Green gabion systems 

Gabions are widely used in various fields of engineering and design. As you may have already read on our website, gabions are widely used in infrastructure construction, hydraulic engineering and geotechnics. Gabions are often the preferred system of engineers and designers because they offer excellent load-bearing capacity at a much lower cost compared to a concrete structure.

The gabions have a simple structure – they consist mainly of steel mesh and rock filling, plus some additional small additives to complete the system. The installation of the gabions is extremely easy and can be done by anyone. Gabions have excellent structural properties such as tensile and compressive strength and are suitable for various construction applications. The gabion is an excellent aesthetic material with the right selection of rock materials for the filling, and could be used in fences, sculptures and other landscaping.

Gabion landscaping systems
Green gabions for the yard and garden

Green gabions – when the landscape meets the structure

Green gabions are the result of the symbiosis of two seemingly self-excluding elements – the structure and landscaping. Yes, green gabions are just that – a combination of a stable structural system with high strength and a landscape masterpiece that in no way conflicts with the principles of aesthetics. Green gabions are a great way to increase green space in places where it seems impossible.

But what exactly is a green gabion and what is its structure? For starters, green gabions have all the elements of ordinary gabions. They are made of high quality nets, which can be electro welded nets or double- or triple-twisted braided steel nets. The thickness of the wires varies depending on the expected load and the size of the gabion. The individual steel panels are connected to each other by means of welds or spirals depending on the specific system. The filling of green gabions can be of different origins, but it is preferable to use rock materials that are not of calcareous origin.

What distinguishes green gabions from ordinary gabions is the vegetation. Gabions are an excellent environment for growth and development of various plants – they are made of natural materials that serve as a solid basis for rooting. It is possible to use different vegetation for green gabions – ryegrass, creeping and exotic plants, even vegetable plants. The selection of plants for green gabions depends mainly on the application – exterior and interior. In exterior engineering solutions it is necessary to take into account the geological and hydrogeological conditions, as well as the climate of the area in which the gabions will be installed. A bad decision would lead to poor vegetation development and even the complete destruction of gabions.

Green Gabions System
Yard landscaping system

Green gabions are extremely suitable for strengthening weak earth slopes and slopes, as they combine two fragments – the structural stability of gabions and the retaining properties of the root system of plants. As we all know – well-forested slopes prevent the development of landslides and landslides. Good selection of plant species can significantly reduce or even prevent the movement of land masses.

Interior solutions for green gabions are more suitable for creative activities, as the conditions for growing plants are under control. Green gabions are suitable for making green gabion walls in cafes, restaurants, malls, showrooms and more. Interior gabion green systems combine well with any interior and are an excellent innovative addition to any space. The good thing about gabions is that they are portable. If the green gabion system is properly designed, the entire green configuration could be moved or arranged differently depending on the specific needs.

What is the difference between a potted gabion and a green gabion?

Potted gabions are a solution similar to green gabions. Potted gabions are a standard gabion, which can be of different sizes and configurations, in which a hole is left for planting vegetation. This hole is filled with soil in which the particular plant is planted or sown. They are suitable for yards and gardens, as well as for interior solutions in public buildings. Gabion pots have excellent aesthetic qualities and duplicate many of the functions of green gabion systems, but with some significant differences.

While gabion pots have a separate hole in which vegetation develops, in green gabions such an opening is absent, the difference being that the gabion itself is the basis for the development of vegetation. In green gabion systems, plants sprout from all possible sides of the gabion, completely covering its surface. For this reason, potted gabions offer the opportunity to plant larger plant species such as shrubs and saplings that could not take root in a green gabion system. On the other hand, green gabions provide the opportunity to build complete green walls and slopes, which could not be achieved through the use of gabion pots.

Technological features of green gabions

You have already understood the main differences between ordinary and green gabions. However, in order for the green gabion to remain green, it is necessary to take some measures during the installation of the gabions inserting, by some additional elements to the structure. It is logical that in order for plants to exist, they need to take root in a fertile base – be it soil or another type of modern solution of cotton wool, etc. Unfortunately, the rock base of the gabions is not suitable for rooting and the plants will not grow under these conditions. That is why the green gabions themselves need to be adapted for this purpose.

One of the solutions is technical coconut wool. It is a panel made of coconut fiber in combination with double-woven metal mesh. Coconut shavings are pressed into a strong structure, as the net provides additional security. The shelf life of coconut wool panels is between 24 and 36 months, which is absolutely enough for the plants to take root in the soil base under the gabions. During its service life, coconut wool also provides nutrients for plant development, as well as an excellent means of retaining moisture.

It is possible to use other types of wool that are suitable for planting, and the choice of wool for green gabion should be consistent with the specific vegetation that will be sown. In addition to the use of cotton wool, it is recommended to fill the gaps between the rock filling of the gabion with soil, which will further improve the growing conditions. The use of fertilizers is highly recommended, as this would ensure the green nature of the gabion.

Why choose green gabion systems – 8 reasons from Smart Metal Group

  1. Strength – gabion systems have excellent design characteristics and are suitable for different types of construction solutions;
  2. Durability – galvanized steel mesh and rock materials ensure long-term operation of gabions;
  3. Easy to install – gabions are among the most labor-saving structural systems, and their installation can be done by anyone;
  4. Ecology – green gabion systems have an extremely high index of environmental friendliness, achieved by the use of natural materials in combination with vegetation;
  5. Sustainability – green gabion systems not only provide clean air from plants, but they also lower temperatures in the urban environment;
  6. Aesthetics – green gabions are an extremely common choice by landscape architects due to their exceptional aesthetic qualities;
  7. Low value – gabions have a much lower cost per cubic meter of material compared to their reinforced concrete alternative;
  8. Versatility – systems with green gabions can be applied literally anywhere – from the yard to the office or on the slopes of the highway;
During the laying of a green system of gabions
Laying of double-twisted galvanized mesh for landscaping on a slope.
After laying gabions for landscaping
Double-twisted net for landscaping on sloping terrain.

Вижте страницата на друг език: Bulgarian Russian