Practice question

Which structure is made of wire mesh baskets filled with rock or cobble?

  1. Footing apron
  2. Gabions
  3. Guide banks
  4. Spurs

Answer: B — Gabions

The correct answer is that gabions are structures made of wire mesh baskets filled with rock or cobble. Gabions are commonly used in civil engineering and landscaping to control erosion, create barriers, and provide structural support in various applications, particularly in the construction of retaining walls and riverbank stabilization. The wire mesh allows for drainage and helps to keep the rocks inside while maintaining structural integrity. This design makes gabions highly adaptable and effective in managing water flow and sediment while also blending into the natural environment due to the use of natural materials like stone or cobble. In contrast, footing aprons, guide banks, and spurs refer to different structures and serve different functions, such as providing foundational support, directing water flow, or altering stream banks. These terms do not encompass the unique construction method and purpose of gabions.

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