Gabion walls are flexible structures where the design is based on the mass of the gabions providing stability against the disturbing forces due to the soil and surcharges.
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In general gabion walls are inclined at 6 degrees from the vertical to improve stability, with the correct gabion specification the inclination can be increased normally to a maximum of 10 degrees which can provide cost savings in design. Care should be taken in designing vertical walls because of their flexible nature.
Gabion walls can either be designed with a stepped or flush face to suit requirements. Planting on the steps can be achieved to green up gabion structures. Flush faced walls can be clad with timber if the aesthetics of a stone face are not in keeping with the environment.
Gabion faced reinforced soil walls are a system where the structural stability is achieved by virtue of reinforcement layers of polymer geogrids or steel mesh being placed in the soil linked to a facing skin of gabions.
This type of structure is generally more cost effective for walls 3 to 4m or more in height in fill situations.
As with mass gravity walls the gabion face is inclined at 6 degrees to the vertical and/or stepped.
Design is based on British Standard BS8002 with the gabion face being considered as part of the reinforced soil mass.
