Q: What is a gabion retaining wall?

<p>Gabion is derived from an Italian word &quot;gabionne&quot;, meaning big cage. And, as the word suggests, a gabion retaining wall is a wall that consists of a system of wire mesh &quot;cages&quot; that hold rocks or stones in place. Gabion walls are widely used in commercial applications due to being efficient and long-lasting. Plus, they help in preventing soil erosion and diverting floodwaters which makes them a good long-term investment. On a smaller scale, you can get a gabion wall built as a residential retaining wall in your backyard.</p>

Question 1

What is a gabion retaining wall?

Accepted Answer

Gabion is derived from an Italian word "gabionne", meaning big cage. And, as the word suggests, a gabion retaining wall is a wall that consists of a system of wire mesh "cages" that hold rocks or stones in place. Gabion walls are widely used in commercial applications due to being efficient and long-lasting. Plus, they help in preventing soil erosion and diverting floodwaters which makes them a good long-term investment. On a smaller scale, you can get a gabion wall built as a residential retaining wall in your backyard.

Question 2

What are the benefits of a gabion retaining wall?

Accepted Answer

There are many reasons why making a gabion retaining wall a part of your project can be beneficial. A gabion wall can effectively control erosion; they drain well, so they don't have the pressures of water building up behind the wall, which can be a problem with other types of retaining walls. Gabion walls are long-lasting and durable, and they can be designed for any type of project, be it big or small. Whether you want to include garden beds or enhance a look with a feature wall or make some addition for the seating, gabion walls can be utilised for a variety of applications.

Question 3

How to build a gabion retaining wall?

Accepted Answer

The following is the step-by-step procedure for building a gabion retaining wall:

Space Measurements: The first step of building a gabion wall is to know your requirements in detail. You need to have proper measurements of length, width, height so that you can buy the right material.
Baskets and Stones: After measuring the space properly, the next step is to purchase baskets and stones. When buying rock fillings, you should know the volume of the wall. While buying fillers, opt for stones larger than the basket holes.
Ground Preparations: A flat and sturdy base is a requisite for a gabion retaining wall. The ground can be prepared depending on the size of your wall.
Filling and Placing Cages: Place the gabion baskets in a row properly and tie them together with a steel wire to ensure they're stable.

Question 4

How expensive are gabion retaining walls?

Accepted Answer

The building of gabion retaining walls requires skilled labour and lots of efforts. Its cost is affected by various factors including the height of the wall, size and scale, design, stones used, drainage and excavation, etc.

For a single gabion basket measuring 300 H x 300 W x 600 L, you can expect the price to be around $52. And, for a single gabion basket measuring 500 H x 500 W x 1000 L, it will be $68.

Question 5

Where are iseekplant's gabion retaining wall contractors located?

Accepted Answer

iseekplant has a nationwide network of gabion retaining wall companies operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer gabion retaining wall solutions in all major towns and cities from the Sunshine Coast down to the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong.

Question 6

How to book a gabion retaining wall contractor through iseekplant?

Accepted Answer

At iseekplant, you get a myriad of options to select a trusted gabion retaining wall contractor near you. The professionals will manage the entire process with high efficiency, from taking the measurements to construction.

To have suppliers contacting you, all you need to do is use our 'get a quote' tool. Alternatively, you can contact the iseekplant project team by calling 1300 691 912 or emailing projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Question 7

Are gabions cheaper than a retaining wall?

Accepted Answer

Gabion walls are often more cost-effective than traditional retaining walls, particularly when using local stones or recycled materials. The cost savings come from the ease of installation and the minimal need for skilled labour. Gabion walls also require less maintenance over time compared to concrete or timber walls. However, costs can vary based on the size of the project, the materials used, and site conditions. It's crucial to obtain detailed quotes to compare the total costs accurately.

Question 8

Does a gabion wall need a foundation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a gabion wall requires a stable foundation to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. The foundation typically consists of a compacted gravel base that helps distribute the weight of the wall evenly. This base should be level and firm to prevent the gabions from shifting or settling unevenly over time. In some cases, a geotextile fabric may be used beneath the gravel to improve stability and prevent soil erosion. Proper foundation preparation is essential to avoid structural issues in the future.

Question 9

How do you anchor a gabion wall?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring a gabion wall involves several steps to ensure stability and prevent movement. First, a solid foundation must be established, usually a compacted gravel base. The gabion baskets are then placed and filled with stones, ensuring they are tightly packed to reduce movement. For additional stability, gabion baskets can be connected using spiral binders or lacing wire. In some cases, earth anchors or rebar stakes are driven through the baskets and into the ground for extra reinforcement. Properly anchoring the wall is essential, especially for taller structures or those in areas prone to heavy loads or erosion.

