Gabions offer a wide variety of uses. This article will discuss the most frequently asked questions about gabions, how they are made, the benefits, and more.
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Gabions are often used as retention walls to prevent sediment from entering water bodies. They are usually buried beneath the ground to protect streams from erosion. They can also be installed in front of retaining walls to prevent the barriers from collapsing in wet conditions.
Gabions help to control erosion on sloping sites. It acts as a barrier and prevents the soil from being washed down the slope by water or wind. This can help minimize damage caused to buildings and property on the hillside.
Gabions also help to hold floodwater during emergencies. When built around the banks of rivers, they can provide structural support.
Gabions also help in road rehabilitation and reinforcement projects. They are filled with rocks and covered with a layer of compacted soil to provide a level surface and improve the road&#;s stability.
There is a vast increase in ecological engineering worldwide, especially with the recent climate change and increasing pollution. Gabions can work to help channels remain clear so the water can flow freely. This is crucial when looking after waterways for the future generation.
Gabions are typically reinforced wire cages stretched between two supports and filled with gravel, sand or crushed rock. The open spaces between the strands of the wire mesh serve as a storage chamber for the filler material. These spaces discourage the growth of weeds and unwanted plants, which can clog the spaces between the strands over time.
Gabions are functional structures that host a lot of benefits beyond expedience and value for money. Some of them include the following;
Gabions are easy to install, requiring only a few simple tools and little effort. They do not require any specialized skills or heavy equipment for assembling. Gabion barrier construction materials are also simple to transport to the worksite.
Gabions are significantly less expensive to install. They require minimal construction effort, like cutting and installing wire mesh. Gabions also require minimal maintenance costs.
Gabions can be installed quickly in almost any location due to their flexibility. Unlike traditional walls, which can take up to months to finish, their pace of construction remains rapid.
You can use gabions as retaining walls or buttresses. The fabric-bound baskets can make fences and revetments. They can even serve as helpful accessories in the garden.
Gabions are manufactured from recycled steel, and any unused parts are recycled, so they are a super-green choice.
Gabions can withstand earthquake tremors and floods with ease. They are hard-wearing and built to last.
Gabions boast a tensile strength of about 150 times that of concrete, making them the most substantial barriers available.
You have a ready-made structure to erect your gabion wall-no need to cut down tree trunks or bulldoze rocky ground.
Gabions are designed to be highly sustainable and can be easily repurposed once their usefulness has expired. This makes them a cost-effective option for both short-term and long-term applications. Also, the carbon footprint of CO2 emissions from gabions is 80% lower than concrete walls.
Gabions are permeable, thus an excellent option for drainage.
Because gabions are made from recycled steel, they pose no safety risk when used as barriers against walls.
Gabions offer a modular design that allows a variety of shapes and configurations. This makes them a popular choice for landscape architects.
Gabions are not expensive. Because they come with a square wire mesh that needs to be assembled on-site, you can buy many of them for minimal cost. Best quality gabions cost around 30-40 dollars. But you can find some below the price, especially those filled with stones or materials from your local area. Your project size also determines the price of gabions. Expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars for larger gabion uses.
There are two types of gabion basket construction; woven and galvanized. Each has its lifespan depending on the nature of the construction. Woven baskets are designed with 2.7mm wire, while galvanized are manufactured with 4mm wire. Woven gabions are cheaper but offer less life cycles than galvanized ones. That said, the average life expectancy of gabion is 50-100 years, with galvanized ones lasting a significant amount of time.
Several factors will shape the cost of building a gabion wall. These include;
Construction costs will differ and typically increase as the size of the gabion wall increases. The materials required to construct a wall with a 10&#; or 12&#;-high face vary significantly from those required for more enormous walls, even if they are constructed at the same slope.
Location is always a crucial consideration when constructing gabions. If there are obstructions or the wall location is too close to the water table level, this may increase the potential cost of construction.
The soil type in the area will determine the type of gabion wall built. Different types of soils may require different types of materials used during construction. For instance, sandy soils will require more backfill materials than clayey, increasing cost.
When designing a gabion wall, the cost of materials and labor get influenced by a variety of factors. The wall&#;s height, width, and slope will affect the cost. A more expansive wall will require more materials and labor than a narrow one. A steeper wall will require more material and labor as well.
The types of stones used to construct gabion walls also vary and significantly impact the cost. Generally, more expensive stones will result in a higher cost of installation.
The cost-effectiveness of building a gabion depends on the above factors, with standard steel mesh costing around $35 per meter. However, this isn&#;t a fixed price across the board. Some areas offer discounts, so this is just a rough ballpark.
Many different types of rocks can build gabions. Common ones include:
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Granite is a durable rock used to build gabions. It is hard; thus, it won&#;t deteriorate as quickly. It is also heat resistant and can withstand very high temperatures without damage.
Basalt is another type of rock used in gabion construction. The extrusive igneous rock comprises dark pyroxene and feldspar minerals. It is porous, meaning water can flow through it quickly. This makes it suitable for constructing dams and ditches.
