Arriving at a defined life expectancy of your galvanised steel gabion basket will depend on a number of factors influencing the potential corrosion of the steel. Time of Wetness - This denotes the length of time the metal is covered by water allowing the corrosion process to take place. Salt in the Air - The closer you live to the ocean, the more salt in the air. Airborne salinity increases the potential for corrosion to occur. Pollution in the air - The amount of sulfur dioxide in the air will contribute to the degradation of the galvanised coating.
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In summary, it comes down to where the gabion baskets will be located. Thankfully, many studies have been done over the last 50 years to help paint an accurate picture of what to expect. View the below map below and find out which classification your property falls:
Corrosive Category C1
Corrosivity = Very Low
Locations = Desert zone
Corrosive Category C2
Corrosivity = Low
Locations = Temperate zone with low pollution & Desert zone
Corrosive Category C3
Corrosivity = Medium
Locations = Temperate zone with medium pollution & Subtropical and tropical zones with low pollution
It is worth noting that the GAA have recognised that in Australia, pollution is so low in most environments that it is generally considered that it can be ignored, other than for specific industrial applications or extreme traffic examples.
If you live in South East Queensland or Northern NSW, your property will be classified in corrosive category C2 or C3. There are other corrosive ratings however they have been excluded from this article as they are not relevant. If you wish to learn more about the different corrosive ratings of galvanised steel, I recommend reading the Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance of Hot Dip Galvanized Coatings available from the GAA website here.
The below graph shows the life expectancy before first maintenance is required. In a C3 category, it is 20 years and C2 category, it is 50+ years remembering that the coating thickness of the steel wire is 39.2 microns.
&#; Weather Resistance: Gabion walls are highly resistant to harsh weather conditions, including rain, extreme temperatures, and even flooding. The wire mesh (when properly galvanized or coated) and the stone fill can withstand the elements over many years, offering a long-lasting solution.
&#; Minimal Maintenance: Once built, gabion walls require minimal maintenance. The materials used, such as stone and steel, do not easily degrade, and the wall structure is resilient to common problems like cracking, buckling, or shifting.
2. Natural Aesthetic Appeal
&#; Blending with Landscape: Gabion walls have a natural, rustic look that can blend seamlessly with the environment. Over time, vegetation can grow through the wire mesh, softening the appearance and integrating the structure into the landscape, making it ideal for garden walls, park features, or rural settings.
&#; Versatile Design Options: The look of gabion walls can vary based on the materials used for filling. For instance, a mix of different types of stone, pebbles, or even recycled materials can create visually unique and attractive designs.
3. Environmental Benefits
&#; Sustainable Materials: Gabion walls are often constructed using locally sourced stones, reducing the need for imported or manufactured materials. If recycled materials (like concrete rubble) are used for filling, the wall can contribute to waste reduction and resource conservation.
&#; Erosion Control: The permeability of gabion walls allows water to flow through the structure, which helps reduce the buildup of water pressure behind the wall. This prevents soil erosion and can protect landscapes and infrastructure, such as riverbanks, coastal areas, and slopes, from damage due to water flow.
&#; Habitat for Wildlife: Gabion walls, especially those with natural stone fills, can provide habitats for small wildlife, such as insects, birds, and small mammals, adding to their environmental value.
4. Strength and Stability
&#; Flexible and Resilient: Gabion walls are highly flexible, which means they can adapt to shifting ground or slight movements in the landscape without cracking or failing. This makes them particularly suitable for areas with unstable soil or where small settlements may occur over time.
&#; High Load-Bearing Capacity: When properly designed, gabion walls can bear significant loads and resist lateral forces, making them suitable for retaining walls and slope stabilization. The weight of the stone fill provides stability, and the interconnected structure of the baskets helps to distribute the forces evenly.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
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&#; Affordable Construction: Gabion walls can often be more cost-effective than traditional concrete or masonry walls, particularly when local stones are available. The simplicity of the construction process can reduce labor and material costs, especially for low- to medium-height walls.
&#; Lower Maintenance Costs: With little ongoing maintenance needed, gabion walls can save money over time compared to other wall types, such as timber or concrete, which may require repairs or replacements due to wear and tear.
6. Easy and Quick Installation
&#; Simplified Construction: Gabion walls are relatively simple to install compared to other types of retaining walls. They don&#;t require heavy machinery or complex forms. Baskets are pre-assembled, and stones are filled in on-site, making the construction process more efficient.
&#; Flexibility in Design: Gabion baskets can be easily customized to fit various designs and site conditions. The walls can be stacked, terraced, or shaped according to specific needs, allowing for more creative and versatile applications.
7. Effective Drainage
&#; Natural Water Flow: One of the primary advantages of gabion walls is their permeability. The gaps in the wire mesh and the porous nature of the stone fill allow water to drain through the wall naturally, reducing the risk of water buildup and pressure. This makes gabion walls ideal for situations where groundwater flow needs to be managed or where drainage is a concern (e.g., along rivers, hillsides, or coastal regions).
&#; Prevention of Hydrostatic Pressure: Because water is allowed to flow through the wall, there is less chance of hydrostatic pressure building up behind the wall. This can help to prevent wall failure caused by water buildup, which is a common problem with impermeable retaining walls.
8. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
&#; Low Carbon Footprint: Gabion walls generally have a lower environmental impact compared to other types of walls, like concrete or masonry, which require energy-intensive manufacturing processes. The use of natural or recycled materials further reduces the carbon footprint of the wall.
&#; Eco-Friendly Design: The ability to use locally sourced, natural materials reduces the need for transport, minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, using recycled materials like crushed concrete or construction debris helps divert waste from landfills.
9. Flexibility and Adaptability
Variety of Applications: Gabion walls can be used for many different purposes, including:
&#; Retaining walls to stabilize soil on sloped areas
&#; Erosion control along riverbanks or coastal areas
&#; Noise barriers in urban or industrial environments
&#; Decorative features in landscaping (e.g., garden walls, seating areas, or fountains)
&#; Customizable to Site Needs: Gabion walls can be adapted to the specific requirements of the site. For instance, they can be built with different stone types or mesh gauges depending on the intended application, or they can be used for both small and large-scale projects.
10. Safety and Stability in Water-Prone Areas
&#; Flood Control: Gabion baskets are frequently used in flood-prone areas because they can absorb and deflect water, protecting the landscape from erosion and preventing flood damage. The permeability of the structure allows water to pass through, which reduces pressure and allows the wall to withstand water-related forces.
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