PRODUCTION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE TERRITORY

Gabion — or reticulate gabion structures (RGS)

Gabion in construction is a voluminous structure having various shapes made of twisted wire net with hexagonal meshes destined for establishment of gabion structures.

At the end of 19^th century gabions interested constructors as quickly erected structures for strengthening the steep slopes and river banks as well as the areas sensible to landslides. Similar structures appeared useful also for erection of dikes and bridges. Presently the wicker basket is substituted with a frameworks made of metallic net. Gabions are used as strengthening structures in all types of construction, for protecting the roads (traffic and railways), bridge supports, riverbanks against washing out, etc. The main types of gabions are mattress-shaped and box-shaped types. Gabion mattresses are erected on sloping riverbanks and the box-shaped gabions are put on steep walls. The latter is a parallelepiped cage having dimensions of 3—5 х 1—1,5 х 1 meter. Gabions with reinforced panels are used for erection of supporting walls in height of over 3 meters as well as construction on friable soils. Cylindrical gabions are used for strengthening the riverbeds and laying communications on the bottom of water bodies (pipes, cables, etc.).    

Presently gabions are widely used at landscape design both upon its direct destination and as decorative elements i.e. small architectural forms i.e. while developing terraces in site.