How To Build A Retaining Wall

Gabion walls are structures made of gabion baskets of 3mm or 4mm thickness filled with rocks. They can serve as retaining walls, which are wall types that support soil or water on one side and create a flat surface on the other. Retaining walls are useful for various purposes, such as landscaping, erosion control, flood prevention and more. Gabion retaining structures are also popular for their decorative appeal, as they can enhance the appearance of compounds or gardens. 

Can Gabions Be Used As Retaining Walls?

Gabions are wire baskets filled with rocks so they can be stacked and connected to make a retaining wall. Gabions have many advantages as retaining walls, such as:

• They are easy to install and do not require skilled labour or heavy machinery.
• They are flexible and can adapt to different shapes and slopes.
• They are durable and resistant to weathering, corrosion and fire.
• They are permeable and allow water to drain through, reducing hydrostatic pressure and preventing waterlogging.
• They are environmentally friendly and can blend with natural surroundings, as vegetation can grow through the baskets.

How To Make A Gabion Cage?

To construct a gabion retaining wall, you initially have to create a gabion basket and load the gabion basket with stones or different substances.

To make a gabion cage, you will need:

• Wire mesh panels that are tailored to your preferred dimensions and form. Our galvanized steel, enhanced with galfan-coating, offers various degrees of safeguarding and aesthetic appeal.
• Wire cutters or pliers to cut and bend the wire mesh.
• Lacing wires or helicals to join the wire mesh panels together.
• Gabion stones, rocks or other fill materials of the appropriate size and weight.

The steps to make a gabion cage:

1. Prepare the wire mesh panels for the sides of the cage and two for the top and bottom. Make sure the panels have enough overlap for joining.
2. Join the side panels together with wire ties or helicals at regular intervals along the edges. Leave one side open for filling.
3. Join the bottom panel to the side panels with wire ties or helicals along the edges.
4. Fill the cage with rocks or other materials, making sure they are well packed and levelled. This article provides a detailed guide with steps on how to fill gabion cages.
5. Join the top panel to the side panels with wire ties or clips along the edges. Close the open side of the cage with wire ties or clips.

For a comprehensive installation guide, please refer to our gabion basket installation guide or watch the instructional video.

How To Fill Gabion Cages?

To fill gabion cages, you will need:

• A loader or a shovel to move the fill material;
• A wheelbarrow or a truck to transport the fill material;
• A hammer or a mallet to compact the fill material;
• A level or a ruler to check the fill height;

The steps to fill gabion cages:

1. Place the empty gabion cages on a level and stable base, making sure they are aligned and connected properly.
2. Fill the cages with rocks or other materials, starting from the corners and working towards the centre. Use larger rocks for the outer layer and smaller rocks for the inner layer. Avoid using rounded or smooth rocks that may roll or slide out of place.
3. Compact the fill material with a hammer or a mallet, making sure there are no gaps or voids between the rocks.
4. Check the fill height with a level or a ruler, making sure it is even and slightly below the top edge of the cage.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 until all the cages are filled.

Find more information on how much stone you need to fill a gabion basket in our linked guide.

How Thick Should A Gabion Wall Be?

The thickness of a gabion retaining wall depends on several factors, such as:

• The type of soil behind the wall. Heavier soils will require thicker walls.
• The height of the wall. Taller walls will require thicker walls.
• The slope of the ground behind the wall. Steeper slopes will require thicker walls.
• The wind load and water pressure on the wall will also affect the required thickness.

The minimum thickness of a gabion retaining wall is 12 inches (30 cm), or about a foot. As a general recommendation, the thickness of a gabion wall should be at least one-third of its height. For example, a 3-meter high wall would require gabion cages that are at least 1 meter thick (3 feet).

The standard wire thickness for walls up to 3 meters in height is 3mm. However, thicker gabions may be used for higher walls or architectural or military purposes. For walls over 3 meters in height, thicker wires or baskets may be needed.

When building a gabion wall, it is important to use the larger, thicker baskets on the bottom and the smaller, thinner baskets on top. This will ensure that the wall has a solid foundation and acts as its anchor.

The exact thickness of a gabion wall will vary depending on the specific situation. It is always best to consult with an engineer to determine the appropriate thickness for your wall.

How Tall Can A Gabion Wall Be?

The height of a gabion wall is influenced by the same variables as the gabions' thickness.

Without additional reinforcement or support, the maximum height of a gabion wall should not exceed 6 metres. For instance, you can use geogrids, anchors, buttresses, or terraces to increase the stability and strength of a taller wall. However, you may need to adjust the height based on the specifics of your situation and consult an engineer if you are uncertain.

Gabion basket retaining walls are an excellent choice for building a retaining wall that is easy, flexible, durable, permeable and eco-friendly. By following these simple steps, you can make your gabion cages, fill them with rocks or other materials, and stack them to form a retaining wall that meets your needs and aesthetic preferences.