How To Assemble Gabion Baskets

Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to assemble gabion baskets using different methods.

• Experience Required: Low
• Tools Required: Protective gloves, Wire cutter, Pliers
• Materials Required: Gabion baskets, Tying wire or Helicals

Step 1) Delivered Flat Packed

• Gabions are delivered flat-packed and come with free tying wire, pre-clipped with steel clips.
• You can also order additional accessories, such as helicals, for quicker assembly.

 

Step 2) Unfold the Gabion

• In the process of how to assemble gabion baskets, unfold them and lay it flat on the ground.
• Cages consist of 6 panels: top, bottom, front, back, and two sides.
• The base is pre-clipped to all four sides, and the lid is attached to the back panel.

 

METHOD A – Step 3) Cut the Tying Wire

• Use a wire cutter to cut the tying wire to size: for every 1 meter of length, you’ll require approximately 1.5 meters of wire.
• Alternatively, you can calculate it by taking twice the length of the panel.

 

METHOD A – Step 4) Join Adjacent Panels

• Join adjacent panels using a continuous lacing wire.
• Start by wrapping the wire around the first mesh hole three times.
• Then, thread the wire in and out to create a double-loop around each hole for added strength, pulling the wire tight as you go.

 

METHOD A – Step 5) Secure Wire at the Top

• Wrap the wire around the last mesh hole three times to secure it.

 

METHOD A – Step 6) Cut Off Excess Wire

• Use wire cutters to trim off the excess tying wire.

 

METHOD A – Step 7) Close Lid & Finish Up

• After filling the basket with stones, close the lid snugly with no gaps.
• Secure the top edges with tying wire as before.
• Cut any excess wire, and you’ve finished the process of how to assemble a gabion basket.

 

METHOD B – Step 3) Calculate & Prepare Helicals

• Each helical is 1 m long.
• You’ll need 4 helicals for the sides of the basket and 1 more for the lid if you’re not using tying wire to secure it.
• If the height is less than 1m, cut the helicals to size as needed. For heights over 1m, use a full helical and a cut one.

 

METHOD B – Step 4) Join Panels

• Connect the four corners by twisting the helical through the mesh.

 

METHOD B – Step 5) Cut of Excess

• The helicals are 1 meter long.
• If your gabion is shorter than 1 meter, you’ll need to cut the helical to size using wire cutters.

 

METHOD B – Step 6) Fold the End of the Helical

• At the top and bottom, use pliers to turn the last coil of the helical vertically by 90 degrees to prevent movement.

 

 METHOD B – Step 7) Close the Lid

• After filling the basket, close the lid, ensuring it fits snugly on the stones without any gaps.

METHOD B – Step 8) Finish Up

• Secure the top edges with a helical connector, following the same method as before.
• Then, cut any excess helical as described in step 5.

 

Tips & Tricks

• Before assembling gabion baskets, review the construction, health, and safety regulations.
• Consider using PVC-coated wire cages for better weather resistance.
• Choose 4mm or 5mm wire for enhanced security, stability, and strength, which helps prevent bulging.
• Use corner ties to stop gabion baskets from bulging.
• Use tying wire as an alternative to corner ties.
• Ensure the cages rest on a stable base, removing all organic material that could decay. Use a sub-base of Type 1 stone and compact it.
• Install a geotextile between the cage and the base.
• When deciding how to assemble gabion baskets, consider using helicals for a quicker assembly process.
• Fill the wire cages with angular stones that are larger than the mesh openings (holes).
• Keep lacing lengths to around 1 meter for easier handling.
• At the top and bottom ends of the helical, turn the last coil vertically by 90 degrees to prevent movement.

 

FURTHER READING

• How to Make Your Own Gabion Baskets – Step by step instructions and illustrations on how to make your own gabion baskets.
• How to Lace Gabion Baskets – Learn how to lace wire cages using different methods.
• How to Fill Gabions – A guide showing you how to fill cages.
• How to Stop Gabion Baskets Bulging  – Step by step instructions on how to stop wire cages bulging.

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