Design Guidelines General Design Guidelines Basic Principles The effectiveness of a gabion structure relies on the integrity of the wire baskets throughout their design life. High quality wire with appropriate corrosion protection is therefore essential- use of low grade mesh, selvedge wire or tie wire is a false economy. Cheap hand twisted mesh soon unravels and a uniform mesh size is difficult to achieve. The first step in the successful use of gabionsis thereforeselectionof an appro- priate supplier: The basic design of gabion structures is relatively straightforward,but it is essential to take due account of the followingprinciples: Stability: gabion structures must be designed as gravity retaining structures with no reliance on tension in the wire baskets to resist overturning. Drainage: all gabion structures are permeable and thus free drainage is assured, but a filter (sand, gravel, geotextiIe)may be required behind or beneath the structureto prevent washing out of fine material fromthe subgradeor backfill. Erosion: structures exposed to flowing water or waves must have adequate protection against undermining by erosion of the foundation (gabion mattresses often provide an ideal means of achieving this). Flexibility: where appropriatethe design should take advantage of the gabion's inherent flexibility to ensure stabilityin a changingenvironment. -4-
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Design GuidelinesGeneral Design Guidelines
Basic Principles
The effectiveness of a gabion structure relies on the integrity of the wire baskets throughout their design life. High
quality wire with appropriate corrosion protection is therefore essential- use of low grade mesh, selvedge wire or tie
wire is a false economy.
Cheap hand twisted mesh soon unravels
and a uniform mesh size is difficult to
achieve.
The first step in the successful use of
gabionsis thereforeselectionof an appro-
priate supplier:
The basic design of gabion structures is relatively straightforward,but it is essential to take due account of the
followingprinciples:
Stability: gabion structuresmust be designedas gravity retaining structures with no reliance on tension in the
wire baskets to resist overturning.
Drainage: all gabion structures are permeable and thus free drainage is assured, but a filter (sand, gravel,
geotextiIe)may be requiredbehind or beneath the structureto prevent washingout of fine material
fromthe subgradeor backfill.
Erosion: structures exposed to flowing water or waves must have adequate protection against undermining by
erosion of the foundation (gabion mattresses often provide an ideal means of achieving this).
Flexibility: where appropriatethe design should take advantage of the gabion's inherent flexibility to ensure
stabilityin achangingenvironment.
-4-
Advantages
Each principle highlights advantages of a gabion structure over other forms of construction:
Stability: their use as earth retaining structures provides a low cost alternative to concrete or masonry retaining
walls.
Drainage: the permeability of gabion structures has the benefit of reducing pore water pressures behind the struc-
ture and allowing free drainage.
Erosion: the use of gabions allows erosion protection to be achieved using smaller stones and reduced thickness
than would be required for conventional rip-rap. Gabions can also provide a cost effective, more aes-
thetically pleasing and environmentally friendly alternative to concrete systems.
Flexibility: the ability of gabions to deform while still retaining their integrity has advantages over other types of
construction. When exposed to differential settlement or erosion comparable concrete structures may
crack and fail.
Drainage
Erosion Flexibility
In addition, the simple construction techniques required to erect a gabion structure can be advantageous when
compared to other forms of construction:
. there is no requirement for heavy plant or machinery, which reduces costs and facilitates construction in
remote areas or where plant is difficult to obtain;
. local labour can rapidly be trained to construct high quality structures;
. construction makes use oflow cost locally available stone;
. structures may be added to at a later date;
. rapid construction makes them ideal for emergency works.
-5-
Underlayer or Filter
In most applications. gabions are provided with an underIayer (or filter). This layer can be formed from gravel or
geotextile (or both) and serves one or more of the following functions:
. filtration to prevent loss of subsoil material as a result of drainage flow through the gabion;
. separation to prevent movement of subsoil material into the gabion;
. provision of an even formation surface for laying gabions;
. secondary protection between the subsoil and flowing water.
Geotextile underIayers should be designed using manufacturers' guidelines for retention, permeability and strength.
Gravel filters are designed using formulae based on the gradings of the filter material, the retained soil and the velocity
of any water flow.The design of filters is a complex area and should be carned out by an engineer who is competent and
experienced in this field.
Hydrostaticpressurescan build up behind retaining walls if geotextilesbecome clogged with fine material. The