Use of Wire Gabions in Embankment and Highway Projects

Gabions are galvanized or PVC-coated steel wire basket structures filled with river rock or crushed stone, used for erosion control, soil stabilization, and slope protection. This material is often used in large infrastructure projects, particularly in the construction of river embankments and highways in hilly or landslide-prone areas.

With their flexible shape and open spaces between the stones, gabions allow water to drain naturally without increasing hydrostatic pressure—making them an effective and economical solution for protecting construction areas.

1. Use of Wire Gabions in Embankment Projects
In river embankment construction projects or in flood-prone areas, gabions serve the following functions:

Main functions:

• Protecting river banks (revetments) to prevent erosion by water currents
• Preventing erosion due to high flow velocities during the rainy season
• Reinforcing the base of embankments and irrigation channels
• Preventing abrasion and soil collapse along riverbanks

Advantages for embankment projects:

• Able to follow soil movement without cracking like concrete
• Natural drainage reduces water pressure on the embankment structure
• Quicker installation and can use local stone
• Easy maintenance and can be partially repaired without complete dismantling

Common application examples:

• River embankments in residential areas
• Protecting agricultural irrigation channels
• Reinforcing the banks of reservoirs and dams

2. Use of Wire Gabions in Highway Projects
In highway projects—especially on cliffs, mountains, and steep slopes—gabions are used as retaining walls.

Main benefits for highways:

• Slope stabilization to prevent landslides onto the roadway
• Resistance to lateral earth pressure on roadway cliff cuts
• Supporting road foundation structures with an open drainage system
• Reducing the risk of road cracks due to ground movement

Advantages over concrete:

Gabion (Wire Mesh)	Conventional Concrete
Flexible and follows ground contours	Rigid and prone to cracking when the soil moves
Has natural drainage system	Requires additional separate drainage
More economical and faster to install	Higher installation cost and longer time
Easy to repair partially	Repairs tend to be large-scale and expensive

3. Types of Gabions Suitable for Infrastructure Projects

Gabion Type	Advantages	Project Applications
Galvanized	Rust-resistant & economical	Rivers, embankments, rural roads
PVC-coated	Stronger & resistant to harsh environments (saltwater, heavy rainfall)	Mountain roads, coastal areas, severe flood zones
Gabion + Geotextile System	Maximum stability	National projects & major highways

4. Important Factors in Gabion Installation in Embankment & Highway Projects

• Selecting mesh size and wire diameter according to site conditions
• Stable and level foundation
• Compact and tightly packed rock fill
• Adding geotextiles to the soil Soft
• Tiered wall reinforcement for steep slopes

Conclusion
Wire gabions are an effective, strong, flexible, and economical solution for:

• Embankment protection and erosion control
• Slope stabilization and road safety
• Reducing repair costs due to flooding or landslides

With proper planning and installation, gabions can last a very long time and provide optimal protection for infrastructure.

Need Quality Wire Gabions for Your Project?
PT Intisumber Bajasakti provides high-quality galvanized and PVC wire gabions in a full range of sizes for construction, irrigation, and road projects.

📞 Phone: 021-66675999
🌐 Web: intisumberbajasakti.com
✉️ Email: info@intisumberbajasakti.com

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