TECHNICAL NOTE

Rev: 01, Issue Date 01.01.2012

GABIONS - WIRE COATING SELECTION GUIDE

Classification of Gabions and Reno Mattresses as per ASTM A975 11 - Standard
Specifications for Double Twisted Hexagonal Wire Mesh Gabions and Revet Mattresses
(Metallic-Coated Steel Wire or Metallic-Coated Steel Wire with Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)
Coating).
Double twisted wire coatings for Gabions and Reno Mattresses are classified as
follows:
Style 1

Consists of double-twisted wire mesh made from wire which is zinc coated before
being double-twisted into mesh. Fasteners, lacing wire, and stiffeners are
produced from zinc-coated wire.
(Commonly known as Galvanized Gabions)

Style 2

Consists of double-twisted wire mesh made from wire which is coated with Zn-
5Al-MM before being double-twisted into mesh. Fasteners, lacing wire, and
stiffeners are also produced from Zn-5Al-MM coated wire.
(Commonly known as Galfan Coated Gabions)

Style 3 Consists of double-twisted mesh, lacing wire, and stiffeners as Style 1 and over

coated with PVC. Fasteners shall be of stainless steel wire.

(Commonly know as Galvanized and PVC Coated Gabions)

In addition to the above standard type of wire coatings, Maccaferri also manufactures
gabions using the following additional type of wire coating and wire type to suit field
conditions and meet project specific design requirements.
A. Galfan and PVC Coated Gabions Consist of double twisted hexagonal wire
mesh, lacing wire, and stiffeners as in Style 2 and coated with PVC. Fasteners shall be
of stainless steel wire.
B. Stainless Steel Gabions Consist of double twisted hexagonal mesh made from
stainless steel 316L wire. Fasteners, lacing wire, and stiffeners are also produced from
stainless steel.

The selection of Gabion wire coatings is a function of various factors as described in the table
below.
GABION TYPE

SUITABLE DESIGN CONDITIONS

Galvanized
Gabions

Dry conditions
Subjected to flash flood conditions
Non-submerged conditions
Non-corrosive soil (soil resistivity > 10,000 ohm-cm)
Non-corrosive water (pH range: 6 to 7.5)

Galfan coated gabions can be used in design conditions similar to those

for galvanized gabions with additional design life advantages.
Galfan Coated
Gabions

Galvanized and
PVC Coated
Gabions

Galfan and PVC

Coated Gabions

Stainless Steel
Gabions

NOTE: Depending on the aggressiveness of the project

environment, resistance to corrosion of the Galfan coating is 2 to 4
times better than that of galvanized coatings having an equivalent
weight.
Wet conditions
Submerged conditions
Moderately corrosive soil (soil resistivity between 2,000 to 5,000
ohm-cm)
Moderately corrosive water - pH range: acidic (4 to 6) and alkaline
(7.5 to 10)
Presence of high organic content in the soil
Presence of abrasive soil (presence of sand or sand content in the
soil)
Galfan and PVC coated gabions can be used in design conditions
similar to those for galvanized and PVC gabions with additional design
life advantages.
NOTE: Depending on the aggressiveness of the project
environment, resistance to corrosion of the Galfan coating is 2 to 4
times better than that of galvanized coatings having an equivalent
weight.
Marine applications
Corrosive to very corrosive soil (soil resistivity < 2000 ohm-cm)
Corrosive water - pH range: acidic (0 to 4) or alkaline (10 to 14)

Maccaferri reserves the right to amend product specifications without notice and specifiers are requested to check as to the validity of the specifications they are using.

www.maccaferri-usa.com

Headquarters:
10303 Governor Lane Boulevard
Williamsport, MD 21795-3116
Tel: 301-223-6910
Fax: 301-223-4590
info@maccaferri-usa.com

Area Offices:
AZ, Phoenix
CA, Sacramento
FL, Coral Gables
MD, Williamsport

MO, St. Louis

NJ, Iselin
NM, Albuquerque
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WA, Seattle

2012 Maccaferri, Inc. Printed in USA