Considerations For Gabion Baskets and Reno Mattresses

Gabion baskets and Reno mattresses are highly versatile and used on a wide array of applications and site conditions. With the right equipment and planning, they can be successfully installed in both dry and wet environments. However, some conditions require more careful planning than others. A thorough assessment of the job site is necessary to safely get the job done.  

Jobsite Stability

When installing gabion baskets and mattresses, it’s essential to consider the stability of the route to the job site. Wet or steep conditions can make it difficult, if not impossible to deliver the materials in certain situations. Make sure your job site has a safe route for delivery drivers to drop off the supplies. 

In preparation for gabion construction, engineers must account for the slope’s width, soil conditions, the loads that the slope must support, and the internal friction angle of the soil. If a slope experiences significant changes in elevation or lateral movement, steps must be taken to prevent the foundation from becoming overwhelmed. Use gabion baskets and reno mattresses with a strong foundation and stable materials. 

If the material fill is not cohesive, such as silt and sand, it may get swept away in wet or steep environments, causing settlement or flanking of the mattresses or baskets. Filter materials and fabrics can also help prevent the underlying bank and bed material from eroding. On every job site, the expected amount and rate of erosion must be calculated to ensure the foundation doesn’t become undercut. 

Trained professionals must draw out plans detailing the required lines and grading of the gabion’s foundation. All irregularities on the surface must be removed as well as any trees, vegetation and, loose material on the foundation site. Until the foundation has not been properly inspected, gabion baskets and mattresses should not be installed.  

Design Considerations

Once the site’s foundation has been assessed, carefully consider the design of the gabion baskets and mattresses being used. They must have the proper foundation stability that can sustain the velocity and shear-stress thresholds of the slope. They must also have the proper toe and flank protection. The toe should be protected with a gabion basket or mattress that will dip into scoured areas without ruining the stability of the project’s bank protection.

Tiebacks should also be used to protect against flanking. Filter fabric can be used under the gabion baskets and mattresses to stop soil from moving through the baskets. Without these measures, the supporting soil structure could become undermined, causing a failure of the gabion baskets and mattresses. This is true for both wet and dry environments.

Installation Measures

When installing gabion products, they must be placed on a prepared and approved surface layer. The empty gabion baskets and mattresses will be assembled individually on the surface to the predetermined and calculated lines and grading. They should be staggered vertically and horizontally, exactly as shown on the construction drawings created by an experienced engineer. There should be no gaps along the perimeter between adjoined sections. Secure and fasten all lacing wire terminals and make sure all joining is made between selvage-selvage or selvage-edge wire connections. A fastener should be installed at every mesh opening as well.

High-Quality Gabion Baskets and Reno Mattresses

Gabion baskets and reno mattresses are among the many solutions available to stabilize soil and control erosion.  For more ways to control erosion, see what the experts have to offer. At IWT We have the knowledge and experience to help you choose exactly what you need. 

Founded with the purpose of developing products to protect our environment, IWT Cargo Guard’s mission is to provide the most cost-effective products for your project. By quickly analyzing the products and services required for the project, we become an extension of your estimating department.

 IWT Cargo-Guard understands the importance of protecting our environment. We offer a variety of pollution and erosion control products to protect and preserve it for generations to come. For all of your erosion protection needs, contact us today.