Whether for a civil engineering project or exterior design of your house for creating a visual appeal, gabion structures are becoming increasingly common in modern architecture. Previously they were only utilized for erosion control and were structured like a wall. But in recent times, gabion structures are not limited to just walls, and a lot of structural and design variation has occurred to suit different applications such as gabion baskets, gabion wire mesh, and gabion sacks.
What is Gabion?
You might be wondering what the word gabion means. Cant they simply call it an easier name if it is just a wall? The word 'gabion' is derived from the Italian word gabion, which means a giant or large cage. As an architectural structure, the gabion has existed since ancient times. It was used to protect the banks of the river Nile. In medieval times gabion walls were used in military forts to make a rigid structure that could withstand an attack.
Gabion is a welded cage mesh or box filled with rocks, stones, or sand. To improve the stability of the overall structure, root branches are inserted between multiple rock-filled cages. Rows of mesh cages make a wall-like structure that is hard to break. In this blog, we will explore the different types of gabions and their applications.
Gabion Wire Mesh Types
Gabions are utilized in road engineering, like road construction and embankments, for soil protection. The durability of a gabion wall is mostly determined by the quality of the wire mesh that holds the rocks. There are various types of wire meshes that are used to produce gabions. Let us take a look.
Galvanized Steel Gabions
Constructed from welded steel mesh that is galvanized to make it corrosion-resistant. These gabions have a long usage life of 25 years. However, the usage life can get affected by environmental pollution and soil acidity.
PVC Coated Galvanized Steel Gabions
In this type of metal cage, the steel core wires are fuse bonded with PVC coating. But before the coating, the steel wires are galvanized. The PVC layer provides a protective covering for steel wires in areas that have acidic soil or are constantly in contact with polluted water. This coated layer further lengthens the structural life of the gabions.
Stainless Steel Gabions
These wire meshes are quite visually appealing and are used in residential properties to make decorative gabion walls that give the exterior a stylish look. They come in a variety of thicknesses to suit the styles and preferences of the customers. They are also fireproof. When it comes to durability, they cannot compare with PVC-coated gabions or galvanized ones, as they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes.
Polypropylene Gabions
They might not have the aesthetic look of steel wire, but plastic propylene gabions are quite long-lasting. In high moisture environments like the seaside, these plastic gabions have excellent corrosion resistance as they are chemically inert. They are also deployed in uneven areas as plastic is quite flexible.
The global market outlook for gabion box exporters appears promising and optimistic. With the increasing recognition of gabion structures for their versatile applications in construction, landscaping, and erosion control, the demand for these products is on the rise. As sustainable and eco-friendly solutions gain traction, gabion boxes stand out for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal. This growing demand, coupled with the expanding construction and infrastructure sectors in various regions, creates a favorable environment for a gabion box exporter to thrive.
Types of Gabion Structures
Whether gabions are used for decorating an exterior or for river embankment, the gabion walls can vary in shape and cost depending on the purpose. Let us explore various types of gabion designs.
Gabion Basket
These are the most popular kind of gabions. Gabion baskets are steel wire mesh structures crafted in different dimensions. These containers are loaded with stones and positioned on inclines, serving as somewhat pliable units to prevent erosion. To enhance stability, it's advisable to plant trees and shrubs within gabion baskets. These baskets find utility in crafting retaining walls, forming hills and embankments, and constructing roads and railways.
Gabion Sacks
Gabion sacks are tubular steel mesh containers manufactured from double-twisted galvanized steel, sometimes with a PVC coating. Similar to gabion baskets, gabion sacks serve comparable purposes. They prove valuable during emergencies and river management, acting as protective barriers against the erosive impact of water.
Gabion Wire Mesh
These are employed to stabilize slopes and avert the displacement of rocks and stones onto roadways and train tracks. The wire mesh of gabions is also applied in embankments in tandem with the reinforcement of geogrids.
Gabion Mattresses
Gabion mattresses, alternatively referred to as reno mattresses, constitute an alternate form of box-like gabion construction. These gabions possess reduced vertical dimensions compared to the alternative type.
They find application in lining channels to offer safeguards against erosion. Additionally, they offer the advantage of rapid coverage for extensive areas without necessitating lifting, merely enhancing the existing structure.
Gabion Walls
Gabion walls are currently in vogue, with their popularity growing swiftly. These walls not only provide robust structural integrity and visual allure but can also serve as decorative features. Furthermore, gabion walls are economically efficient, demanding no upkeep, and they possess structural benefits surpassing those of concrete walls.
Applications of Gabion in Civil and Architectural Engineering
In the modern era, various kinds of gabions are progressively integrated into architectural designs, not solely for their visual appeal but also for their functionality.
The utilization of gabions spans a wide array of architectural applications, ranging from the construction of highways and private shoreline protection to landscape enhancement. Here is a list of uses of gabions
1. Creation of retaining wall structures, soil stabilization, river and canal training, and hydraulic structures.
2. Employment of gabion sacks in dam foundations.
3. Prevention of rock and stone dislodgement and safeguarding against soil erosion on roadways.
4. Possibility of serving as a noise barrier.
5. Utilization of gabions as floodwalls or for redirecting the course of floodwaters.
6. Lastly, fulfilling architectural and aesthetic styles.
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