Case Overview
A residential garden project in southern UK faced continuous soil erosion after seasonal rainfall. The slope behind a pedestrian walkway gradually became unstable, creating minor ground movement and drainage issues.
Instead of using concrete retaining walls, the owner selected a welded gabion retaining wall system for its permeability, natural appearance, and lower installation cost.
Engineering Solution
- System type: welded gabion retaining wall
- Module size: 1000 × 500 × 500 mmTotal length: 18 meters
- Wall height: 1.0 meter
- Wire diameter: 4.0 mm galvanized steel
- Mesh opening: 75 × 75 mm
- Filling material: local limestone (80–150 mm)
The gabion wall works by gravity mass and stone interlock, allowing rainwater to pass through freely, reducing hydrostatic pressure behind the wall.
The structure blends with the garden environment while providing long-term slope stability and drainage control.
Practical Guidance
For small residential projects, a compacted gravel base layer (100–150 mm) is recommended before placing gabion baskets. This improves stability and prevents uneven settlement over time. Baskets should be connected using spiral binders or C-rings to ensure structural integrity.
Material Selection Advice
Stone size should be 1.2–1.5 times larger than mesh opening to avoid leakage. Hard stones such as granite or limestone are preferred due to durability and weather resistance.
When ordering gabion systems, customers should confirm:
- Wall height and expected soil pressure
- Mesh wire thickness (4.0 mm recommended for residential use)
- Coating type (galvanized or Galfan for longer lifespan)
- Installation environment (wet soil, slope angle, drainage conditions)
Gabion walls require minimal maintenance. Occasional inspection after heavy rainfall is recommended to ensure mesh tension and stone settlement remain stable.
