CETN-III-31
12/86
USE OF GABIONS IN THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT
To describe the use of gabions in the coastal environment as
PROGRAM PURPOSE:
a form of low-cost shore protection.
Gabions are rectangular steel wire baskets. When filled with
BACKGROUND:
stone, they can help protect areas experiencing erosion due to waves,
currents, or groundwater flows. Gabions can also be used to reduce wave runup
and overtopping. Care should be exercised, however, in using gablons in a
high energy wave environment.
As depicted in Figures I and 2, gabions come in various sires and
configurations, depending upon application.
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Gabion without diaphragms.
Gabion with diaphragms.
Gabions were first used over 75 years ago in Italy on river projects.
Today, they have a variety of applications such as retaining walls,
revetments, flexible aprons, and breakwaters.
Gabions have had limited use in the coastal environment where they are
subjected to wave forces and saltwater corrosion. To retard corrosion in salt
water, the wire mesh can be galvanized, PVC coated, or both. However, each of
these measures has limitations. Galvanized coating may be prone to
chipping. PVC coating can be susceptible to wear and cracking, particularly
in cold climates.
U. S. Army Engineer WatetwaysExperiment Station, Coastal Engineering Research Center
P. 0. Rox 631, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
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