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 ?o:p>

• 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.