Soil Stabilization and Erosion Control – The Benefits of Utilizing Gabion
During construction, soil erosion can occur and cause a myriad of issues. Industries like civil engineering, road building, and others in construction utilize a material called gabion for slope stabilization and erosion control. A gabion is a galvanized wire cage, cylinder, or box filled with materials like concrete, stones, sand, or soil. When filled with these materials, gabion structures become a powerful and cost-effective defense against erosion. If your upcoming construction project requires any level of soil stabilization or erosion control, consider the benefits of utilizing gabion for soil stabilization and erosion control.
Types of Gabion Structures
There are several types of gabion structures, all with their own unique applications and benefits.
- The most recognizable type is the gabion basket. These square structures are often used in highway and railway construction to prevent soil from sliding onto the road or railway. Multiple baskets are stacked on top of each other and connected to create large retaining walls. They can be an economical solution for soil stabilization, especially if the filling materials can be found near the job site.
- Gabion mattresses are similar to gabion baskets but with a rectangular ‘mattress’ design. These can either be laid on an angle or laid down like steps over sloped land and then filled with materials. The mattress-shaped design is an effective barrier against wave erosion at construction sites along a body of water.
- Gabion sacks are essentially wire bags that can be quickly filled with material and stacked to create temporary structures. Gabion sacks are often used during emergencies where a strong barrier needs to be built quickly.
- Gabion wire mesh is a sheet of gabion, typically placed over an embankment for soil stabilization and erosion control. The flexible wire mesh form fits to the slope of the land, making it great for geogrid reinforcement on an uneven embankment.
- Gabion is also used decoratively in things like garden design and landscaping. It provides soil stabilization to the landscape while allowing vegetation to grow through. Furthermore, they can be filled with aesthetically pleasing materials to match the design of any landscape or garden.
Benefits of Gabion Structures
Regardless of the type of structure, gabion has features that make it a strong asset to construction industries. First, it is a durable material with a high resistance to force as well as atmospheric corrosion. When dealing with the intense force required for soil stabilization, this strength and durability is essential. Another benefit of gabion is its flexibility. Construction sites each have a unique topography and gabion can settle and form over time without losing strength. This flexibility allows massive structures to be built without an underlying foundation.
Bodies of water and rain are always a concern on a construction site. Fortunately, gabion is permeable so water can enter and exit the structure without installing drainage pipes. Gabion structures are also environmentally friendly. The space between filling materials allows vegetation to grow which improves soil stabilization and protects the environment. Finally, gabion structures are a great way to improve your bottom line. Rather than construct massive barriers made from wood or concrete, you can fill gabion structures with inexpensive materials with far less labor costs.
High-Quality Soil Stabilization Products
Gabion is just one of many soil stabilization and erosion control solutions available. For more ways to control erosion, see what the experts have to offer. Founded with the purpose of developing products to protect our environment, IWT Cargo Guard’s mission is to provide the most cost-effective products for your project. By quickly analyzing the products and services required for the project, we become an extension of your estimating department. At IWT Cargo Guard, we have the knowledge and experience to help you choose exactly what you need. Contact us today.