Slate is another famous rock used to build gabions. It is dense and robust. It is also waterproof, making it suitable for building cisterns and reservoirs.
Sandstone also makes a case of rocks for building gabions. It is rugged and durable; thus, it can withstand the elements. It is also heavy, making it ideal for constructing walls and other structural support.
Rustic rocks are also excellent choices for gabion construction. They hold the shape well, resist crumbling, and have a natural rustic appearance pleasing to the eye.
Limestone is a protactinium-rich rock that is very strong and resilient. Its distinct texture makes it an excellent selection for gabion baskets. It has a very smooth but chiseled surface, which looks great when covered with plants.
Ironstone is extremely hard and durable, making it a popular choice for gabion baskets. It is also an economical choice.
The materials you can fill your gabions with have a lot of diversity. The crucial thing to consider when using these rocks is that they must be larger than the gabion cage openings. Otherwise, your rocks will find their way out straight. It is advisable to consult your local landscape yard expert to discuss which rock type is suitable for your geographical location.
No. Walls laid into proper depth don&#;t require any foundation. The structure can stand on its own. But lighter soils require some work on the surface; otherwise, they can easily fall apart. Consult an engineer for construction and design where appropriate.
While gabion doesn&#;t require any foundation to protect them, they usually have a process of getting installed. They need solid installation to prevent them from toppling over. This begins with the type of soil you put your gabions on. This is especially true when constructing a large gabion wall.
For instance, you will want to ensure the soil supports your structure when installing a wall in your backyard. Heavy soil can support the gabion, but lighter soil requires work under the surface. To ensure the gabion sustains itself, install a more expansive wall. Doing so will help support the structure and remove the soil&#;s pressure.
Also, install some support columns along the area you want to put the wall. Then build the baskets around them and fill the mesh up with rocks. The result is a sturdy wall that won&#;t collapse for an extended period.
Filling a gabion basket is straightforward. But it is not all about filling; you also want to ensure your gabion looks excellent. A well-constructed gabion is not just a structure, it is also a gabion that you can admire. How to fill your gabion basket depends on the type of rocks available. There are three types of rocks available; tiny pebbles, chunks, and flat round rocks.
The first and essential step is selecting nice-looking rocks. These include rocks with the same color, similar shape, or ones that flatter. In other words, pick rocks that look about the same. Then create a layer of rocks beneath your gabion basket. Ensure it is flat, looks excellent, and is stable before you proceed to another layer. Put chunk rocks in the middle because people won&#;t notice them. Lay smaller pebbles in between them. Ensure they are packed tight and pleasant. Finally, ensure your gabion appears as uniform as possible.
There is no limit to the height you can build your gabion wall. It can rise higher than you want. Your gabion wall can stand as high as 30 feet if built correctly. However, you will want to make it wider to support the wall&#;s height without sacrificing stability. Consult your landscape expert for the best height suitable for your garden or yard.
Yes. However, the comfort of the wall depends on the materials you fill it with. All in all, gabions can make an ideal seat. Gabions are heavy and durable. That means they are impossible to damage by sitting or standing on them. As long as the mesh holds them together, gabions can serve this purpose more than you can imagine.
Gabion fill material is determined by the project application and the mesh used to construct the gabion baskets. Standard civil and erosion control applications utilize angular riprap stone, most commonly limestone, in 4" to 8" diameter. This is specified in ASTM-D. Angular gabion stone is preferred because it allows the rock to interlock with each other and reduces the pressure on the face of the baskets. In architectural applications it is common to utilize rounded stone as well as smaller stone gradients but the gabion mesh must be selected in accordance. Smaller stone means you need a smaller mesh opening to contain the stone while round stone may require thicker gauge gabions in order to keep the face of the basket from flexing or bowing as much.
A gabion basket is a cage generally made from metal wire that is used to contain stone in order to create a structure that is either decorative and/or retains earth in an architectural, civil, or erosion control application . You can connect and stack multiple gabion baskets to create a single monolithic structure allowing you to create a gravity wall that uses the mass of the stone fill to retain a slope or wall. You can also use gabion baskets in conjunction with mesh reinforcement panels or geogrid to create an MSE Gabion Wall minimizing the amount of stone fill material needed to be brought in.
A gabion structure is a structure built utilizing gabion baskets or cages to contain fill material most commonly 4&#; to 8&#; angular stone fill. This can be in an earth retention situation, free standing as a decorative screen wall, or partially filled with dirt as a planter. Gabions can be attached end to end and can be stacked on top of each other to reach the desired height. By attaching basket to basket you can create a single monolithic structure.
Gabions can be installed by contracting companies specializing in retaining walls but are also commonly installed by erosion control contractors, site development contractors, landscapers, and even by homeowners themselves. While gabions are labor intensive to install, they are fairly simple. We routinely connect general contractors and homeowners with contractors we have worked within the past. We also are happy to work with contractors and homeowners who are unfamiliar with gabion construction to gain a better understanding and comfort level with the process of installing a gabion wall.
