GABION130
Our Legacy in every twist
2024 marks the 130th anniversary of the first installation of the gabion, underscoring its enduring significance in engineering and environmental management. Over the decades, the gabion has evolved from a simple, functional structure to a key element in sustainable practices worldwide. This anniversary celebrates the rich history and promising future of this innovative solution.
The Gabion is a metal wire cage filled with stones, widely recognized for its simple yet effective design. However, it is much more than just a structural component. Known for its flexibility, permeability, and sustainability, the gabion has been a forerunner in the green transition. Its low environmental impact and adaptability make it an excellent choice in modern sustainable construction practices.
A Glimpse into Our Heritage
Celebrating the 130th anniversary of the gabion, we recognize its revolutionary role since its introduction in the late 19th century at the Chiusa di Casalecchio di Reno, in Bologna, Italy. This innovative solution has become a testament to enduring engineering and resilience in Casalecchio di Reno.
On October 1st, 1893, Casalecchio di Reno faced a crisis. The Reno River surged to 4.70 meters, threatening history. The collapsing wall flooded fields and approached the railway, leaving the canal dry. Protecting the community's heart, the Casalecchio di Reno, became urgent.
The Reno River flood turns Casalecchio di Reno into a scene of despair. Factories stop without water power, causing significant economic harm and jeopardizing many families' livelihoods. The community urgently seeks a solution for renewal and a prosperous future.
From devastation, a beacon of hope arises: Maccaferri. This small, family-run iron processing business in Casalecchio di Reno proposes using gabions—interwoven metal nets—for reconstruction. Driven to protect the community, they transform their vision into a solid defense against adversity, heralding a new era of prosperity and renewal.
The gabions quickly prove effective. As the community builds the levee to seal the breach, they face complex technical challenges. Using sack gabions filled with river pebbles and strategic design, they showcase the ingenuity of this pioneering solution. In 1894, the completion is celebrated, marking a significant success achieved in just 34 working days.
The 1894 celebration, with over 700 attendees, symbolizes the readiness and efficacy of the "burghe" metal gabions filled with river pebbles. The event gains national attention, highlighting the prompt response to a natural disaster and innovation in levee construction through Maccaferri's revolutionary contribution.
In 1894, the then-small family business Maccaferri introduced gabions and played a key role in restoring the Chiusa in Casalecchio di Reno. This intervention not only solved a critical infrastructure issue but also catapulted Maccaferri gabions to global fame. This act marked a significant transformation for Casalecchio di Reno, paving the way for community development and prosperity.
How did we arrive at the modern gabion? Much like the Neanderthal evolved over time to adapt to climate, environment, and landscape morphology, the Gabion too has undergone significant evolution. Over the years, it has adapted to increasingly specific needs and a design philosophy that has developed with time.
Gabions are versatile in engineering applications, addressing needs in hydraulic structures, architectural features, acoustic barriers, coastal defenses, and geotechnical retaining systems. Their design flexibility and structural integrity make them essential for diverse technical requirements.
Global capability, Local Knowledge
The Gabion is more than just a mesh of wires; it is a complex solution defined by its simplicity. With over a century of expertise, we have embraced every longitude and latitude, establishing a global presence on all five continents. Yet, we preserve a deep local knowledge, intimately connected to the terrain and the precise needs of each specific market.
DEDICATED WEBINAR
Gabion: Our Legacy in Every Twist
Watch the recorded webinar on the evolution of gabions from their initial practical uses at the end of the 1800s to their pivotal role in modern sustainable engineering projects worldwide.