How to Build a Gabion Retaining Wall

Below you will find a step by step guide on how to build a gabion retaining wall. 

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Feel free to utilize the following information as a reference. If you have any uncertainties regarding the installation of your retaining wall, we advise reaching out to a Civil Engineer for guidance.

OVERVIEW

• Experience Required: Hard
• Tools Required: Shovel, Tamper, Protective Gloves, Spray Paint
• Materials Required: Gabion, Helical, Stone, Gravel, Geotextile

Step 1) Identify location

• Mark the location where you plan to construct your wall by using spray paint, rocks or alterative materials. 

Step 2) Dig

• Retaining walls must follow regulations and start 50cm below ground level.
• Gabion walls under 2m can be placed on the ground or at a lesser depth.
• For walls up to 2m, digging down 20-50cm until reaching a solid substrate is enough.

Step 3) 6 Degree Slope

• When retaining a significant amount of soil, ensure the hole features a 6-degree slope leaning backward.
• In the case of smaller or decorative retaining walls, it&#;s acceptable to maintain an upright edge instead of the 6-degree slope.

Step 4) Add Gravel

• Add a layer of gravel or basecourse measuring 20cm on top of the soil.

Step 5) Compact Gravel

• Compact the gravel by walking and stomping on it.

Optional) Concrete foundation

• Typically, low-level gabion walls don&#;t necessitate a foundation.
• However, in cases of significant groundwater or weak soil conditions, a foundation might become necessary.

Step 6) Geotextile

• Apply a geotextile or weed mat to the rear of the gabion baskets to prevent soil and debris accumulation behind the wall.

Step 7) Unfold the Baskets

• Unfold the gabion baskets, lifting the sides. 

Step 8) Join the Cages

• Assemble the gabion baskets, following the instructions. 
• Use the helicals included in the kit. 

Step 9) Fill with Stone

• Use the stone of your choice to fill the gabions.

Step 10) Close Lids

• Close your baskets, folding down the lids. 

Step 11) Add Second Row

• Position the second row of baskets directly above the first row, connecting them together using helicals.

Step 12) Fill and Join

• Fill the top baskets with rocks.
• Enhance security by connecting the baskets with helicals from front to back. Adjustments may be required by cutting some of them to fit the wall&#;s depth.

Step 13) Finished Project

• Your 2m gabion retaining wall is finished!

Tips and Tricks

• Before you start, make sure to have a detailed plan. Sketch out your wall&#;s dimensions and layout, ensuring it fits within your space and meets your needs.
• Opt for high-quality gabion baskets and durable stones. This will enhance the longevity and stability of your retaining wall.
• Check the stability of the soil where you plan to build. If the soil is loose or unstable, consider consulting a professional for advice on additional reinforcements.
• Adequate drainage behind the wall is crucial to prevent water buildup and potential damage. Incorporate a drainage pipe if necessary.
• Periodically check your gabion wall for any signs of wear or damage. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent more significant problems in the future.

Do&#;s and Don&#;ts

Do&#;s

• Ensure the gravel base is well-compacted to provide a solid foundation for your gabion wall.
• Carefully follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions when assembling the gabion baskets to ensure structural integrity.
• Apply geotextile fabric behind the wall to prevent soil erosion and maintain the wall&#;s stability.

Don&#;ts

• For walls retaining significant amounts of soil, don&#;t skip creating a 6-degree slope. This helps with stability.
• Avoid overfilling gabion baskets, as this can cause bulging and instability. Fill them evenly and securely.
• Don&#;t neglect a concrete foundation if your site has poor soil conditions or significant groundwater. It&#;s crucial for wall stability.
• Building a gabion retaining wall requires time and precision. Don&#;t rush through the steps, as hasty construction can lead to structural issues.

Further Reading

• How to Fill Gabions: A guide for filling gabion baskets
• How to Lace Gabion Baskets: Learn how to lace gabion baskets using two different methods.

KNOWLEDGE BASE

How to build a gabion retaining wall

How to build a gabion retaining wall

There is a process on how to build a gabion retaining wall.

1. Select the retaining wall type for the situation and budget. Use our retaining wall design and price guide.
2. Design the retaining wall. Learn more about retaining wall design.
3. Schedule the materials and organise the labour and plant.
4. Build the retaining wall.

There are several types of retaining walls, each being different to build. Click on the links below to learn how to build that type.

• King post
• Gabion basket
• Stepoc hollow block
• Precast L shape
• Criblock
• Interlocking concrete block
• Soil reinforced

Build a gabion basket retaining wall process

Before you can build a gabion retaining wall, the size and number of gabion baskets need to be designed. Once you have the drawing showing the section and number of and size of blocks, purchase the baskets and begin the build process. If in doubt ask us.

Step 1) Excavation and foundation.

Excavate the retained earth back to a safe slope. Excavate the foundation and cast it in accordance with the engineer&#;s design drawing. The formation to the base of the gabion wall is to be proof rolled with a deadweight roller weight of 2 tonnes to identify soft spots. Soft spots are to be excavated and filled with type 1 granular sub-base material and compacted in layers of 150mm.

Step 2) First layer and drain

The gabion baskets come flat packed. Gabions are to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer&#;s instructions. All gabion panel intersections are laced with wire matching the gabion mesh.

For more information, please visit rock cage retaining wall.

Internal bracing wires are to be provided to exposed faces, the wire to match gabion mesh.

Wire to be provided at 1/3 and 2/3 gabion height for 1.0m high gabions and 1/2 height for 0.5m high gabions.

Gabion infill stone to be hard and durable, 150mm nominal size but not less than 75mm and not greater than 200mm.

The infill stone is to be angular and placed flat to minimise voids and provide a dense, stable mass.
Gabion stone to be handpicked after placing by machine.
Stones/Rocks to the front of the basket can be selected and positioned to provide a neat finish.

It&#;s a good time to install the land drain after the first layer is completed, as access is good.

Step 3) Complete the build and lay Terran T.

Continue to build the baskets and fill them until the wall is completed. Before any backfilling is done, cover the earth behind the wall with Terran T.

The Terram is a geotextile filter membrane and will stop fines from the soil from clogging the free drainage fill and drain.

Step 4) Backfilling. Backfill material to comprise of well-graded granular material max particle size 40mm. The compaction plant is used within a 2m distance from the rear of the wall and to have a deadweight of kg or greater.

For installations where groundwater seepage is encountered from retained solid, fit the geotextile filter membrane to the rear of the wall as well as on top of the soil.

The company is the world’s best how much are gabions supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Other types of retaining walls

• How to build a king post retaining wall
• How to build a stepoc retaining wall
• How to build a precast L shape retaining wall
• How to build a criblock retaining wall
• How to build a concrete block retaining wall
• How to build a soil reinforced retaining wall
• How to build a reinforced block retaining wall

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