What is a gabion wall?
The gabion wall is a widely used structural framework for civil engineering and landscaping because of its strength and flexibility. The word is from the Italian gabbione, which means “big cage.” Wire mesh cages are filled with rock, concrete, or occasionally sand and soil to create these walls.” For durability and to prevent corrosion, these boxes are typically made of galvanized steel. These walls have such strength, flexibility, and good drainage that they are considered ideal for slope stabilization and erosion control. Because they are built to be modular, they can be customized in many different ways, combining usefulness with attractiveness that blends into the environment.
Basic structure and materials of gabion wall
Gabion wall have rectangular or cubic wire mesh containers as their basic structure which are usually made out of galvanized steel so that they can resist corrosion easily. These cages are then filled with river stones, crushed rock recycled concrete, etc., which provide the weight and stability required by the wall system. The mesh acts as a flexible framework allowing the construction of walls that can adapt themselves to different landscapes and needs. In many settings, the toughness together with the versatility offered by gabions makes them an ideal choice both for aesthetic purposes as well as structural requirements at various locations.
Why use a gabion wall?
Gabion walls has a reputation for reliability and sustainability. They ensure good drainage by reducing hydrostatic pressure thus minimizing the risk of water damage. Due to their permeability, gabions are great for erosion control too. Moreover, they can adapt well to ground movements which makes them suitable for regions with unstable soils or prone to earthquakes.
Gabion wall application
- Retaining Walls: Usually used to provide slope stability, erosion control, and structural support.
- Landscaping: For example, in gardens or parks where they may be utilized as attractive features like seats or fountains.
- Noise Barriers: Their weightiness enables them to effectively reduce noise levels along highways.
- Riverbank Protection: They are also applicable for shoreline and riverbank protection against erosion.
- Architectural Features: Their distinctive appearance and texture have led to their increased usage in architectural designs.
Construction and design of gabion wall
During the construction of the gabion wall, wire mesh cages were assembled on site, aligned correctly then filled with stones. The cages are then fastened together using wires to create a stable cohesive structure. Several factors of design need to be considered like; the mesh size, the wire type, and the filling material, this can vary depending on some specific requirements of a project such as aesthetic needs or how much load it can bear.
Gabion wall vs. traditional wall
Comparing gabion walls to traditional concrete, brick, and timber walls highlights several differences:
- Aesthetic and integration: Gabion walls present a more organic appearance and can integrate well into the environment.
- Drainage and flexibility: Unlike concrete or brick walls, gabion walls don’t need extra drainage systems and they are flexible hence less prone to cracking with movements.
- Sustainability: Gabion walls make better use of locally available resources and recycled materials compared to conventional walls.
- Cost and time of construction: They are often more affordable to construct compared to solid walls, particularly when there are plenty of fills available.
Advantages and disadvantages of gabion wall
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly because they can include reused materials.
- Highly permeable, reducing the risk of water buildup.
- Aesthetically versatile, blending with natural landscapes.
- Cost-effective in terms of materials and labor.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for all architectural styles.
- Can be damaged by repeated heavy impacts.
- Requires regular maintenance to ensure the integrity of the wire cages.
- Potential for wire corrosion if not properly galvanized.
Strata Global also uses gabion walls in many of out applications. Please click here to learn about how we used gabion wall in one of our case study.