Most of our gabions are shipped partially assembled with all panels attached to each other and folded flat for shipment. Once they arrive the baskets are unfolded and the sides are attached together at the vertical seams with either tie wire, spirals, or hog rings depending on the style of basket and installation method desired. Once the baskets are assembled they are ready for installation.
We have several installation guides that go into greater detail as far as installation goes and the process varies depending on what type of gabion structure you are building. There are two main types of gabion retaining walls. A gravity retaining wall and an MSE wall. A gravity wall is the most common type of retaining wall and is called a gravity wall because the baskets contain the mass of the stone fill and utilize gravity to retain the soil behind the baskets. The general rule of thumb to achieve this gravity wall setup is that the base course should be 2/3 as deep into the hillside as the height of the wall. You can stack baskets on top of each other and step them in as you go up. Traditional gravity walls can become cost prohibitive when going over 18&#; in height. This is where an MSE gabion wall can come into play. By utilizing steel mesh reinforcement or geogrid reinforcement to reinforce the soil and aggregate behind the wall face you can increase the height and strength of the structure while minimizing the amount of off site stone needing to be brought in.
A gabion basket works by containing the fill material. This is done by having mesh strong enough to contain the fill material. The seams are connected in a manner to insure they are strong enough to contain the material while maintaining structural integrity. The baskets are also divided with internal diaphragm panels so that no cell is longer than 3&#; without reinforcement. The baskets should also be reinforced with tie wire to help keep the face from bulging and in some cases corner stiffeners can be used to help keep the baskets square by attaching each panel to the panel next to it so that when you look down in the cell of the basket there is a diamond shape in the cell.
Gabions are designed to be used in permanent structures but their longevity is directly related to the environment they are installed in. This means life expectancy of gabion walls can be anywhere from 10 to 75 years depending on the install environment. Exposure to salt water, fresh water, highly acidic soils, industrial run-off etc. can all affect the longterm durability of the structure. Some styles of gabions interact with specific environmental conditions better than others. PVC coated gabions are generally used in acidic and freshwater environments. Polypropylene geogrid DuraGuard gabions and Custom Stainless Steel DuraWeld gabions are commonly used in salt water environments. In some applications such as shoreline protection the gabions will fill in with soil and allow vegetation to be established giving you a permanent structure that blends in to the surrounding environment.
Absolutely! Gabions make a fantastic fence. Whether you are looking to utilize onsite stone or looking for a fence to help reduce sound, a gabion fence makes a great choice. Gabion fences can be personalized in a variety of ways. We allow you to customize the mesh spacing, wire diameter, and material. You can mix in recycled glass rock gabion fill or utilize other fill options including river rock, field stone, Mexican beach pebbles, basalt, etc. You can further customize your fence by mixing in wood panel accents as well as steel or wooden posts to break up the look of stone. Gabion fences are typically supported by internal support posts which are set in concrete and spaced 6 foot on center. Check out our guide on How to Build a Gabion Fence.
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Gabions have many benefits. They are an excellent choice when you have fill material available on site and want to minimize the need to bring material onsite. This can be achieved by utilizing recycled material such as tumbled concrete or broken bricks or collecting field stone. Gabions are also excellent for installation locations that may be too far from traditional block manufacturers such as rural areas or on islands where stone may be available but not block manufacturers. Another benefit of gabions is they can be used in both a gravity or MSE wall installation. Gabions also allow better water flow through the face of the wall due to the space between the fill stone reducing the hydrostatic pressure on the wall. Gabions are also an excellent option for DIY installations because they do not require a high level of expertise to install when used in a gabion gravity wall.
Curved gabion walls can be achieved in a few ways depending how tight of a radius you are trying to achieve. You can set stakes in the ground and use them as anchors to curve longer panels. You can utilize shorter length gabions and kick in the front edge and make small adjustments across multiple gabions. You can also turn the gabions and utilize additional panels to connect the open space on the outside of the turn between two gabions.
Gabion stone is available at a variety of quarries and landscape and aggregate supply houses. The most common gabion fill material is an angular riprap stone in a mix of 4&#; to 8&#; diameter. This is based on the standard gabion mesh spacings of 3&#;x3&#; for DuraWeld standard baskets and 3.25&#;x4.5&#; DuraFlex baskets. In architectural applications smaller fill or rounded stone fill may be desired. In many cases to utilize the smaller fill material it may be necessary to utilize a custom DuraWeld basket with a smaller mesh opening and/or thicker wire gauge.
While gabion baskets for civil and erosion control applications can be found at some supply houses it is generally on a small scale with only a limited number of sizes available. By shipping gabions collapsed and folded flat on pallets direct from the production facility we can supply the exact gabions you need delivered directly to your business or job site or can deliver to a local trucking company terminal for pick-up on your schedule. We ship orders large and small all over North America and the Caribbean.
We sell gabions direct all over North America, the Caribbean and beyond. Our DuraFlex gabions are generally available to ship within a few days depending on the size, style, and quantity. Our DuraWeld gabions are made to order and generally have a production lead time of around 2 weeks for standard gabions or slightly longer for custom gabions but can be less or more depending on raw material supply and volume in the production queue.
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