevent the gabion baskets from "bulging" as they are filled. This operation is repeated until the gabion is filled. After filling, the top is folded shut and wired to the ends, sides, and diaphragms. During the filling operation live rooting plant species, such as willow, may be placed among the rocks. If this is done, some soil should be placed in the gabions with the branches, and the basal ends of the plants should extend well into the backfill area behind the gabion breast wall.Several diffierent design configurations are possible with gabions. They may have either a battered (sloping) or a stepped-back front. The choice depends upon application, although the stepped-back type is generally easier to build when the wall is more than 10 feet high. If large rocks are readily accessible, inexpensive, and near the proposed site, then their use in construction of a rock wall may be preferable. On the other hand, if rock must be imported or is only available in small sizes, a gabion wall may be preferable.Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation, Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, Hartford, CT, January, .Gray, Donald H. and Leiser, A. T., Biotechnical Slope Protection and Erosion Control, Leiser Van Reinhold Inc., .Pennsylvania, Commonwealth of, Bureau of Soil and Water Conservation, Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual, Harrisburg, PA, April, .Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts Sediment and Erosion Control Guidelines for Urban and Suburban Areas..Freeman, G. and Fischenich, C., Gabions for Streambank Erosion Control, http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/elpubs/pdf/sr22.pdf

Mclassic Metal Product Page

Gabion baskets are cylindrical wire mesh containers filled with stones. They are used for erosion control, slope stabilization, channel linings and more. Gabions have been used for centuries, and their popularity is on the rise once again due to their versatility and durability.

Gabion baskets are an effective way to control erosion. The wire mesh holds the stones in place while allowing water to flow through. This prevents the soil from being washed away and helps stabilize the slope. Gabions can be used on their own or in combination with other methods, such as planting vegetation. The stacked gabion units create walls with the ability to help the landscape.

Installation & Filling

Gabion baskets are typically installed by excavating a trench, placing the baskets in the trench, and backfilling with stone. The baskets can be filled with a variety of materials, such as rocks, bricks, or concrete.

Once the baskets are in place, they should be inspected regularly to make sure that they are still effective and that there is no damage to the wire mesh. Repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent further erosion.

Gabions are a versatile solution for erosion control. They can be used in a variety of applications and can be customized to meet the needs of each project. With proper installation and maintenance, gabions can last for many years.

Design for peak flood events

Gabions should be designed for the peak flood event that is expected in the area. This includes the height, width, and length of the gabion as well as the type and size of stone that will be used.

The National Gabion Guidelines provides more information on design considerations.

Maintenance

Gabions require regular maintenance to ensure that they are effective and durable. Inspect the baskets regularly for damage and repair any damage as soon as possible. Also, make sure that the stones are still in place and have not been washed away.

Replacement stones can be added as needed. It is also important to remove any vegetation that has grown inside the basket as this can damage the wire mesh over time.

Gabions are a versatile solution for erosion control. With proper design, installation, and maintenance, they can last for many years.

How do gabion erosion cages work?

Gabion cages work by trapping sediment and runoff from a slope or embankment. The wire mesh holds the sediment in place while allowing water to flow through. This prevents the soil from being washed away and helps stabilize the slope. Gabions can be used on their own or in combination with other methods, such as planting vegetation.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Epoxy Coated Wire Mesh.

What are the benefits of using gabion erosion cages?

Gabion cages offer a number of benefits for erosion control, including:

• They are effective at trapping sediment and runoff.
• They help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
• They are durable and require little maintenance once installed.
• They can be customized to meet the needs of each project.

What are some drawbacks of using gabion erosion cages?

Gabion cages are not without their drawbacks, however. Some of the potential drawbacks include:

• They can be expensive to install.
• They require regular maintenance.
• They can be damaged by floods or other extreme weather events.

Design for expected maximum scour depth

Gabions should be designed for the maximum scour depth that is expected in the area. This includes the height, width, and length of the gabion as well as the type and size of stone that will be used.

The National Gabion Guidelines provide more information on design considerations.

Final Thoughts

Gabion baskets offer a number of advantages for erosion control, including their effectiveness at trapping sediment and runoff, their durability, and their versatility. However, they can be expensive to install and require regular maintenance. When designing gabions for a project, it is important to consider the maximum scour depth that is expected in the area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is galvanized steel a material used in gabion structures?

A: Yes, galvanized steel is a common material used in a gabion structure.

Q: What are some other uses for gabions?

A: Gabions can also be used for retaining walls, bridge abutments, and culverts.

Q: How long do gabions last?

A: With proper installation and maintenance, gabions can last for many years.

Q: How much does it cost to complete the construction of gabion walls?

A: The price of construction will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Author

• Michael Garofalo

  Michael Garofalo, the owner and founder of Eastcoast Sitework, is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and business owner with a track record of success dating back to . With extensive experience in various industries, including site work, property management, commercial construction, residential building, and real estate development, he has been a driving force in the growth and development of the construction and property management sectors in New Jersey and the Northeastern United States. In the renewable energy sector, Michael played a pivotal role in establishing Infiniti Energy Services. He leveraged his expertise to recruit a team of top solar professionals, collectively dedicated to providing customers with comprehensive solar photovoltaic (PV) energy solutions. This experience has undoubtedly contributed to his vision and leadership at Eastcoast Sitework, a company known for its commitment to excellence in the construction industry, emphasizing quality, customer satisfaction, and a wide range of services for clients in New Jersey and the surrounding regions.