Culverts

Structures built from gabions and Reno mattresses provide a good alternative solution for designing culverts and low-level river crossings. The permeable and flexible characteristics of gabions enable it to dissipate the force of the out flow and protect the out fall of the culvert from erosion.

When desiging gabions around inlet structures, it is necessary to guide the flows into the culvert, thus avoiding dangerous unconfined flows. It is also important in restoration work to be aware of the potential erosion of river beds and banks, which may undermine the structure.

When designing deeply cut watercourses, it is advisable to create structures capable of both containment and support, and if the river bed is not well defined, extend the wing walls of the culvert to protect the flanks.