Learn about gabion baskets and rock mattresses, their many uses and how they should ideally be constructed for erosion control applications.
Gabion baskets explained
The word gabion is descended from the Italian word gabbione, which translates to ‘large container’. The use of gabion baskets is not a new practice and can be traced back hundreds of years, when they were used by the Romans for various structural purposes. Gabion baskets and rock mattresses (including Melbourne) are still a popular device to this day, owing to the relative ease in which they can be installed and their considerable versatility.
The baskets themselves are either shaped as boxes or cylinders and are most often compacted with rocks, although there are alternatives that utilise densely packed dirt or similar materials, as well. Gabion baskets are used extensively throughout the construction industry and are also a popular choice for environmental projects, too.
Their many applications
Over the years, gabion baskets have been used for a whole range of different tasks to great effect, including:
Beyond this, gabions are also a favourite apparatus used by landscapers. They provide essential erosion protection while also blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment. The combination of mesh wiring and tightly packed stone, ensures that gabions have an aesthetic value in addition to their practical benefits. One of the most common uses by landscape designers is as an alternative to a regular paling timber fence. Such fences are easy to construct, look impressive and are completely immune to structural decay that would normally effect a regular timber fence.
Their strength
The wire mesh used by gabion baskets is available in a number of materials, including PVC, stainless and galvanised steel. Using a mesh compound that consists of both galvanised and PVC delivers the greatest level of durability, offering over 50 years of continuous use. There are also other specially formulated compounds on offer that guarantee a similarly impressive lifespan.
Designing the basket
The dimensions of your gabion basket all depend on its intended purpose. If it is to be used around your home, then developing a series of baskets that are placed on top of each like ordinary building blocks using the typical box shape, is the preferred technique of construction and deployment. If you have a slightly different use in mind, then a cylinder styled gabion can be used instead. The use of cylinder cages in conjunction with small box shaped baskets can be used to great effect to create truly imaginative designs.
Designing the base
Before the baskets can be packed with stones or similar materials, the gabion base structure must first be constructed. The biggest consideration that must be made is the material to be used for the footing. Soft materials such as clay for instance, are not suitable. Clay by nature, contains minerals that are infused with varying amounts of trapped water. This is what gives clay its soft, malleable properties.
As gabions consist of heavy stones and other densely packed materials, their overall structural weight is substantial. A gabion erected upon a clay material would not have a secure footing. In wet weather, the foundation would become uneven, rendering the gabion hazardous. A much more sensible material to use is of course concrete. When opting for a concrete base, it’s imperative that surface is perfectly level and free from any plant roots that may threaten the integrity of the concrete. Once the base has been completed, the mesh baskets can be assembled and the internal components (rocks, shale etc.) can be inserted.
Are Dental Implants Worth Spending on?
If you have ever had a chipped, broken, or knocked-out tooth, you already know how uncomfortable they can be and the degree of stigma they attract in most cases. Most people who find themselves with any of these conditions often seek ways to get over it or get good alternatives as soon as possible. In the past, many of them had to live with their oral deformity as there was no means of restoration. However, the introduction of modern technology in dentistry has brought about several advancements and innovations, such as dental implants that have shown to be a valid solution for many oral problems.
Why Buy Gold, Pure Gold Bars, Gold Nuggets, Gold Ingots, And Gold Bullion?
When investment is being discussed, we often hear investment options like gold, oil, and more, and gold is often regarded as one of the most valuable investments. But then, one very crucial question we should ask is, “why is gold one of the most-valuable investments?”
Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Is It Effective?
A quick look at the medical field will show various forms of treatment for any health challenge that may arise in the human body. These treatments can be surgical or non-surgical. An issue in the body that is not often addressed with much concern is pains ranging from back pains to chest pains. Most times, pains occur due to much tension in a part of the body.
