Behind the exotic word "gabion" is a construction woven from a metal wire and filled with stones, pebbles or gravel of a standard fraction. At present, such gabion structures from seemingly inexpensive starting materials are in great demand both in civil engineering and in military affairs.
Appointment
The main purpose of such building elements as gabion structures, the price of which ranges from 950 to 8300 rubles for one metal structure, has been used in the world practice for more than a century for the use of soil slopes, banks of reservoirs, road embankments and other engineering structures as a reinforcing element. The cost varies depending on the size of the structure and the fraction of the filler (pebbles, gravel, stone).
In individual construction, gabions are used to strengthen the shores of private reservoirs, to construct retaining walls and even to create various architectural forms on the site. The production of gabion structures makes it possible to change the landscape and carry out a number of engineering work on the ground without threatening the ecosystem of the territory.
The main types of gabion structures
In essence, gabion consists of two elements - a gabion net and a filler. Manufacturers today offer consumers three types of such structures:
1. Boxed.
2. Cylindrical.
3. Mattresses.
Box elements are made in the form of a parallelepiped and can be of various sizes. The width can be at least 1 meter and can go up to 2, the length of the structure can be in the range of 2-6 meters, the height is from 50 cm to 100. To increase the strength characteristics, diaphragm panels can be installed inside the gabion - additional elements for reinforcement.
Cylindrical structures are cylindrical. 2-4 meters - the range of fluctuations in the length of one element, diameter - from 65 to 95 cm. For cylindrical structures characterized by greater flexibility than box-shaped, due to the absence of stiffeners.
The standard height of the mattress elements is 20-30 cm (the most commonly used is 23 cm). Width can vary within 1-2 meters, length - from 1 to 6 meters. Such structures easily repeat the shape of the relief and can serve as the foundation for structures from box elements.
Advantages of gabions
Gabion designs have certain advantages. Their flexibility is ensured by a double torsion metal mesh that can withstand any type of load without breaking. Even with a strong erosion of the soil at the base of the gabion, most often the structure simply deforms slightly, but in no case does it collapse.
The strength of the structural elements is due to the characteristics of the double torsion mesh, which, in essence, is a reinforcing factor for the entire structure. The connection of gabion elements with each other using galvanized wire turns the entire structure into a monolithic object.
Gabions are water-permeable, therefore, structures can be erected from them without fear of hydrostatic loads. In the case of the construction of retaining walls there is no need for concomitant stagnant drainage.
Gabion structures are environmentally friendly because they do not interfere with the site’s ecosystem. Over time, the voids between the stones are filled with soil, the growth of vegetation begins. After a period of 1 to 5 years, the structure is fully consolidated with the surrounding landscape and can serve indefinitely.
Compared to reinforced concrete structures, gabions are very economical. There is no need for the use of heavy equipment, the preliminary construction of drainage systems. The gabion filler (stone) is initially ready for use, it does not need to be processed and customized.
Gabion net
Gabion mesh, one of the main elements in the production of gabion structures, is made of double torsion from the wire of the following types:
- with a coating of zinc (not less than 0.25 kg / m²);
- with increased anti-corrosion coating;
- with PVC coating.
In order for gabions to possess sufficient strength, a special knitting wire is also used in the production. Certain requirements are also imposed on her. It should not have gaps, its ends can be connected by twisting (length - no more than 20 cm) or extension. On an area of 20 m² there should be no more than 1 twist.
Gabion Filler
Gabions can be filled with both polished stones and cornerstones. In size, the filler (stone, gravel, pebbles) must be such that it does not pass through the mesh cell. Consumers consider the optimal size from 1D to 2D, where D is the diameter of the mesh cell. However, according to experts, gabion structures made of filler of 1D – 1,5D size will give the most uniform shrinkage over the entire area and perimeter of the structure.
Fillers also have a number of requirements. The stone must be of a certain severity (different for work on land and in water), have frost resistance more than MP350, strength not less than 400 units, low water absorption. Also, the filler must be resistant to decay, the maximum weight loss should not be more than 10%.