Which statement best describes gabions' primary function?

Which statement best describes gabions' primary function?

• A. Provide decorative feature
• B. Act as a water filtration device
• C. Stabilize slopes with timber
• D. Absorb wave energy

Answer: (D)

Gabions work by dissipating energy from moving water, especially waves, rather than by serving as a decorative feature, a filtration device, or a timber-based slope stabilizer. These are wire mesh cages filled with rock that are placed along shorelines or along slopes. The rock-filled structure is permeable, so water can pass through but the mass and rough surface break up and slow down the flow, reducing wave impact and erosion at the base of the slope. While gabions do provide weight and stability to slopes, their primary engineering role in coastal and riparian contexts is absorbing and dispersing wave energy to protect the shore, making that option the best description. The other choices mischaracterize gabions: they’re not mainly for decoration, they aren’t designed as filtration media, and they aren’t defined by using timber to stabilize slopes.

Gabions work by dissipating energy from moving water, especially waves, rather than by serving as a decorative feature, a filtration device, or a timber-based slope stabilizer. These are wire mesh cages filled with rock that are placed along shorelines or along slopes. The rock-filled structure is permeable, so water can pass through but the mass and rough surface break up and slow down the flow, reducing wave impact and erosion at the base of the slope. While gabions do provide weight and stability to slopes, their primary engineering role in coastal and riparian contexts is absorbing and dispersing wave energy to protect the shore, making that option the best description. The other choices mischaracterize gabions: they’re not mainly for decoration, they aren’t designed as filtration media, and they aren’t defined by using timber to stabilize slopes.