wire-rock baskets for soil erosion 2

[davereed]

Folks,
Is anyone familure, with ,using wire baskets, filled with stone/old concrete, as a retaining wall? The existing cinder block is failing drastically. Also, with the described wire/stone construction, is there any need for drainage piping? Im wondering how large of a basket I will need to make

 

[LHA]

The method to which you refer is commonly called a "Gabion", "Reno Mat(or matress)" or "Geogrid", and is widely used, at least in USA.

Go here for design, CADD, info, contacts worldwide:

http://www.maccaferri.com

Engineering is the practice of the art of science - Steve

 

[bltseattle]

See answer to drainage question below, but you might consider ecology blocks for this installation instead of gabions due to likely lower expense of installation. Ecology blocks (2'x2'x3'or 6') are nearly the same size as a gabion but they would arrive on a truck and be placed with a trackhoe or other common equipment, instead of fabricated in place like gabions.

Gabion baskets would be free-draining, in fact you will likely need to put some geotextile behind the backets to make sure the retained soil particles do not migrate into/through the baskets, causing loss & subsidence of retained soil behind the backets. Note that you will not be able to control where seepage emerges from.

Consider that gabion construction costs are usually low for materials but can be high for labor.

Gabions are thick (3 ft typically). A very common use is to stablize surface water channels against bank and bottom scour.

For retaining walls not subject to inundation, keystone block (aka segmental block retaining wall) are often used in urban settings, and ecology blocks in rural/industrial settings. Block walls require provisions for drainage, unlike gabions, but that gives you the ability to control where seepage emerges.

Gabions are very useful for remote locations (ie river banks) where rock is plentiful and the only materials brought to the site are the baskets, and for applications with flowing water because they are massive and resist washout yet can deform slightly to match the channel bed.

 

[davereed]

You guys have given me some great options. Im almost thinking about building what would appear to be footings, and fill the boxes with post mix or ???. Obviously installing PVC drain lines prior to pouring.
Since I have 3 feet of soil, with 3-50ft pines located at the 2ft mark, 25 ft mark and end of the stretch at 47ft associated with the scenerio, what would you recommend for dimensions on the boxes. In additionI have a logistical problem with, work space on the " other 25ft section not mentioned. In other words I ll have to do this project by hand.getting a little bobcat in this space wont work

 

[GabionGuy]

davereed,

Contact Maccaferri and ask to speak with the Area Manager. There are many options available for mixed fill material and vegetation within a gabion. Make sure you explain the constraints and your desired outcome.