Question 10

How long do gabion retaining walls last?

Accepted Answer

Gabion retaining walls are highly durable and can last 50 to 100 years, depending on the materials used and environmental conditions. The longevity of a gabion wall primarily depends on the quality of the gabion baskets and the type of fill material. Galvanised or PVC-coated wire baskets are resistant to rust and corrosion, extending the wall's lifespan. Regular inspections and maintenance, such as checking for displaced stones or damaged wire, can further enhance the wall's durability. With proper care, gabion walls offer a long-lasting solution for erosion control and landscape management.

Question 11

Can water pass through a gabion wall?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one of the significant advantages of gabion walls is their permeability, allowing water to pass through easily. This permeability reduces hydrostatic pressure behind the wall, which is a common issue with traditional retaining walls. The open structure of the gabion baskets filled with stones provides natural drainage, preventing water build-up and reducing the risk of wall failure. This feature makes gabion walls particularly suitable for areas with poor drainage or high rainfall. Additionally, it helps maintain the natural water cycle and prevents soil erosion.

Question 12

What are the pros and cons of gabion retaining walls?

Accepted Answer

Gabion retaining walls offer several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and excellent drainage capabilities. They are flexible and can conform to ground movement, reducing the risk of cracking or structural damage. Gabion walls are also environmentally friendly, as they can use locally sourced or recycled materials. However, there are some disadvantages to consider. The wire baskets may corrode over time if not properly coated, and the aesthetic appeal may not suit all landscapes. Additionally, gabion walls require significant stone fill, which can be heavy and labour-intensive to transport and install.

Question 13

How do you maintain a gabion retaining wall?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining gabion retaining walls is essential for ensuring their longevity and structural integrity. Here are some quick tips:

Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the gabion wall for any signs of damage or displacement, especially after heavy rains or earthquakes.
Vegetation Management: Keep the area around the gabion wall clear of overgrown vegetation to prevent roots from disturbing the structure.
Debris Removal: Remove debris and sediment buildup within the gabion baskets to maintain proper drainage and prevent clogging.
Reinforcement: Check and tighten any loose wires or mesh to maintain the wall's structural integrity.
Erosion Control: Ensure proper drainage systems are in place to manage water flow and prevent erosion behind and around the wall.

Following these maintenance tips extends the lifespan and performance of your gabion retaining wall, ensuring it remains a reliable and attractive feature of your landscape or infrastructure project.

Service Type	Average Rates per m2	Average Rates per Hour	Average Rates per Project
Gabion Wall Installation	$100 - $200	$80 - $120	$5,000 - $20,000
Gabion Basket Supply	$20 - $50	N/A	$500 - $2,000
Gabion Rock Fill Supply	$30 - $60	N/A	$1,000 - $5,000
Site Preparation	$50 - $100	$70 - $100	$1,000 - $3,000
Engineering and Design	$60 - $120	$90 - $150	$2,000 - $10,000

Additional Cost	Standard Rate	Description
Geotechnical Surveys	$500 - $1,500	Assessing soil conditions and stability.
Permits and Approvals	$200 - $1,000	Required local government permits.
Transportation of Materials	$100 - $500	Cost of delivering materials to the site.

Retaining Wall Type	Cost	Durability	Aesthetic Appeal	Applications
Gabion Retaining Walls	$$	High	Moderate	Erosion control, landscaping, water features
Concrete Retaining Walls	$$$	Very High	High	Large-scale infrastructure, highways
Timber Retaining Walls	$	Low	High	Residential gardens, temporary walls
Rock Retaining Walls	$$$$	Very High	Very High	Premium landscaping, historical restorations
Block Retaining Walls	$$	High	High	Urban environments, garden walls
Boulder Retaining Walls	$$$	High	High	Natural landscapes, rustic designs

Service Type	Average Rates	Description
Retaining Wall Builders	$60 - $150 per hour	Professional services for designing and constructing various retaining wall types.
Retaining Walls	$100 - $300 per m2	General retaining wall services encompassing various materials and methods.

Equipment/Service	Average Hire Rates	Practical Application
Excavator Hire (1.5 to 25 tonnes)	$100 - $300 per hour	Used for site preparation, digging foundations, and moving materials.
Crane Hire	$200 - $500 per hour	Essential for lifting and placing gabion baskets and heavy rocks.
Compactor Hire	$50 - $150 per hour	Compacts soil and ensures a stable base for the gabion walls.
Concrete Pump Hire	$200 - $400 per hour	For pouring concrete footings if required for the project.
Dump Truck Hire	$100 - $200 per hour	Transports rocks, soil, and other materials to and from the site.
Land Survey Services	$500 - $1,500 per survey	Assesses the soil and site conditions for stability and suitability.

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