3.0mm, 4.5mm, or 5.2mm checklist

5.2mm is 44% stronger than 4.5mm mesh

3mm4.5mm5.2mm
will be walked or sat on
suitable for round river rocks
straight architectural look required
building tall, thin structural gabions
finished wall OK with minor bulges
lowest cost
erosion control with high flood velocities
tall columns or pillars
furniture seat supports
requires careful stacking of angular rocks
for use in public parks

Angular rock is the best gabion fill as it provides a good interlock and therefore less deformation of the face occurs

3mm or 4.5mm diameter Galfan coated wire deflection video

Deflection Testing

gabion mesh deflection testing

From time to time carriers knock or bend the lightweight 3mm gabion mesh in transit.
In most cases, this can easily be tapped back into shape

Electronically welded wire mesh 75mm x 75mm grid

gabion wire mesh size
Deflection Testing

Gives a good indication of the likelihood of the gabion sides bulging, The size, shape, placement of rock, use of form-work during installation and the number of bracwwires are other factors that can effect the final shape of the gabion.

Deflection Testing

Gives a good indication of the likelihood of the gabion lid bending out of shape, when walked on.

Deflection Testing Results

Mesh diameterMeasured deflection
5.2mm18mm
4.5mm26mm
4.0mm49mm
3.0mm>100mm

gabion mesh grid size
4.5mm dia wire is 125% stronger than 3.0mm dia wire
4.5mm dia wire is 26.5% stronger than 4.0mm dia wire
In locations where high flood water velocities are expected, carrying woody debris and gravels in suspension, the stronger 4.5mm or 5.2mm welded gabions are the preferred choice, to resist damage to the gabion structures during floods.
river in flood