What is gabion?
Gabions are cage-like structures made of metal mesh (commonly galvanized steel wire, galvanized alloy wire, or PVC-coated steel wire) woven or welded into cage-like units, filled with inert materials such as stones and pebbles. They can be used individually or connected in multiple units to form a complete slope protection, protective wall, or bank protection system.
The core characteristic of gabions lies in their "cage + stone filling" combination: the cage provides restraint and overall stability, while the stone provides the primary weight and erosion resistance. Due to their excellent flexibility, permeability, and ecological adaptability, gabions are widely used in river management, embankment protection, mountain slope reinforcement, highway and railway engineering, and landscape architecture.
Gabion Structure
Although its basic structure may appear simple, the gabion is rationally designed and clearly functions. It primarily consists of mesh units, partitions, frames, connectors, and filler material. While different gabion structures may differ slightly in details, the overall concept remains the same.
Material: Galvanized steel wire, Galvanized steel wire, or PVC/PE-coated steel wire are generally used, offering strong tensile strength and corrosion resistance.
Form: Hexagonal braid (twisted mesh): Offers excellent flexibility and deformation resistance, commonly used for river bank protection and Reno mats.
Welded mesh: Features a neat mesh structure, high strength, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance, often used for landscape retaining walls.
Purpose: Provides the cage's structural framework, limits stone spillage, and maintains overall stability.
Frames and Reinforcements
Frame wire: Typically thicker than the mesh wire, used to reinforce the edges of the gabion cage.
Reinforcement bars or struts: Installed inside the gabion cage to maintain its cubic shape and prevent bulging due to the pressure of the filling stone.
Function: Ensures that the gabion cage is not easily deformed during long-term use and enhances stability.
Working principle of gabion mesh
Mechanical Principles
Flexible Structure: Gabion mesh is a flexible masonry system that can adapt to uneven foundation settlement without cracking.
Deadweight Stability: The heavy stone filling inside effectively resists the forces of water flow, wind, waves, and soil.
Friction and Interlocking: The interlocking friction between the stones enhances overall stability; the cages are secured together with connecting wires to strengthen the structural integrity.
Energy Dissipation and Pressure Reduction: When impacted by water or falling rocks, the energy is dispersed through the gaps between the stones and the flexible structure, reducing the risk of damage.
Hydraulic Principles
Permeability: The gaps between the stones allow water to flow freely, preventing water pressure concentration and reducing structural damage caused by seepage.
Filtering: Fine sediment gradually settles between the stones, forming a natural "filter layer" that prevents soil loss and maintains smooth drainage.
Scouring: Gabions conform to the topography of the riverbed and slope foot, stabilizing the water flow path and preventing scouring.
Gabion mesh application cases
River management and dam protection
Mountain road slope protection
Coastal protection and port engineering
Urban gardening and landscape design
Gabion, an engineering material combining structural stability with ecological benefits, has been widely used in a variety of fields, including river management, embankment protection, slope reinforcement, coastal engineering, and landscape construction. The organic combination of metal mesh and stone creates a flexible structure that is both strong and permeable, effectively resisting water erosion and soil pressure while maintaining excellent adaptability and durability.
