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GABION CAGES AND MODULAR SYSTEMS FOR SLOPE STABILISATION
Gabion wall systems offer a cost-effective, low-maintenance and environmentally friendly approach to slope reinforcement and erosion control. They are quick to install and well suited for use in road infrastructure, bridge abutments, railway embankments, flood protection works and landscaping projects.
WHAT ARE GABIONS AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Gabion wall systems are modular units or cages that are filled with rocks and are used to construct gravity retaining walls, channel linings, revetments, and weirs for hydraulic and erosion control applications.
TYPES OF GABIONS FOR CIVIL AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Choosing the right type of gabion is key to achieving optimal performance. Our range includes:
Woven Gabions
Woven gabion baskets are engineered using double-twisted hexagonal wire mesh, offering superior flexibility and tensile strength. This makes them particularly effective in environments with differential settlement or hydraulic activity, such as riverbanks, retaining walls and slope stabilisation projects. Their deformability ensures structural integrity even under dynamic load conditions.
Rock Mattresses
Gabion rock mattresses are commonly known as rock mattresses – these are low-profile, wide woven mesh units designed for surface protection in hydraulic environments. Their shallow depth (170 mm – 500 mm) allows them to conform to terrain while effectively mitigating scour and erosion along riverbeds, canals and coastal zones. They are a reliable solution for increasing the lifespan and resilience of water-retaining structures
Key applications of Gabions
Gabions are trusted by engineers and contractors across multiple sectors for their versatility and strength. Common applications include:
Retaining wall, slope reinforcement & stabilisation
Gabions are commonly used to build retaining structures that stabilise slopes and prevent soil erosion in both temporary and permanent installations.
Erosion control
Gabions protect against soil erosion caused by water or wind along riverbanks, shorelines and slopes. Rock mattresses are particularly effective for surface protection and scour resistance in hydraulic environments.
Channel & river lining
Gabions are used to line waterways, protect banks, and direct flow in rivers and drainage channels. Their permeability reduces hydraulic pressure and helps dissipate energy, making them a sustainable choice in flood and water management systems.
FUNCTIONS
Erosion & Sediment Control
The use of a geosynthetic to prevent soil or other particle movements on the surface slope. Acts to reduce soil erosion caused by wind forces, rainfall impact and surface water runoff. The use of geosynthetics in erosion control is to maintain soil cover either as a temporary measure offering protection from soil loss whilst vegetation is established or as a permanent control measure, typically on steeper slopes or high-water velocity situations.
Reinforcement
Geosynthetics provides additional strength to soils and aggregate. Used to reinforce steep slopes, and to stabilise road or rail construction over weak and variable soils. Enables embankments to be constructed over very soft foundations and to build slopes at steeper angles than would be possible with unreinforced soil. Geosynthetics (or geogrids) are also used to bridge over voids that may develop below load bearing granular layers (roads and railways) or below cover systems in landfill applications.
Retaining
Geosynthetic or geogrid acts to support soil laterally so that the structure can be retained at different levels on the two sides. Retain (holds back) any material (usually earth) and prevents it from sliding or eroding away. Gravity retaining and reinforced soil retaining walls are designed to resist the material pressure of the material that it is holding back.
BENEFITS OF USING GABIONS FOR SOIL REINFORCEMENT & RETENTION
Improved structural performance
Can be constructed up to 5-10 metres in height with flexible face options and independently verified and tested
Reduced construction costs
A cost-effective alternative to various wall systems such as mass gravity boulder walls, grouted rock walls and mass concrete block walls by reducing the amount of material required for construction
Faster installation
Simple to install and integrate into existing construction workflows, helping accelerate project timelines.
Environmentally sustainable
Enhances biodiversity and vegetation growth by trapping sediment and seed, aiding CO2 sequestration and reduces carbon emissions by up to 10x compared to concrete walls.
WHY CHOOSE GEOFABRICS FOR YOUR GABION NEEDS?
With decades of expertise in geosynthetic engineering, Geofabrics Australasia offers high-performance gabions backed by technical support, design guidance and nationwide distribution. Our range is tested for durability, load capacity and environmental resilience – ensuring long-term performance in even the most demanding conditions.
Request a Quote or Technical Advice Today
Whether you're building a road, reinforcing a slope, or stabilising a platform, our gabion solutions deliver reliable, cost-effective results. Contact our expert team to discuss your project and find the best geogrid product for your needs.