Changes

==Construction, operations and maintenance==

A gabion structure can be built without any mechanical equipment and works can start immediately because the initial stages of excavation and laying of foundations are minimal and can be carried out by hand. Likewise, for underwater structures, the first layer of gabions can be laid in water or in mud without the need for draining the site. Upon completion, a gabion structure will take its full load immediately without the waiting periods - of up to one month - normally associated with concrete structures. Furthermore, it is relatively easy to obtain good construction quality because of the simplicity of the two construction materials, i.e. the gabion baskets and the stones or rock fragments.