In this project profile, we look at a real-world application in Innsbruck, Austria where severe slope deformation threatened a critical mountain transport corridor.
The Site Challenge
A steep 45-degree cut slope became highly unstable after heavy seasonal rainfall along a rural highway extension. The project required a structural mass-gravity barrier capable of taking high lateral earth pressure while allowing natural water drainage to avoid hydrostatic buildup.
Traditional concrete piling was rejected due to uneven soil settlement risks, high logistics costs in alpine terrain, and strict local environmental preservation laws.
The Technical Configuration
- Material Composition: Double-twisted hexagonal wire mesh gabion boxes.
- Protective Coating: Heavy Hot-Dipped Galvanized wire with a zinc density of 245 grams per square meter, meeting European EN 10244-2 quality standards.
- Structural Thickness: 3.0 mm core wire with a heavy-duty 4.0 mm selvedge wire to manage high structural tension.
- Aperture Sizing: Standard 80 by 100 mm mesh openings to securely contain local split-stone infill.
- Unit Dimensions: Alternating 1.0m x 1.0m x 1.0m and 3.0m x 1.0m x 1.0m base units.
Project Footprint
The completed wall spanned 180 linear meters with a maximum tiered height of 5.0 meters, resting on a stable 3.0-meter wide foundation base.
The entire structure utilized approximately 1650 cubic meters of mesh baskets and was completed in just 24 working days.
Long-Term Performance
The gravity wall was built using a stepped configuration, allowing the structure to lean naturally into the mountain slope to counteract lateral earth movement.
