Gabion mesh is a grid-like structure woven from low-carbon steel wire, often fabricated into box shapes (gabion baskets) for use in hydraulic engineering and slope protection. It is known as "gabion" in both English and French. Characterized by flexibility and permeability, it adapts to deformation and fosters ecological restoration.
1. Its flexible structure adapts to slope movements without structural failure, offering superior safety and stability compared to rigid structures;
2. It exhibits strong resistance to erosion, capable of withstanding water flow velocities of up to 6 m/s;
3. Inherently permeable, the structure accommodates natural groundwater processes and filtration; suspended solids and silt settle within the voids between the stone fill, promoting the growth of natural vegetation and gradually restoring the original ecological environment.
A gabion is a mesh structure-made of wire or polymer-designed to hold stone fill in place. Wire cages can be constructed from either woven or welded mesh. These structures may be galvanized, and woven wire baskets can additionally be PVC-coated. When filled with hard, weather-resistant stone, the material resists rapid breakdown due to abrasion within the basket or mattress. Gabions filled with different types of stone exhibit varying characteristics; angular stones interlock effectively, making the filled gabion resistant to deformation. In landscaping, highway slope protection, embankment stabilization, and the greening of steep mountain slopes, engineers have long faced challenging problems. For years, they sought a method that was economical and convenient while meeting stability requirements and achieving environmental greening. Gradually, the "ecological gabion" application method emerged as the solution. This technique involves filling rectangular cages-woven from high-strength galvanized steel wire-with stone. When applied to slope protection, the voids between the stones are progressively filled with soil through the combined action of human activity and natural processes. Plant seeds gradually take root and sprout in the soil between the stones, growing vigorously as their root systems firmly bind the stones and soil together. This approach achieves both slope protection and greening, while also yielding significant benefits for ecological improvement and soil and water conservation.
