Tensile Strength

Tensile strength defines the load-bearing capacity of gabion wire mesh under tension. In erosion control and retaining wall applications, this property determines how well the mesh resists deformation, tearing, or structural collapse when subjected to soil pressure, water flow, or hydraulic loading.

Engineers specify minimum tensile strength values to ensure the gabion system maintains structural integrity throughout its design life, particularly in high-stress environments such as riverbanks, coastal revetments, and steep slope stabilization projects.

Technical Principles

Wire vs. Mesh Tensile Strength

Engineers must distinguish between individual wire tensile strength (measured per wire in N/mm² per ISO 3800) and mesh tensile strength (measured longitudinally across the panel width in kN/m per EN 10223-3).

Material Factors

Tensile strength depends on wire diameter, material grade, and manufacturing process. The base wire—typically low-carbon steel per ASTM A641 or high-tensile steel per EN 10223-3—provides the structural core. Wire diameter directly correlates with tensile capacity: a 3.0 mm wire typically achieves 400–500 N/mm², while a 4.0 mm wire reaches 500–600 N/mm².

Failure Modes

Woven mesh typically fails through wire rupture or mesh unraveling, while welded mesh fails at weld points or through wire fracture.

Specification Notes

Common Failure Points

Underspecified tensile requirements lead to premature wire rupture, mesh deformation, and accelerated corrosion at stress points. Address these risks through performance-based specifications rather than relying solely on material certifications.

Mill Certifications

Require suppliers to provide mill certificates demonstrating compliance with ASTM A641 or EN 10223-3, with actual tested tensile values—not nominal minimums. For high-load applications (retaining walls exceeding 3 meters or coastal structures), specify high-tensile wire (≥500 N/mm²) and verify through random sampling per ISO 3800.

Mesh Panel Testing

When specifying woven mesh, calculate required longitudinal tensile capacity based on soil pressure and factor of safety. Specify mesh tensile testing per EN 10223-3 Section 6.3. Test certificates should report both failure load and failure mode (wire break vs. knot slippage).

Corrosion Protection

Coating systems do not contribute to tensile capacity but prevent strength degradation over time. In marine environments, specify enhanced coating weights (≥260 g/m² for galvanized, Class A per EN 10244-2 for Galfan) and require salt spray testing per ASTM B117 (minimum 1,000 hours).

Performance-Based Acceptance

Define acceptance criteria as measurable thresholds: “Wire shall demonstrate minimum tensile strength of 500 N/mm² per ISO 3800, with mesh longitudinal tensile strength ≥50 kN/m per EN 10223-3.” This approach ensures structural reliability and eliminates ambiguity in product acceptance.