Gabions and Mattresses

Gabion: a type of retaining wall produced from individua rectangular boxes made from panels of wire mesh, divided internally and filled with stones. These units are stacked and overlapped (like stretcher bonded masonry) and applied in severa layers or courses to retained earth situations. Typical sizes, 1.0 m long x 0.5 m wide x 0.5 m high, up to 4.0 m long x 1.0 m wide x 1.0 m high.

Mattress: unit fabrication is similar to a gabion but of less thickness, smaller mesh and stone size to provide some flexibility and shaping potential. Application is at a much lower incline Generally used next to waterways for protection against land erosion where tidal movement and/or water level differentials could scour embankments. Typical sizes, 3.0 m long x 2.0 m wide x 0.15 m thick, up to 6.0 m long x 2.0 m wide x 0.3 m thick.