Maccaferri Terramesh Wall System was first introduced into New Zealand in 1987 and combined a single layer of rock filled gabions with a field connected double twisted woven wire mesh panel. The system was developed to provide a cost effective wall system to meet the demand for higher walls to support new fills and various infrastructure projects. Further development of the Terramesh system, which can now incorporate high strength geogrids, has seen Terramesh walls exceed 20m in height and be able to support the heavy vehicle loads and associated structures typically found in mining applications.

Terramesh reinforcing mesh is GalMac and PVC coated to provide maximum resistance to installation stresses and environmental degradation. Maccaferri have carried out extensive field and laboratory tests to verify the long term performance of Terramesh in a range of backfill types. This data has been evaluated by various independent authorities for incorporation into design of reinforced soil structures.
 
The MacStars design program was developed by Maccaferri to check the stability of Terramesh reinforced soil structures following the Limit Equilibrium Method. MacStars allows the user to incorporate complex soil and groundwater profiles for a range of external load combination. Single and multiple Terramesh wall configurations can be analysed.

Installation of the Terramesh system can be easily and rapidly executed by unskilled staff after proper training. Free-draining granular fills are best suited for Terramesh to maximise the mesh/backfill interaction and overall design performance.

Bidim A29 geotextile as recommended in TNZ F/7(2003) to meet Filtration Class 1 and Strength Class C is used as a separator and for filtration behind gabion wall facing.