I have been seeing some earth filled structures in pictures of the events in Iraq. It took a while, but someone finally told me they were called Gabions. One company is calling them, "Geocomposite cells". I am searching for detailed schematics of standardized protective designs using geocomposite cells and pultruded fiberglass structural members, of which, eight such designs being incorporated into Army Engineer School officer basic programs??? How are the gabions tied together, how high can they be stacked, and how to enclose the roof with dirt on top, two or three feet high?
Here is some internet research:
Geocomposite cells
"Protection. Conventional protective structures create logistical burdens
because they are bulky, heavy, and labor-intensive to build. ERDC has
developed modular protective structural systems that use geocomposite
cells and pultruded fiberglass structural members. These systems are easy
to emplace and provide superior stability with predictable ballistic
protection."
"Geocomposite cells are heavy-gauge wire panels, lined with lightweight geotextile fabric, and connected in collapsible rectangular cells that can be transported at about five percent of their expanded volume. Once expanded and filled with soil, gravel or other materials, the cells provide two- to four-foot-thick walls for protective revetments, bunkers, observation posts, and fighting positions. The wall's energy-absorbing capacity provides a high degree of ballistic protection against small arms,
mortar rounds, and artillery fire."
http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepa/pubs/jan03/story8.htm
www.erdc.usace.army.mil/pdf/warfighter.pdf
Pultruded Fiberglass Grating
fiberglass structural member
http://search.yahoo.com/search?x=wrt&p=%2Bfiberglass+%2Bstructural+%2Bpultruded+%2Bgrating+%2Barmy&fr=fp-pull-web-t&n=20&fl=0
Someone told me that the previously discussed Engineering Structure being used in Iraq is a Gabion, used during the the American War of Northern Aggression or War Between The States...
Gabion. A wickerwork cylinder filled with earth and used to strengthen ramparts and provide entrenchments.
http://users.argonet.co.uk/education/dmoore/gloss.htm
GABION: Large cylindrical basket made of woven twigs and open at both ends. Gabions were used to reinforce earthen fortifications and to repair damage to works caused by artillery fire. After the gabion was put into position it was filled with earth allowing it to protect the defenders against small arms fire.
GABIONNADE: A parapet built of gabions.
http://www.civilwarartillery.com/glossary/glossarygz.htm
gabion - wicker or wire basket of earth or rock
Gee, you think this might be the mother of all Gabion orders??? qty
100,000 These may be what we are seeing in Iraq, Jordan is next door...
http://www.trade-india.com/dyn/wt/gdh/tradeleads/details.epl?lead_id=130664&type=search&no_bottom=1
Details of Trade Lead
Home > Packaging & Paper > Boxes
Buyer's Name: Munir Saket
Subject: Galvanized Gabion Boxes
Description: We are seeking offers for the supply of Gabion Boxes
made of double twisted soft annealed wires to BS 1052 galvanized to BS
443 table 4 and PVC coated . Size of 80x80 mesh hexagonal shape opening, and 1x1x2 m size of boxes , with 3mm diam. mesh wire size and 3.9mm diam selvedge wire size and 2.4 mm diam binding wire size. Internal Diaphrams shall be provided to devide the lefgth of units into 1m cells.
Quantity required is about 100000 boxes of 1x1x2m size.
Mail us now with proper details.
Initiator's Country: Jordan
Phone Number: 962-6-4644878
Fax: 962-6-4653327
Starting Date: November 24, 2002
Expiry Date: November 24, 2003
http://www.gabions.net/
RAMPARTS - Rapidly Assembled Modular Protective And Revetment (Temporary) Structures
These accordian-style pleated welded wire mesh baskets are designed for rapid deployment for emergency flood control or military fortifications. A prefitted geotextile liner bag allows the use of any locally available fill.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=fp-pull-web-t&p=%2B%22Modular+Gabion+Systems%22
Http://www.maccaferri-usa.com/massgravity.html