Gabion is derived from the Italian term gabbione, which means “large cage.” It refers to an ancient wall-like construction that existed circa 7,000 years ago in Egypt. At the time, the wall operated as a fortification, protecting the Nile’s bank from flooding.
During the Middle Ages, early gabion wall models were transformed into military forts for warriors fighting in battle. Gabions were widely utilized by civil engineers in the 1800s to stabilize banks and coasts and to curb erosion.
Gabion Walls in the Modern Era
Gabion walls are built today largely to help support the land beneath them. They can, however, be utilized as cover walls.
Most gabion barriers are constructed with gabion baskets consisting of galvanized hexagonal meshes and filled with shattered pebbles. These may be piled in one or more rows, depending on how high you want the wall to be. Gabions are frequently referred to as “gabion cages,” since the baskets are closed on all sides and have a cage-like form.
Gabion Wall Advantages
Gabion walls come in a range of sizes and colors, and they may give you the following benefits as sourced from professionals of water damage restoration in Denver:
Preventing Soil Erosion
This is the primary purpose for constructing a gabion cage. In the event of a flood, the stones that make up the wall absorb and diffuse the power of the water, successfully safeguarding the region. If you have a nearby stream or pond, gabions are also a practical and effective technique to keep your land dry.
Environmental Security
Gabion walls may be made more environmentally friendly by employing recycled materials. There is no need for concrete or other intrusive materials because the filler is built from readily available resources. Aside from that, the basic gabion wall construction enables floodwaters to flow through it, preventing flooding. As a result, gabions are environmentally friendly.
Structure with Reinforcement
Although it may not appear so at first glance, the wire mesh is one of the advantages of gabion walls. It serves as reinforcement for the overall construction and creates the basket or cage of the wall. It is stronger than it appears. Because of the vegetation and silt that accumulate between the fillings over time, the mesh becomes even stronger as the wall matures. As a result, inventive individuals have created gabion baskets as the foundation for seats and tables.
Breathing Room
Gabion cages are permeable and are meant to leave room between the stone fillings. The design allows for the passage of air and water through the building, allowing it to breathe.
In contrast to impermeable concrete walls, they allow hydrostatic pressure to build up, resulting in structural instability.
Permanence
Gabion walls have endured the test of time since their construction on the banks of the Nile River. It demonstrates their adaptability and durability. Under excessive stress, these walls may compress or distort, but they will not break. This useful component not only protects the wall’s structural integrity but also strengthens it over time.
Simple Installation
If you do your research and have all of the necessary equipment and supplies, you can build a standard gabion wall in one day. Simply attach the baskets, prepare the ground so they may rest level, and then fill them with any filling you like.
The idea is to select the flattest bits of pebbles or stones for the sides. Many people fill the center of the wall with less expensive fillers like concrete and keep any right-angled pieces for the corners.
Savings
Gabion walls constructed of wire mesh are less expensive than concrete and can be built quickly. Fillings, such as stones and broken concrete, may also be obtained locally, typically at a reduced cost. Labor costs can be avoided if you are ready to build the wall yourself. The only exception is if you intend to build a gabion cage higher than usual. A specialist must be called in this scenario to guarantee safety.
Aesthetics
Gabion cages are attractive and may easily fit in with the surrounding environment when built of natural materials. In this regard, stone blocks are frequently used for their aesthetic features, although various filler materials of varied sizes, hues, and textures might be considered.
Gabion Walls Lifespan
One of the advantages of gabion walls is that they are designed to be permanent structures. Their lifespan, on the other hand, will be determined by the environment in which they are placed. These retaining walls typically have a life expectancy of 10 to 75 years. Still, seawater, acidic oils, fresh water, and industrial run-off can all have an impact on the structure’s long-term endurance.
Key Takeaway
When the Nile River flooded, the early Egyptians erected gabion barriers to keep the floods at bay. Today, there is a return of that crucial role, as numerous gabion cages are being created to act as a kind of drainage during severe rains.
Gabion cages, on the other hand, provide various functions. It involves becoming an attractive component of a house, which is possible if appropriate infill materials are employed. Nonetheless, the benefits of gabion barriers are most visible in guaranteeing the smooth flow of water. During natural catastrophes such as floods, these man-made fortresses can block water from causing harm to your property, saving you from having to deal with repairs.
If unfortunately, the flood made significant damage to your home, you will certainly need to call a restoration expert.
