Gabion Basket Calculator

Gabion fill weight = basket volume (m³) × stone density (kg/m³) × void ratio factor. For typical river stone, use density 2,500 kg/m³ and void factor 0.70 (30% voids), giving 1,750 kg/m³ effective density. For crushed limestone (2,600 kg/m³) the effective density is about 1,820 kg/m³. The calculator applies these factors automatically.

Standard basket sizes are: 2×1×1m (most common for walls), 1×1×1m (corners and infill), 3×1×1m (long spans), 2×1×0.5m and 2×1×0.3m (reno mattresses for riverbank protection). Taller baskets (≥1m) often need internal diaphragms at 1m intervals to maintain shape.

Wire consumption depends on basket geometry and mesh aperture. For a standard 2×1×1m basket with 8×10cm mesh (80×100mm): approximately 30–35 kg of wire, including lid, base, two ends, two sides, and internal diaphragm. Heavier wire gauge (4mm vs 3mm) increases wire weight by about 75%.

Stone size should be 1.5–2× the mesh aperture. For 80×100mm mesh, use 100–200mm stones. Stones smaller than the mesh opening will fall through. Very large stones leave excessive voids; target a well-graded mix. Rounded river stone is easier to place; crushed angular stone provides better interlock and structural stability.

Gabion wire uses double-twist (DT) or welded mesh construction specifically for civil engineering loads. Wire diameter is typically 2.7–4.0mm, heavily galvanized (Class A or Zn-5% Al alloy) for 50+ year design life in soil. Ordinary wire mesh (fencing, filtration) is lighter and not rated for soil retention loading.

For a retaining wall: baskets per course = wall length / basket length. Total baskets = (baskets per course) × number of courses. For a 2m high wall using 2×1×1m baskets: 2 courses of 2m-height baskets, or 4 courses of 0.5m-height mattresses. Always include a 10–15% wastage allowance for cutting and damaged baskets.

Standard specifications: 2.7mm wire with zinc-5% aluminium alloy (Galfan) coating for moderate applications; 3.0mm or 3.4mm Galfan-coated for permanent civil structures; 4.0mm for heavy-duty retaining walls over 3m high. PVC-coated wire is used in coastal and aggressive environments. Most Anping factories supply to ASTM A975 or EN 10218.

Yes — enter the mattress dimensions (typically 6×2×0.17m or 6×2×0.23m) and set quantity. Mattresses use the same calculation logic as baskets. Fill stone is smaller (50–100mm) and the void factor is approximately 0.72. Select 'Reno mattress' stone type for an automatic adjustment.