5.1 Gabions and mattresses, described in Specifications A974 and A975, are placed on sites for soil stabilization and to prevent soil erosion. Their ability to function properly depends on their stability, which is partly dependent upon the rocks filling them. Rock sizes should be chosen to prevent individual rocks from falling through the mesh of the gabions or mattresses. The rock also has to withstand natural weathering processes during the life of the project that would cause it to breakdown to sizes smaller than the wire mesh opening dimensions.

1.1 This practice covers the sizes and quality of rock to fill gabions and mattresses. The term mattress as used in this standard shall include the terminology of gabion mattresses and revet mattresses used in Specifications A974 and A975.

1.2 This practice does not cover the sizes and quality of rock for other erosion control uses such as riprap or drainage.

1.3 This practice does not cover the material properties or construction of gabions or mattresses.

1.4 The values in this practice are in English units and are to be regarded as the standard. SI units are given.

1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.