Gabion Wall

BBA approved gabion wall baskets suitable for retaining wall construction and standard garden wall applications. 

Categories

BBA APPROVED FOR USE OF
RETAINING WALL APPLICATIONS
BBA Certificate Number: 05/4215 held by Link Middle East Ltd
made-in-uk

Customer Images

Disclaimer

Please use the following information as guidance only. If you are unsure about how to install your retaining wall please contact a Civil Engineer.

Recommended applications & uses

Assembly Instructions

Corner Assembly Fitting  
How to assemble

Gabions are delivered flat packed with the sides, bottom and lid clipped together. Upon arrival, the corners of the gabions should be attached to complete assembly.

Download assembly instructions

Using tying wire

Tying wire is supplied with all gabion orders.

PRO: it’s free
CON: time of installation

Using helicals

Helicals can be purchased separately. 4x helicals are required for assembly per gabion (one for each corner).

PRO: looks uniform and quick to install
CON: additional cost

Using CT35 clips

Gabion clips are available in bulk quantities. Advised for use by professionals

PRO: discrete / hidden
CON: requires a plier or electronic tool

Foundations Guide

To Do Explanation

Step 1 – Survey

 

Have a civil engineer to Identify the area that the wall should be placed

Step 2 – Excavate

50cm-retaining-wall-foundation

Regulations state that retaining walls should start at 500mm below ground. Smaller constructions are often placed at ground level.

Step 3 – Add Basecourse

man-adding-a-layer-of-basecourse-digram

Add a layer of Type 1 basecourse made up of crushed Granite Limestone, Basalt or Gritstone.

1m high = 10cm bascourse
2m high = 20cm basecourse
3m high + = 30cm basecourse

Step 4 – Compact Basecourse

man-compacting-basecourse

Use a plate compactor to compact the basecourse

Step 5 – Geotextile

line-the-gabion-wall-wth-geotextile

Cover the back of the cages with a geotextile or weed mat to prevent soil and earth clogging up behind.
Step 6 – Concrete Foundation (If Required)

Most gabion walls do not require a foundation.

If you have a large amount of groundwater or the soil is weak consult a Civil Engineer

They can perform a Scala Penetrometer foundation test to accurately measure the strength of the soil.

Stability Guide

To Do Explanation

2:1 Ratio

gabion-retaining-walls-should-have-half the-depth-to-height-ratio

The height of the retaining wall should not be more than double the size of the base.

6 Degree Slope

gabion-walls-should-decline-back-6-degrees

The wall should be on a 6-degree slope.

It’s possible to have a straight wall but they need to be thicker

Base Width

2m-wide-gabion-wall-base

The wider the base the lower the pressure on the soil. Spreading the load in this way allows for the wall to be placed on weaker soils.
  If in doubt consult Civil Engineer

 

Drainage Guide

Diagram Explanation
gabion-wall-drainage-guide-diagram

Gabions are porous allowing water to run through and prevent pressure build-up that can cause other types of retaining walls to collapse.

When installing the cages ensure that a geotextile (commercial jobs) or a weed mat (residential jobs) is covering the back of the wall. This will stop clay and thicker earth clogging up the back of the cages and preventing water from getting through.

FAQs

What is a Retaining Wall?

They are a structure designed to keep earth within the desired area. Often built to prevent soil from sloping into unwanted areas such as motorways.

What is a garden gabion wall?

A popular and economical type of retaining wall. Made of large metal mesh cages filled with stone, they can be stacked on top of each other to prevent earth from falling into unwanted areas.

How expensive are they compared to other options?

They are cheaper than most other construction materials such as concrete that might be used for retaining earth in the same way. They are also very easy to use reducing the need for pay for extra manpower.

What depth should the structure have?

If it’s going to be freestanding, the depth should be at least half of the overall height in order to keep it stable. If it’s going to be reinforced with metal frames for example, you can get away with a smaller depth.

Where do I get the stone?

We supply stone suitable on this page.

You can also quickly calculate the amount of stone you need on this page

In the UK there are also many quarries that can deliver stone fill to you. You can Google ‘Quarry in [INSERT LOCATION]’ and you will find someone who can help. Alternatively, please get in touch and we would be happy to send you contact details of a quarry near you.

Stones are heavy and cost a lot to transport so it is much more economical for our customers to use local stones where possible.