Can gabions be pre-filled and then lifted into final position?
Woven mesh gabions can be pre-filled and then lifted into position. This is an ideal solution when access is difficult or dangerous, or when there is a limited construction time window; e.g. between tides, or during a railroad work closure. The units are pre-filled in advance, transported to the work site and then installed. Pre-filling units requires more time and attention to detail than filling the units in-place. Additional bracing wire needs to be installed throughout the basket to limit the unit sagging as it is lifted. Pre-filling and lifting is only recommended for gabions fabricated from double twist hexagonal mesh as it has excellent load transfer capabilities. Despite this, the filled units must still be lifted using a lifting frame which spreads the loads.
