Flexibility
One of the most important advantages of double twisted mesh gabions & reno mattresses is their flexibility both for the individual unit and the overall gabion or reno mattress structure. The Double Twisted Hexagonal Mesh construction of the units permits it to tolerate differential settlement without failure. This property is especially important when a structure is on unstable soil conditions or in areas where scour from wave action or currents can undermine the toe of the structure and cause structural settlement.
Durability
Gabions & Reno Mattresses built from high strength double twisted hexagonal mesh filled with natural hard durable stone and connected together to create a monolithic mass structure capable of undergoing structural movement without any loss of structural integrity creating a highly durable structure.
Strength
Double Twisted Hexagonal Mesh Gabions & Reno Mattresses possess the strength and flexibility to withstand forces generated by water and earth masses. The most important and relevant strength characteristics pertaining to gabion and reno mattress design standards are the mesh punch strength, the mesh tensile strength, the pull apart resistance strength of the mesh, and the corrosion resistance of the mesh. The strength values of the double twisted mesh are located within the individual product specifications for each product and are represented in ASTM A975-97.
Permeability
Gabions & Reno Mattresses create structures that are naturally free draining. Hydrostatic heads do not develop behind gabion and reno mattress structures. Drainage is accomplished by gravity and by evaporation as the porous structure permits an active air circulation through it. Moreover, as soil is deposited and plant growth invades the structure, transpiration further assist in removing moisture from the soil being protected.
Ecology
Gabions & Reno Mattresses offer an environmentally sensitive solution to soil retention slope stabilization. Gabion and reno mattress structures utilize natural stone for their stability and strength. Constructed of natural stone fill the gabions are naturally porous allowing interaction between the land and the water table. Soil will generally be deposited in the small voids of the stone fill material during drainage and draw down and will promote vegetated growth inundating the structure. Over time in some applications the structure can become so inundated with vegetation as to no longer be visible. Vegetation, plant and tree growth can be implemented at the time of construction utilizing several methods to ensure vegetation occurs immediately.
Reliability
The overall strength characteristics offered by the double twisted hexagonal mesh gabion and reno mattress listed above and the long successful history of the material usage world wide ensures that the double twisted mesh gabions and reno mattresses will perform as designed.
Low Construction Cost
Gabions & Reno Mattress installations are very cost effective. Gabions & Reno Mattresses are easy to construct requiring limited equipment, unskilled labor, minimal foundation preparation, no drainage provisions, and low cost stone fill generally provided by a local stone or rock supplier. Gabion & Reno Mattress structures require very little if any maintenance and if designed and built properly can be a permanent structure.
Aesthetics
Gabions & Reno Mattresses constructed with care can create visually pleasing structures. Unlike other types of materials such a modular block walls the gabion stones do not discolor due to drainage. In fact the longer a gabion or reno mattress structure is in place and becomes inundated with vegetation the more aesthetic it becomes.
