Stone
For commercial ports stone was cut to provide a flat quayside surface generally with rubble-type infill.
The type of stone used will have an impact on its durability.
Regular inspection of such quay faces is required to give early notice of any problems such as stones becoming loose either through wear or damage.
Unless there was sufficient damage to warrant replacement or further work, the loose stone would be reset in place and grouted, this can be done above and below the surface subject to access.
Any repairs must leave the original drain channels clear to allow water runoff.
When carrying out repairs it is also important to check the infill is still in place otherwise it must be replaced as per the original specification.
Because of the higher cost of producing and working stone, it is largely avoided unless for environmental impact or aesthetic considerations both of which relate more to ports concentrating on the leisure market.
Gabions are a modern use of stones for smaller projects.
Gabions are not used for loading surfaces as they are not solid structures, unlike a steel or stone wall, the gabion infill can move around and in an active marine environment, this will give rise to accelerated wear.
They can be used to protect banks or approaches.
The containing structure is made up of either galvanized wire or plastic-coated wire.
Near vertical gabion walls are more likely to suffer toe scour and structural collapse as they are less able to dissipate wave energy during storm waves.
A suitable geotextile should be used to prevent underlying material from being washed out through the gabions.
The gabion revetments are also likely to suffer from local scour and flanking at the junction between the structure and adjacent unprotected bank face.
Regular basket maintenance is required to maximize the life of gabions. Severely damaged baskets should be refilled and closed with mesh panels.
Replacement mesh should be laid over the entire structure if abrasion or corrosion is widespread.
In underexposed conditions, a maximum life of 10 years should be anticipated, after which a replacement structure may be required.
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