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Hello @c0rvette
Welcome to the Bunnings workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about gabion cages.
The store does carry various sizes in Gabion cages. But it is also possible to build your own custom size on as there are many wire mesh assemblies to choose form. In regards to supporting a leaning retaining wall, it might be possible to do it, but it would be better if the retaining wall was taken apart and reassembled to remove the lean.
Let me call on our experienced member @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good Morning @c0rvette
Definently can be done, tho as @EricL has suggested it is far better to remove the old leaning one in the process.
Bunnings sell smaller sized baskets, the thickness of wire mesh tho is also smaller. These baskets are a good size for a large range of uses.
I have made my own baskets, they are very easy to make and I mean really really easy. Large gabion retaining wall build is one of the Gabion projects I have installed. If you go through my bookmarks there are a bunch of different gabion basket installs.
Generall rul of thumb The gabion cage base depth should be 2/3's the gabion cage height. This is to stop the potentiall roll forward of the retaining wall.
The cages do not need a concrete base to sit on, they can sit on compacted earth, road base but needs to be compacted hard. I have an area of that wall I linked that I compacted with a tamp bar and even tho it was "solid" settlement of the trench underneath has made it drop about an inch.
One of the interesting things that will make building a gabion cage that much easier for people is Bunnings sells the spirals seperatly! ack 3 x 400mm Gabion Accessories Galvanised Spiral - 4 Pack You dont need to wind your own spirals, just purchase the same sized square mesh that Bunnings offer. I think they are 50mm squares from memory, and away you go. I used Fencing wire wrapped around a broom handle and then stretched out to make my spirals which also works well.
Do you have a photo of the retaining wall you want to support/replace? I say replace as if you build in front and then backfill the gap then there is a high chance of air pockets being under the existing leaning wall.
Do you have an idea of what you would use to fill the cages? I like concrete tho have used sandstone rocks that I break to give the whole range of colours. Ive seen full bricks laid inside the cages and even seen windbreak type tall cages with hardwood timber pieces in them stacked like a wood pile
hahah Thank you @Nailbag, yeah I am kinda a fan with the walls Now it would be interesting if you have ever installed one?
Any questions just let us know, there are a few of us in here that have installed Gabions and so far I would say I havnt seen a bad one The best I have seen is Gabion basket fence by @Xfarma21 . Solid, consistance and high end. If you like playing Tetris, gabion walls are for you!
Dave
