The modern Maccaferri gabion is a rectangular woven wire mesh box. Its strength lies in its double twisted hexagonal mesh of steel wire which is reinforced by selvedges of heavier wire running along the edges and by transverse diaphragms.
The protective coating is typically either:
heavily zinc galvanised wire
as above PLUS heavy duty PVC coating
galmac (galfan) coated with a 95%Zinc + 5% Aluminium Mischmetal Alloy
as above PLUS heavy duty PVC coating
Galmac (or Galfan) wire units offer enhanced durability, and are available upon request. This coating type is the most durable wire coating available internationally and is being increasingly used within Australia to ensure gabion structures achieve a far longer design life (2 to 3 times more durable than zinc coatings of the same mass), thereby significantly reducing the life-cycle cost of the structure.
Maccaferri Gabions have significant advantages as retaining wall structures, including –
Permeability of the front face, ensuring drainage of backfill and no hydrostatic pressures behind the wall
Flexibility, ensures the woven mesh gabions accommodate differential setlements unlike rigid systems eg. welded mesh cages
Ease of construction
One of the most economical retaining systems on the market
Incorporation as required of vegetation throughout the structure
Versatility, as the structure can be formed with a vertical, battered or stepped front face as required.
Sizes
Standard sizes in mesh 80mm x 100mm nominal, internal wire diameter 2.7mm
Length m
Width m
Height m
2
0.5
0.5
2
1
0.5
4
1
0.5
2
1
1
4
1
1
2
1.5
1
6
2
0.5
Maccaferri also provide additional tools and services to assist in the design and installation of Maccaferri Gabion structures, including –
Design support
Free preliminary design assistance or review (including free design software, drawings, etc) to ensure the design of the structure is the most appropriate and cost-effective solution to your problem
Provision of product and installation specifications to assist in the tender preparation process
Free training seminars or presentations held at your offices
Free software for design or support, including an Architectural CD designed specifically for landscape architects or other professionals working with the built environment.
Installation support
Pneumatic lacing tools and high-strength lacing rings, which dramatically reduce the labour time and effort required in installing the gabion units
Gabion closing tools to assist in the installation process
Specialist non-standard sizes to ensure supply costs are reduced for a specific gabion structure, on-site installation training for major projects for either installers or site supervisors (including quality checklists)
Tensioning tools to assist in achieving a high quality finish in the installed structure
Preformed braces to assist with achieving a high standard of finish.
Gabion Rock Specifications
According to AS2758.4-2000 recommendation, the minimum rock size shall be 100mm and the maximum rock size shall be 250mm. The rock shall be dense, hard, durable stone resistant to weathering actions of air and water.
For details on our full product range, available tools or services, and installation specifications, please contact your nearest Maccaferri office.
(3MB)