GABION WALLS

A well constructed gabion wall can provide sound proofing, privacy and beauty, and it can be designed in a number of ways. The wall might be low with plants trailing over the top or it might be built with curves or sharp angles.

The type of rock used will depend upon the purpose of the wall. If used for retaining (for which an engineer’s report will be required), the rock needs to be dense enough to support anticipated loads. Typically rock such as basalt is used for this due to its hardness. Lighter, less dense rock (such as river rock and sandstone) can be used for low decorative walls. The type of rocks used and placement can be artistically arranged for various effects and moods. Some light coloured rock can have an almost desert like appearance and a darker rock such as basalt (bluestone) will have a more moody appearance, especially during wet weather.

The gabion mesh used for architectural applications is usually coated in Galfan, which is 95 per cent zinc and five per cent aluminium. For more demanding applications and salty environments, a more robust coating of 90 per cent zinc and 10 per cent aluminium can be supplied, or if budget allows, the mesh can be manufactured in stainless steel.

Permathene Pty Ltd specialises in welded gabion mesh and supplies panels of various sizes. These can be flat panels or partially assembled kit sets using either C rings or the spiral method. C rings can give a cleaner look but require specialised tools to assemble and placement must be every 150mm. Permathene offers C rings in Galfan and stainless steel and offers the tools also. Spirals, on the other hand, make the job quick and easy. Spirals are 1m-long shaped wire which is simply threaded through the panel apertures, available in Galfan and stainless steel.

Vital components of the welded mesh gabion are the stiffener wires which are pre-formed wires placed at every corner of the basket. These wires prevent the basket from warping caused by rock filling. Construction of a typical 2m x 1m x 1m cage can be completed by one person in about 15 minutes, excluding rock placement.

For more information:
Permathene Pty Ltd
Unit 8, 20-28 Ricketty St, Mascot NSW 2020
Ph: 02 8338 8879

Visit: www.permathene.com.au