Gabions can be employed in a variety of ways to stabilize soil conditions around bridges, bridge piers and bridge abutment slopes. Generally the angle of the slope to be protected shall determine what structure type is best suited for each application. Slopes with an angle of 1on1 or steeper require standard gabion retaining wall protection. Slopes with an angle of 1 on 1.5 or less may use a gabion or reno mattress slope protection.

Whatever structure type is utilized it is important to make considerations for protecting the toe of the structure against scour and undermining. A gabion apron is best suited for protecting the toe of a gabion retaining wall structure, and a gabion toe wall embedded below sub-grade is generally best suited for protecting the toe a gabion or reno mattress slope protection structure against scour and undermining.