Gabion Baskets
Gabion baskets are wire-mesh containers filled with rock that create flexible, permeable retaining structures. They're widely used for erosion control, slope stabilization, channel protection, and retaining walls where drainage and adaptability to settlement are essential.
Understanding Gabion Baskets
Gabion baskets are wire-mesh containers filled with rock that create flexible, permeable retaining structures. They're widely used for erosion control, slope stabilization, channel protection, and retaining walls where drainage and adaptability to settlement are essential.
These gravity structures conform to ground movement without cracking, allow natural drainage, and can be vegetated over time for environmental integration.
This technique is used in our services for:
Erosion Control 
Mesh & Barrier Systems Typical Applications
How It Works
Our proven methodology ensures consistent, high-quality results for every installation.
Foundation Preparation
Excavate and level base, install geotextile filter fabric if required.
Basket Assembly
Unfold and assemble wire mesh baskets on prepared foundation.
Rock Fill & Packing
Place angular rock fill with hand packing to ensure interlock and density.
Lacing & Stacking
Tie baskets together and stack successive courses with appropriate setback.
Key Advantages
Settlement Tolerance
Gabion walls flex and conform to ground movement without structural damage—ideal for sites with variable foundation conditions.
Free Drainage
Rock fill is 100% permeable, eliminating hydrostatic pressure that causes rigid wall failures.
Rapid Construction
No concrete cure time required—walls can be loaded immediately after construction.
Natural Integration
Over time, soil fills voids and vegetation establishes, creating a naturalized appearance.
Low Maintenance
Durable galvanized or coated wire provides decades of service with minimal maintenance.
Technical Considerations
Soil/Rock Conditions
Foundation must be prepared to design grade. Soft soils may require geotextile separation or ground improvement.
Groundwater
Gabions are self-draining. Filter fabric behind wall prevents soil migration through rock fill.
Load Capacity
Gravity wall design based on wall height, batter, and surcharge loading. Internal stability from rock interlock.
Spacing
Wall batter typically 6:1 to 10:1 (horizontal:vertical). Setback each course for stability.
Installation Method
Baskets assembled on site, filled in place, laced together with wire. Mechanical placement of rock for efficiency.
Equipment Used
- Excavator for foundation and rock placement
- Hand tools for basket assembly and lacing
- Angular rock supply (local quarry preferred)
- Geotextile fabric
- Lacing wire and tools
Limitations
- Requires quality angular rock fill
- Wire can corrode in aggressive environments
- Limited height without engineering
- Labor-intensive hand packing for face quality
Technical Specifications
System Variations
Standard Gabion Walls
Stacked basket walls for gravity earth retention applications.
Best For:
- Retaining walls
- Slope buttressing
- Grade separation
Reno Mattresses
Thin, flat gabion units for erosion protection and channel lining.
Best For:
- Channel armor
- Spillway protection
- Scour prevention
PVC-Coated Systems
Polymer-coated wire for enhanced durability in corrosive environments.
Best For:
- Marine environments
- Acidic soils
- Long design life requirements
Terraced Walls
Stepped gabion walls with planting terraces for aesthetic integration.
Best For:
- Landscape walls
- Visible locations
- Environmental mitigation
Integration With Other Systems
Soil Nailing
Soil nails can reinforce slopes behind gabion walls for additional stability.
Learn MoreGeotextile Filters
Filter fabric prevents soil migration while allowing drainage through rock fill.
Horizontal Drains
Drains relieve groundwater pressure behind gabion retaining structures.
Learn MoreRiprap Armoring
Gabions and riprap combined for comprehensive channel and slope protection.
Example Project Types
- Highway embankment retention
- Stream bank stabilization
- Culvert and bridge protection
- Roadway washout repair
- Channel erosion control
- Slope buttressing
- Environmental restoration
Our Work in Action
Why Choose Rock Supremacy for Gabion Baskets
Remote Site Capability
We construct gabion walls in locations where concrete delivery is impractical.
Quality Construction
Proper basket assembly, rock packing, and lacing ensure long-term structural performance.
Integrated Solutions
Gabions combined with drainage, anchoring, and erosion control for comprehensive stabilization.
Local Material Sourcing
We source quality rock fill locally to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Our Work
See how we've applied this technique and others to solve real-world geotechnical challenges.
Bingham Canyon Mine Support
Highwall stabilization in one of the world's largest open-pit mines to ensure safe ongoing extraction.
I-70 Corridor Stabilization
Installed 50,000 sq ft of high-tensile mesh and performed extensive scaling after a major weather event.
Lava Hot Springs Slope Stabilization
Multi-phase slope stabilization project protecting the historic hot springs resort and Highway 30 from an active landslide.
Gabion Baskets FAQ
Client Testimonials
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Related Techniques
Explore other engineering methods we use to deliver comprehensive geotechnical solutions.
Horizontal Drains
Horizontal drains are drilled drainage systems designed to lower groundwater pressure and improve the stability of slopes, embankments, and rock faces. By relieving pore pressure, these drains significantly reduce the risk of landslides, sloughing, and long-term slope movement.
Soil Nailing
Steel bars driven into soil to reinforce and stabilize loose ground or slope faces.
Weep Drains
Weep drains provide surface-level drainage relief by allowing water trapped behind shotcrete, retaining walls, or stabilized slopes to escape. These drains prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup, which can compromise structural stability.
Blasting & Boulder Busting
Controlled blasting breaks rock in a precise, predictable manner for excavation, scaling, access road construction, and geotechnical stabilization. When performed by trained specialists, blasting creates clean rock faces, removes hazardous overhangs, and improves slope geometry for long-term stability.