Gabion Mats are used for permanent erosion control in channels, streambanks, spillways and stable slopes from surficial erosion. The stone confinement within the units allows for higher shear stress resistance than the riprap.

The base is divided into compartments and filled with stones at the project site. With lids closed, gabion mats form flexible, permeable, monolithic structures. The 100 feet (30m) long units make its installation fast and economical.

Soil bioengineering techniques can be used to promote vegetation in the gabion mats to provide enhanced shear resistance.

Advantages of gabion mats:

• Gabion mat strength lies in their double twisted hexagonal mesh of steel wire which is reinforced by selvedges of heavier wire running along the edges.
• The base section is divided into compartments to restrict the movement of stone and strengthen the structure.
• The lid is supplied as a separate panel.
• The wire will not unravel even when cut.
• Assembly is easy, requiring no specialized labor and nearby rock is used for fill.
• Free drainage and 30-35% voids allow vegetation to grow.