gabiony

Gabions are cages, boxes, or cylinders made of wire mesh that are filled with rock, crushed stone, or concrete rubble. They are used to create stable, permeable structures in civil engineering and landscape design. The term is commonly written as gabions in English, while some languages use the word gabiony or similar forms.

Construction and materials: Gabions typically use galvanized steel wire mesh or PVC-coated wire for corrosion resistance. Common forms include rectangular gabion baskets, longer gabion mattresses (panels), and interlocking gabion walls. Fill material is usually locally sourced stone, though concrete rubble or other inert fill can be used. Walls are built by stacking baskets and filling them from the bottom, often in layers, to promote compaction and avoid voids.

Applications and effects: Gabions are employed for retaining walls, slope stabilization, river and coastal protection, channel linings, and erosion control. Their permeability reduces hydrostatic pressure behind the structure, and their modular nature allows for gradual adjustment to ground movement. They are also used in landscaping, habitat creation, and sometimes as decorative or noise-barrier installations.

Advantages and limitations: Benefits include durability, flexibility, the use of local materials, recyclability, and relatively straightforward installation. Limitations encompass potential corrosion of metal components in aggressive environments, the need for proper foundation and drainage, limited capability for very high load-bearing demands, and maintenance requirements to prevent fill settlement or bulging. Proper design, material selection, and installation are essential for long service life.