Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Gabion ~ a type of retaining wall produced from individual

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 several

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.

Gabion wall

foundation to

suit situation

horizontally laid staggered units

dry jointed and angled to suit

height and type of retained soil

units laid across

the slope with

joints staggered

sloped and

protected

embankment

Mattress wall

natural drainage

through stone

filling water at

variable levels

length

Woven mesh box

selvedge wire plastic coated hexagon mesh fabric

loose stone

filling

height or

thickness

width

Gabions and Mattresses