proven. durable. natural. Why not anymore?

It was fitting that on the closing day of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Annual Conference https://www.eventscribe.com/2018/IECA/, we came across a 20+ year gabion retaining structure at Bluff Park in Long Beach, CA. Just like the conference, the sun was setting on this attractive and well performing structure that is on the beach, subject to sea spray, and various loads, settlement, and drainage conditions. It has been performing for likely over 20 years and will continue to perform as originally intended for decades to come. Gabion gravity walls are ideal for cases seen in Long Beach where there is a cut condition and the purpose is to buttress retained material. There are various methods to provoke vegetation with these structures, but often "vegetation happens" and the result is a graffiti-free, vegetated or partially vegetated natural structure.

So why did the FHWA engineer who we chatted with at the IECA conference confess "We used to specify gabions all the time..." Does the variety of grade change options available create a "wall flavor of the week" pattern? Is there a perception which discourages the use of Gabions? Are the providers of these solutions not adequately communicating their flexibility, durability, permeability that often are the Achilles heel of other grade change options?

Gabions and Reno Mattresses have been used in aggressive environments and if designed and installed properly, provide tremendous service life value and resilience. For example, some of the original gabion structures in Bologna, Italy are still functioning and protecting the Casalecchio di Reno community after 140 years in use.

There are a number of improvements that have been made to this technology over the years including mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) systems, various coating improvements https://www.maccaferri.com/us/introduce-galmac/, and enhancements to the ecosystems in which they function. More enhancements and research projects are in the works as we look forward to continuing to advanced these engineered solutions to meet the needs of the civil construction industry.

Already looking forward to the next IECA Annual Conference in my Mile High hometown, Feb 19-22, 2019.