Advantages of Gabion

Flexibility

An outstanding advantage of the gabion is its flexibility. Its double twisted hexagonal mesh construction permits it to tolerate differential settlement without fracture. This property is especially important when a structure is on unstable ground or in an area where scour from waves or currents can undermine it.

Strength

The strength and flexibility of the steel wire hexagonal mesh from which gabions and mattresses are made is utilized to withstand and absorb the forces generated by retained earth or flowing water.

Permeability

Hydrostatic heads do not develop behind gabion structures because of their permeable nature. Their ability to combine drainage and retention functions make them ideal structures for slope stabilization.

Durability

Gabion or mattress is a heavy monolithic gravity unit able to withstand earth thrust. Its efficiency increases instead of decreasing with age since further consolidation takes place as silt and soil collect in the voids and vegetation establishes itself.

Economy

Gabion installations are more economical than rigid or semi-rigid structures for a number of reasons. The following are the most important ones:

Little      maintenance is required.

Gabion      construction is simple, does not require skilled labor.

Suitable      stone fill is available normally on site or from nearby quarries.

Minimum      foundation preparation is required, the surface needs to be only      reasonably plane.

No costly      drainage provision is required, as gabions are permeable.

Ecology

Because gabions permit the growth of vegetation and maintain the existing environment, they provide attractive and natural building blocks for decorative landscaping.