Gabions
Gabions are special baskets made from a wire mesh, designed to be strong enough to hold rocks. There are many practical uses for gabions including:
- Stabilising slopes and mountain passes
- Adding to weather protection on coastlines and beaches in an environmentally friendly way
- Helping to prevent erosion on river beds, canal bottoms, around dams and bridges.
- In domestic settings, they are often used to create the internal structure of a garden border wall
Different types of gabion
- Gabion baskets - Gabions may not come filled, and may be supplied empty and in different sizes. They may be sold at a price per gabion or at a price for a set containing a certain number of gabions. The responsibility of filling the gabions would fall on the person using them
- Gabion bench - This is a size of gabion that would be at a lower wall height. The cages may be sold filled or unfilled
- Basket wall - A basket wall will usually be thinner and be designed to have the dimensions of a wall
- Multi-level garden design - A set of gabions that create a multi-level garden design are supplied. When filled with rocks, sand or soil, the baskets create a base for a patio, planter or decking area.
Filling a gabion
Many gabion baskets are provided unfilled. When filling a gabion basket it can be filled with soil, rocks, sand or a combination of materials depending on the application or project.
When filling a gabion, it is important to always ensure there are no gaps or voids between rocks, as this may contribute to instability in the structure the gabion is used to help stabilise. In all instances, manufacturer's instructions should be followed and specialist advice sought.
Benefits of gabions
Gabions have many applications within construction, environmental support, landscaping, architecture and flood control, to name a few.
Gabions are able to provide stability in many different projects, in an eco-friendly way.