The extent of using Gabion walls as free-standing structures is becoming ever more popular and commonplace both for commercial and residential developments. Either built based on their mass against wind and pedestrian loading where footprint allows or designed with internal steel wind support posts bolted down invariably to a concrete foundation to restrict the width of the structure, these walls are used for security screens, architectural features and or noise absorption barriers.
With a combination of the appropriate choice of aggregate and incorporating aplanting regime where preferred, these structures provide an excellent alternative to other traditional building materials.
DESIGN OVERVIEW
These types of architectural structures must be designed to withstand all
external forces that are present, such as:
- Wind loading – Please refer to BS EN 1991-1-4:2005: + A1:2010
- Horizontal forces – Such as pedestrian barrier loadings (please note that gabions must not be considered for vehicular impact loadings).
- Vertical loadings
- Earth pressure forces – Where the structure up to a certain height is acting as a retaining structure. Please refer to BS 8002:2015.
- Design of any support columns – Where required.
- Design of foundations – For support columns where required.
- Lintel design – For door or window openings.
- Foundation requirements – Normally a concrete foundation is recommended as gabions are flexible in nature, therefore any localised settlement will be transformed throughout the structure.
RELATED DESIGN GUIDE
Volume 2: Cladding and Freestanding Walls
Expanding upon the applications from traditional mass gravity walls, this publication details the various alternative uses for gabions such as rain screen; cladding to buildings, decorative cladding to sheet piling and RC walls, freestanding walls and architectural structures.
The extent of using Gabion walls as free-standing structures is becoming ever more popular and commonplace both for commercial and residential developments. Either built based on their mass against wind and pedestrian loading where footprint allows or designed with internal steel wind support posts bolted down invariably to a concrete foundation to restrict the width of the structure, these walls are used for security screens, architectural features and or noise absorption barriers.
With a combination of the appropriate choice of aggregate and incorporating aplanting regime where preferred, these structures provide an excellent alternative to other traditional building materials.
DESIGN OVERVIEW
These types of architectural structures must be designed to withstand all
external forces that are present, such as:
- Wind loading – Please refer to BS EN 1991-1-4:2005: + A1:2010
- Horizontal forces – Such as pedestrian barrier loadings (please note that gabions must not be considered for vehicular impact loadings).
- Vertical loadings
- Earth pressure forces – Where the structure up to a certain height is acting as a retaining structure. Please refer to BS 8002:2015.
- Design of any support columns – Where required.
- Design of foundations – For support columns where required.
- Lintel design – For door or window openings.
- Foundation requirements – Normally a concrete foundation is recommended as gabions are flexible in nature, therefore any localised settlement will be transformed throughout the structure.
RELATED DESIGN GUIDE
Volume 2: Cladding and Freestanding Walls
Expanding upon the applications from traditional mass gravity walls, this publication details the various alternative uses for gabions such as rain screen; cladding to buildings, decorative cladding to sheet piling and RC walls, freestanding walls and architectural structures.
