With several Melbourne suburbs having sloped terrain, retaining walls are an essential part of the landscape. They keep soil in place, offering several advantages for property owners and their biggest assets. From new builds to replacing old retaining walls, projects take careful consideration, but the biggest is which one do I choose?
You’ve probably heard of gabion retaining walls in Melbourne, especially from builders, but are they a good choice? Let’s discuss what gabion retaining walls are and when they’re suitable for your project:
What Are Gabion Retaining Walls?
Unlike other retaining walls made from blocks or bricks, these walls are made from gabions: wire mesh baskets filled with stones. The wire cages are made from galvanised steel and are assembled on site for a custom fit along the slope.
Like other retaining walls, gabions resist pressure from soil and are suitable for erosion-prone areas with sloped terrain.
Benefits of Gabion Retaining Walls
Unlike other retaining walls made from blocks or bricks, these walls are made from gabions: wire mesh baskets filled with stones. The wire cages are made from galvanised steel and are assembled on site for a custom fit along the slope. Like other retaining walls, gabions resist pressure from soil and are suitable for erosion-prone areas with sloped terrain.
Good Drainage
Gabions are highly porous because of their meshwork structure that allows water to pass through. This prevents water from accumulating behind the wall, resulting in flooding and hydrostatic pressure buildup. Because they’re permeable, gabion retaining walls don’t need an additional drainage system.
Flexible Design
For areas with uneven terrain, gabion retaining walls are much more flexible than rigid structures. They can flex and settle without cracking and collapsing, making them suitable for areas in Melbourne with expansive soil, like the Western and Northern suburbs.
Natural Appearance
Since gabion retaining walls are often made with natural stone, they blend into their surroundings and complement your landscape. They’re also versatile, so they can be incorporated into both residential, commercial, and public outdoor spaces like parks.
Long-Lasting
When built well with high-quality materials, gabion retaining walls can last a long time while needing little maintenance. The galvanised steel and rock construction make them resistant to weathering. They’re highly durable without the usual cracking and chipping in other retaining wall materials.
Where They Work Best
Gabion retaining walls are recommended for the hilly terrain in suburbs like Eltham, Warrandyte, Northcote, Croydon, and Brunswick East.
Managing soil movement and erosion is important in the uneven terrain of these Melbourne suburbs. With retaining walls, property owners can stabilise a slope, add terraces, and build embankments, all of which improve their landscape.
Limitations of Gabion Retaining Walls
Time Consuming Installation
The process of assembling gabions and filling them with stones is a time-consuming process that requires professional installation and specialised equipment. Because it’s of the lengthy process, property owners or managers face interferences and disturbances that can affect their daily routine.
Not Ideal for High Walls
If your project calls for higher retaining walls, rock-filled gabions aren’t your best choice. These retaining walls have a recommended height of about 5 metres or fewer. Their dense structure makes them suitable for short wall applications.
Not Suitable For Tight Spaces
Gabion retaining walls need a wider base for stability. Not to mention, walls that are over a metre tall may require additional preparations, making installation complex and needing more space.
Comparing Gabion Retaining Walls With Concrete Sleeper
Gabion Retaining Walls
Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
Rock Retaining Walls
Material
Steel cage filled with rocks
Concrete panels with steel posts
Stacked boulders
Drainage
Highly permeable
Needs dedicated drainage
Adequate drainage
Common Applications
Sloped areas
Tight spaces
Natural landscapes
Installation Complexity
Time-consuming installation
Quick installation with experienced team
Labour-intensive installation
Lifespan
50+ years if high-quality steel cages are used
50+years if steel posts are rust-protected
50+ years with quality stones
Gabion Retaining Walls
Material
Steel cage filled with rocks
Drainage
Highly permeable
Common Applications
Sloped areas
Installation Complexity
Time-consuming installation
Lifespan
50+ years if high-quality steel cages are used
Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
Material
Concrete panels with steel posts
Drainage
Needs dedicated drainage
Common Applications
Tight spaces
Installation Complexity
Quick installation with experienced team
Lifespan
50+years if steel posts are rust-protected
Rock Retaining Walls
Material
Stacked boulders
Drainage
Adequate drainage
Common Applications
Natural landscapes
Installation Complexity
Labour-intensive installation
Lifespan
50+ years with quality stones
Aside from their longevity and durability, rock, concrete sleeper, and gabion retaining walls are preferred for applications with extensive wear and tear. Differences in installation, appearance, and suitability for sloped terrains mean that you should consult a specialist to know which one’s right for your property.
Consult Local Specialists For Gabion Retaining Walls in Melbourne
At Jamesco Group, we specialise in building gabion retaining walls across Melbourne. We source premium galvanised steel to prepare custom gabions before filling them on site. Our walls match the contour of the slope, making them a great choice for uneven terrain. Consider getting in touch with us to discuss your retaining wall project!