Gabions are rectangular baskets or mattresses made of galvanized, and sometimes PVC-coated,
steel wire in a hexagonal mesh (Figure B-14). Subdivided into cells of approximately equal size,
standard gabion baskets are 3 feet wide and are available in lengths of 6, 9, and 12 feet and heights
(thicknesses) of 1, 1.5, and 3 feet. Mattresses are either 9 or 12 inches thick. At the job site, the baskets
are unfolded and assembled by lacing the edges together with steel wire. The individual baskets are then
wired together and filled with 4- to 8-inch diameter stones. The use of interior liners or sandbags for
small size material is not recommended. The lids are finally closed and laced to the baskets, forming a
large, heavy mass (Figure B-15).
The chief advantage of a gabion structure is that construction may be accomplished without heavy
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