If you want to fill a gabion, planning is one of the most important points. There are numerous types of gabion stones and baskets available, which must be coordinated with each other.
Select the correct mesh size
For the stone filling, not only the height, width or length of the gabion is decisive, but the mesh size. It is an important point in planning so that the gabion stones do not fall through the mesh of the grid. The stones must always be larger in diameter than the mesh of the wire baskets. For example, if you have chosen gravel, you should never use small-grain stones such as 0/5 crushed stone, as in most cases there are no meshes that are tight enough. Gabions are usually offered by the various manufacturers in the following mesh sizes:
- 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm (mini version)
- 5 cm x 5 cm
- 5 cm x 10 cm
- 5 cm x 20 cm
- 10 cm x 10 cm
- 20 cm x 30 cm
Stones: Appropriate size
Fortunately, gabion stones are available in easy-to-understand sizes, which makes it much easier to choose the filling according to the mesh size. They are given as follows:
- single stone size in mm or cm
- Grain size in mm
The size of the individual gabion stones usually indicates the diameter or the longest side. For example, if you choose Yellow Sun Limestones, these come in sizes like 4 to 6 or even 15 to 30
Centimeters available. Since the dimensions of the smallest size range up to 6 centimeters, you have to choose the mesh sizes 2.5 x 2.5 or 5 x 5, as the others are too large. With the largest variant, on the other hand, you can select almost all mesh sizes. Compared to the stone size, the grain size is mostly used for types such as gravel or crushed stone, as they are supplied in bulk.
Natural stones therefore do not use this measure. Grain sizes use the spelling of the smallest grain / largest grain to indicate the range within which the size of the stones moves. Suitable grain sizes for gabion stones are:
- 5/45
- 40/80
- 70/100
- 60/120
- 60/140
Gabion stones variants
The filling material not only determines the selected mesh size, but also the weight of the filling. Based on the selected gabion stones you can determine how much you need for the filling and what costs, including delivery and filling, arise if you do not do this yourself take over. To do this, you simply determine the volume of the gabions and, using the weight of the stoneware, the need in tons. Since the filling is usually billed in tons at building materials dealers, this makes it easier for you to calculate costs. The selection of different stone types for your gabion has expanded significantly over the years and each offers different properties. The following
List introduces you to the individual types:- Alpine stones (Limestone mixture): easy to care for, break-proof, inhibits algae and moss growth
- Basalt: pressure-resistant, resilient, frost- and weather-resistant
- Flint: decorative, heat-resistant
- Chunks of glass: Easy to care for, color stable, weather-free
- Gneiss: Surface smooth or rough, robust, resistant
- Granite: robust, weather and frost resistant, resistant to road salt
- Limestone: ideal for sunny and dry locations, not color stable, only a few species weather-resistant
- Gravel: available in numerous types, properties strongly dependent on type
- Quartz: colorfast, available in numerous types
- Volcanites (solidified lava): solid, weather and frost resistant, sensitive to road salt
- Marble: decorative, not colourfast, soiled more easily, robust, ideally suited for shaded places
- Porphyry: Abrasion-proof, resistant to road salt, frost-proof
- Slate: decorative, not all types of frost-resistant, easily scratched
- Gravel: inexpensive, available in numerous designs
- Tufa: stores heat, weather-resistant, handy shape
Keep in mind that many stone types have different colored types. Select the variant that is most appealing to you. When making your selection, don't forget the price per ton, otherwise it can quickly become expensive.
Below is a small comparison of different stone variants and the typical costs:
- Gravel: 8 to 50 euros / t
- Granite: 120 to 300 euros / t
- Basalt: 150 to 270 euros / t
- Slate: 50 to 200 euros / t
- Chunks of glass: 1,000 to 2,000 euros / t
Note: More rarely, the filling stones are charged per piece, sack or pallet. Compare the
incurred costs so that you do not pay too much.Recommended wire sizes
Wire size is an often overlooked issue in planning. This depends on certain factors so that the gabion is not damaged or falls over after filling. The bulging of the grids is particularly problematic if the wire thickness is too small. The stronger the wire, the heavier the gabion, which you must consider when planning. Typical wire sizes include:
- 3 mm
- 4 mm
- 5 mm
- more than 5 mm
Note: With wire thicknesses over 5 millimeters, the weight of the gabion can be expected to increase by one to two thirds. Keep this point in mind during planning.
Wire sizes: uses
The available wire sizes are used for different purposes. The following is an overview of the typical wire sizes and their use:
- 3 mm: Fence alternatives, decorative elements, seating and the like
- 4 mm: noise protection gabions, gabions with floor filling, privacy screens
- 5 mm: retaining walls, high privacy protection, fixings
- over 5 mm: heavy-duty gabions
calculation
Wire sizes are selected according to the gabion height. Up to a height of two meters, the use of 3 or 4 millimeters is completely sufficient. From two meters upwards, you definitely need to use 5 millimeters so that the gabions do not sag. You also have to use this wire thickness when leveling difficult substrates, as they require a concrete foundation due to their weight. In contrast, the 3 or 4 millimeter wire gauges can increase the rigidity if you choose the right mesh size.
The following are suitable for this:
- 5 cm x 5 cm
- 5 cm x 10 cm
- 10 cm x 10 cm
Tip: When planning, don't forget the spacers, which are placed 20 to 30 centimeters apart in the basket grille. They ensure that the baskets do not change their shape over time due to the weight of the stones.
