Bridge Abutments and Wing Walls
Gabions can be employed in a variety of ways to stabilize soil conditions around bridges, bridge piers and bridge abutments 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.
Some applications (as shown in photos below) may have limited space and not allow for the width of a gabion gravity retaining wall cross section to be permitted without impeding the flow. In this case a gabion basket facing may be used in conjunction with an earth anchor system. The gabion basket facing will provide hard amour protection and the earth anchor system will ensure structural stability. This solution allows for a more slender cross section than does a gabion gravity retaining wall.
