What is a gabion in the context of retaining walls?

A gabion in the context of retaining walls refers to structures made from wire mesh or welded mesh that are filled with rock, concrete, or other materials. These structures are typically utilized to create gravity retaining walls, which rely on their own weight and an appropriate design to resist the lateral pressures of soil or water behind them. The design of a gravity wall utilizes the mass of the gabions to counteract the forces acting against the wall, making them an effective solution in various landscaping and engineering applications.

The gabion's structure allows for good drainage, which is crucial for preventing water buildup behind the wall that can lead to structural failure. The flexibility of the wire mesh also allows the gabions to adapt to ground movement, providing a sturdy yet adaptable solution for retaining walls.

Other options, such as cantilevered retaining walls or pile-type retaining walls, involve different engineering principles that focus on different methods of support and soil retention, such as leveraging structural design or driven piles, rather than the mass-based design of a gabion wall. Prefabricated retaining walls typically refer to components manufactured away from the site and installed as a unit, which is also distinct from the nature of gabions.