Comprehensive Assessment of Internal Stability in Gabion Walls: Deformation Effects, Confinement Mechanisms, and Safety Criteria

Lozano S.; Coaguila M. · International Conference on Civil, Structural and Transportation Engineering (2026) · DOI: 10.11159/iccste26.252

Resumen

This study presents an integrated methodology for analyzing the mechanical behavior of gabion retaining walls, considering their deformable nature and complex interaction with retained soil. Unlike conventional approaches based on active or at-rest earth pressure conditions, an intermediate model is proposed using a deformability coefficient to represent the actual mobilized lateral pressures. In addition, a basal stress amplification term is introduced to account for confinement effects and stress redistribution, allowing deviations from the classical triangular pressure distribution to be captured. The gabion system is modeled as an equivalent material with homogenized shear strength parameters derived from analytical formulations that incorporate mesh effects, inter-block interaction, and internal confinement. The methodology includes layer-by-layer stress evaluation, admissible stress verification, and structural checks of critical components such as mesh and connections. Results indicate that the proposed model provides a more realistic prediction of stress distribution in gabion retaining walls, particularly near the base where stress concentrations are not captured by classical methods. The approach is shown to be consistent with experimental observations and numerical simulations reported in the literature. The proposed methodology constitutes a robust tool for the design and analysis of gabion retaining structures, improving the prediction of structural behavior and providing a consistent framework for both internal and global stability assessment.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa; Universidad de Piura