ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Gabions are evolving As environmentally engineered structures, gabions come in many forms, making them a highly flexible solution for projects ranging from retaining walls to river erosion countermeasures. However, there’s also a growing demand for their application in building projects, and as an architectural element, says Louis Cheyne, managing director, Gabion Baskets. By Alastair Currie
R
ecently celebrating its 15th anniversary, Gabion Baskets has gained extensive experience as a specialist manufacturer of gabion systems. Traditionally, these entail the fabrication of flexible double-twisted, hexagonal mesh products. Alongside this has been a steady
diversification into welded mesh systems designed for non-structural applications. Prime examples include building cladding and perimeter walling. “Our strength as a business has been forged by the close relationships developed over the years with consulting engineers and contractors specialising in the multifaceted
LANDSCAPING
field of environmental engineering,” says Cheyne. “Many are now pushing the boundaries of conventional design to execute amazing projects.” In addition to providing design and product recommendations, Gabion Baskets provides on-site installation training for contractors and their subcontractors. “There’s an increasing demand for this, especially when providing support for new SMME subcontractors, plus community training forming part of Expanded Public Works Programmes,” Cheyne continues, adding that part of this support includes assisting SMMEs to correctly price jobs when drawing up a bill of quantities.
Secunda river wall A recent example of close collaboration and teamwork is on a complex river stabilisation project bordering a new housing development currently under construction in Secunda, Mpumalanga. The main contractor is Roos & Rosslee Construction. The contractor approached Gabion Baskets for input in March 2021. In response, Using square welded mesh, Gabion Baskets’ installation team recently constructed a simple wall layout that adds a key aesthetic element for a suburban home. The design includes a flowerbed section and access steps
SECUNDA RIVER WALL Secunda river wall elevation
48
IMIESA August 2021
