Gabion baskets and mattresses form containers, that when filled with stone, provide an aesthetic method for retaining earth or controlling soil erosion. As a method for retaining earth, gabion baskets are stacked atop one another to form retaining walls, culvert headwalls, bridge abutments or bridge wing walls. Erosion control uses involve laying baskets or mattresses side-by-side on the ground to develop channel lining, bank protection, weirs and drop structures.

Pre-assembled gabions by Lane are made of welded wire fabric and have shape control that is far superior to that achieved with other types of baskets. The fabric used in these baskets is identical to the mesh used to reinforce concrete flatwork. The improved finished shape of welded wire mesh gabions produces a more pleasing appearance. In addition, Lane gabions install at a considerably faster rate than woven wire baskets. Studies have shown that welded wire baskets install at a rate that reduces labor costs by at least 50%.

Lane gabions are shipped flat with hinged panels that easily fold out and quickly form a rectangular basket. The sides of the basket are connected with corkscrew spiral binders that securely stitch the panels together and form the corners of the basket. Preformed stiffeners connect adjacent vertical basket panels and assist in maintaining shape control.

Lane gabions and mattresses fully comply with ASTM Standard A974 in regard to the material used and the methods of manufacture. ASTM A974 establishes minimum requirements for all materials used in welded wire gabions as well as the manufacture and pre-assembly of the baskets and mattresses. The fabric used in the baskets is a 3" x 3" grid with wire that is either galvanized (11 Gage) or PVC coated (12 Gage). PVC coated is used in applications where greater durability is required or a different aesthetic appearance is desired.

A typical gabion basket, used primarily for earth retention, looks like the 6' x 3' x 3' unit shown below.

The basket dimension across the ends are typically 3 feet, and the length of the front panels are 6, 9 or 12 feet, with each cell being 3 foot square in plan view. The specifications on basket height allow 1, 1.5 and 3 feet depth. Once assembled, the basket is filled with stone ranging from 4 to 12 inches in size.

Mattresses are similar to baskets except they are flatter and wider, with lighter wire than the gabion baskets.

Mattress units are typically 6 feet wide, and 9' or 12' long. Their depth is 6", 9" or 12". The typical cell is 6' x 3'. The mesh used in mattresses is 3" x 1.5" with the option of galvanized or PVC for the coating. The wire is 13.5 gage for either coating.