What is Reno Mattress used for in civil engineering?

Jun. 04, 2025

In the field of civil and geotechnical engineering, Reno Mattress has become a fundamental component in projects involving hydraulic protection, slope stabilization, and erosion control. Its low-profile, highly flexible structure allows it to adapt to uneven terrain, dissipate hydraulic energy, and support sustainable infrastructure.


As a trusted Reno Mattress manufacturer and exporter, we often receive questions such as:

What exactly is a Reno Mattress?

Where is it typically used in construction?

How is it different from standard gabions?

What specifications should I review before purchasing?


This article answers those questions from a practical engineering and procurement standpoint, especially for buyers searching for civil engineering solutions.


What is Reno Mattress?

A Reno Mattress is a shallow gabion structure made of double twisted hexagonal steel wire mesh, filled with natural stones. It is typically 17–30 cm thick and widely used for protecting slopes, riverbanks, and channels against erosion.

Compared to standard gabions, Reno Mattresses are engineered to cover horizontal surfaces while maintaining structural flexibility.


ParameterReno MattressStandard Gabion Box
Height0.17 – 0.30 m0.50 – 1.00 m
ApplicationErosion control surfacesRetaining walls, gravity walls
FlexibilityHigh (adapts to terrain)Moderate
Installation ProfileWide and shallowTall and box-shaped
Reno Mattress


Typical Applications in Civil Engineering

Reno Mattresses are essential in waterway, infrastructure, and environmental projects. Their ability to resist shear forces and reduce flow velocity makes them ideal for the following uses:

1. Riverbank and Canal Lining: Placed along banks to prevent soil erosion and withstand high water velocity. Commonly used in irrigation canals, rivers, and flood control systems.

2. Bridge Abutment and Embankment Protection: Installed around infrastructure like bridge abutments, highway slopes, and railway embankments to prevent structural weakening due to runoff.

3. Coastal and Marine Works: Used as a filter layer beneath riprap or armor blocks to resist wave action and prevent scouring on the seabed or shorelines.

4. Weir and Scour Protection: Placed downstream of hydraulic structures like culverts or spillways to absorb the energy of falling water and prevent undermining.

5. Green Infrastructure and Land Reclamation: Vegetation can grow through the mattress voids, making it suitable for eco-friendly designs such as bioengineered channels and vegetated slopes.

Reno Mattress


Key Technical Specifications

Procurement professionals and engineers often search for detailed technical data before selecting the right Reno Mattress. Here's what you need to know:

SpecificationDetails
Mesh TypeDouble twisted hexagonal wire mesh
Mesh Sizes60 × 80 mm, 80 × 100 mm
Mesh Wire Diameter2.0 mm – 3.2 mm
Selvedge Wire Diameter2.7 mm – 3.4 mm
Lacing Wire Diameter2.0 mm – 2.2 mm
Coating Options- Heavy galvanized (zinc-coated)  
- Galfan-coated (Zn-Al alloy)  
- PVC-coated (for marine/coastal use)
Internal Diaphragms1-meter intervals for shape retention and stone compartmentalization
Standard Sizes- 6 m × 2 m × 0.23 m (2.76 m³)  
- 4 m × 2 m × 0.17 m (1.36 m³)  
- 6 m × 2 m × 0.30 m (3.6 m³)
PackagingFlat-packed for optimized transport and quick on-site assembly
Standards ComplianceASTM A975, EN 10223-3, ISO certified


If you require specific dimensions or technical drawings, our engineering team can provide customized support based on your project requirements.


Why Choose Us as Your Reno Mattress Supplier?

As a leading China-based supplier of gabion products, we specialize in large-volume supply and technical customization for global infrastructure projects.

1. Premium Anti-Corrosion Coatings: Our Reno Mattresses are available with Galfan or PVC coatings to ensure long-lasting performance in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

2. Direct Factory Pricing & Global Fulfillment: We offer competitive pricing, large production capacity, and support full export logistics, including customs clearance and ocean freight coordination.

3. Customization and Technical Support: From mesh size to wire coating, we offer tailor-made options and provide engineering drawings, loading advice, and installation guidance.

4. Certified Quality Control: Products are manufactured under strict quality assurance systems, meeting international standards with mill certificates and test reports available upon request.

Reno Mattress


Supporting Eco-Sensitive Infrastructure

In modern civil engineering, sustainability is increasingly prioritized. Reno Mattresses support green design principles by:

1. Allowing water permeability to reduce hydrostatic pressure

2. Supporting vegetation growth for bioengineering applications

3. Enabling long-term stabilization without disrupting natural hydrology


These characteristics make Reno Mattresses a preferred choice for projects with environmental impact assessments or green certification requirements.


Ready to Source Reno Mattress for Your Project?

Whether you're preparing a bid for a public tender, managing a coastal defense project, or seeking erosion control for a canal system, we provide Reno Mattress solutions that meet structural, environmental, and budgetary needs.

View full product details and request a quote

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