How to Install Gabion Baskets

Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to install gabion baskets.

• Experience Required: Low
• Tools Required: Protective gloves, Wire cutter, Pliers
• Materials Required: Gabion baskets, Tying wire or Helicals, Gabion stone, Corner ties (optional)

PREPARATION

Step 0) Health & Safety Regulations

• Gabion basket installation instructions are simple, but be sure to wear protective gloves to protect your hands.
• Before starting, check all relevant construction, health, and safety guidelines.

Step 1) Stable Foundation

• To create a stable foundation for cages, start by removing any organic material that might decompose over time.
• Next, lay down a compacted sub-base of Type 1 stone to ensure long-lasting support.

 

Step 2) Delivered Flat Packed

• Cages arrive flat-packed and pre-clipped with steel clips, along with complimentary coils of tying wire.
• Additional accessories like helicals for faster setup, corner ties, geotextiles, and stone are also available upon request.

 

GABION BASKET ASSEMBLY

Step 3) Unfold the Gabion

• In the process of how to install gabion baskets, unfold the cage and lay it flat on the ground.
• Each cage is made up of 6 panels: the top, bottom, front, back, and two sides.

 

Step 4) Pre-Clipped

• The base of the wire cage comes pre-clipped to all four sides, with the lid securely attached to the back panel.

INSTALLATION WITH TYING WIRE

Step 5) Measure & Cut Tying Wire

• Use a wire cutter to cut the tying wire to size: for each meter of gabion length, you’ll need about 1.5 meters of wire.
• Alternatively, you can estimate the required wire by doubling the length of each panel.

Step 6) Connect with Free Tying Wire

• To connect adjacent panels, use continuous wire.
• Begin by wrapping the wire three times around the first mesh hole.
• Then, weave it in and out along the edges, creating a double-loop around each hole to increase strength, pulling the wire tight as you go.

Step 7) Secure Wire at the Top

• Finish by wrapping the wire three times around the final mesh hole to secure the connection tightly.

Step 8) Cut off Excess Wire

• Once secured, use wire cutters to trim away any excess tying wire.

INSTALLATION WITH HELICALS

Step 5) Calculate Helicals

• To speed up assembly, use helicals, each measuring 1 meter in length.
• You’ll need 4 for the sides and 1 for the lid if you’re not using tying wire.
• For heights under 1m, cut the helicals to size. For heights over 1m, use a full helical and a cut one.

Step 6) Join Panels

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

Step 7) Cut Off Excess

• Each helical measures 1 meter in length.
• If your cage is shorter than 1 meter, trim the helical to the appropriate size using wire cutters.

Step 8) 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.
• This step helps to secure the helical in place and prevent any movement.

FILLING & BRACING

Step 9) Use Corner Ties

• To prevent gabion baskets from bulging, use corner ties to secure the corners.
• Insert the end of the tie through the mesh at the upper corner, then twist it around the mesh to secure it.
• Repeat for the other loop, and continue for each remaining corner.

Step 10) Choosing the Right Stone

• Fill the wire cages with angular, interlocking stones to reduce pressure on the sides.
• The stones should be larger than the mesh openings, typically ranging from 75mm to 200mm in size.
• Choose granite or limestone based on preference.

Step 11) Fill the Cage

• Fill the cages slightly above the top edge to accommodate settlement.
• The cages can be filled by machine; however, for optimal results and to minimize voids, they should be filled by hand.

CLOSING THE LID

Step 12) Close the Lid

• Once the basket is filled, close the lid securely, making sure it fits snugly against the stones without any gaps.

Step 13A) Secure with Tying Wire

• Secure the top edges with tying wire, just as you did before.
• Cut any excess wire, as described in step 8.

Step 13B) Secure with Helicals

• Secure the top edges using a helical, following the same method as previously described.
• Once secured, trim away any excess helical and you have successfully completed the gabion basket installation.

FURTHER TIPS & READING

Further Tips on How to Install Gabion Baskets

• Wire diameter: Opt for a 4mm or 5mm wire for enhanced security, stability, and strength, which helps to minimize bulging.
• Coating option: Consider PVC-coated wire cages for enhanced weather resistance.
• Stone separating panels: Use them to fill the back compartment of the cage with inexpensive rubble, reducing the total cost.
• Support panel: Cages longer than 150cm come with a central support panel for added security!
• Geotextile: Place a geotextile layer between the cage and the base to improve durability and support.
• Layering: Once the lower basket is filled, securely fasten its lid with wire, then assemble the next layer on top.
• Walls: For a stable wall, use a 6-degree slope and a Type 1 basecourse foundation for optimal support and durability.

FURTHER READING

• How To Assemble Gabion Baskets – Step by step instructions on how to assemble 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 Use Gabion Stone Separating Panels – Step by step instructions on how to use stone separating panels.
• How to Stop Gabion Baskets Bulging – Learn how to stop cages bulging.
• How to Bend a Gabion Back into Place – A guide showing you how to bend a cage back into place.

VIDEOS