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Spalling-in-Concrete-Seawalls

Spalling in Concrete Seawalls

Admin July 5, 2023

Spalling-in-Concrete-SeawallsSeawalls protect your valuable waterfront property from the relentless forces of oceans, lakes, and rivers. Most seawalls are primarily made of concrete and are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. But even the strongest seawalls are not invincible. Let’s take a closer look at concrete spalling, an issue that can compromise the integrity of waterfront barriers.

Hidden Threat: Spalling in Concrete Seawalls

Spalling occurs when the surface of a concrete structure starts to crack, flake, or peel away. This damage can be caused by corrosion and swelling of steel reinforcement, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, or other forms of structural stress. Cracks, pits, and other types of surface and internal concrete damage weaken your seawall’s structure and make it more susceptible to further harm.

The Vulnerable Point: Seawall Caps

The seawall cap is a critical component that is particularly vulnerable to spalling. Typically made of steel-reinforced concrete, these caps form the top layer of a seawall. They play a crucial role in protecting the rest of your seawall from the elements and providing a safe and stable surface. Movement of your seawall can be triggered by factors like soil migration and will cause instability and shifting. The steel reinforcement in the seawall cap can become stressed, leading to spalling that causes the concrete to break apart and crumble.

The Need for Timely Intervention

Spalling of your seawall cap can worsen over time if left unattended, potentially resulting in more severe problems such as structural failure. It is crucial to enlist a qualified marine contractor to repair spalling as soon as it appears. The concrete spalling repair process typically involves removing the damaged sections of concrete and repairing them with cementitious patching material.

The Takeaway

Spalling is a very common issue. Understanding what it is and how it can be repaired is essential. For more information on spotting potential issues with your waterfront barrier, see the article Four Critical Warning Signs of Seawall Failure.

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SRN Seawall Anchoring System – Seawall Tieback Anchors

Admin June 27, 2023

Body - Seawall Anchoring SystemThe seawall anchoring system installed by Seawall Repair Network® contractors features helical tiebacks that lock the wall into solid load-bearing soil on the landward side. Helical tiebacks are a type of deep foundation system that uses helical-shaped plates welded to a steel shaft to anchor a seawall in place. They are installed using rotary drilling equipment that generates torque to rotate the lead helical pile and its attached piles deep into the ground.

When is a Seawall Anchoring System Required?

When a seawall experiences significant overturning or kick-out, or panel separation from the original flush panel installation, we recommend retrofitting the seawall with this anchoring system. These anchors provide a cost-effective and safe solution for stabilizing seawalls and preventing further damage.

How is a Seawall Anchoring System Installed?

The preferred method for installing helical tiebacks is to load an excavator and hydraulic drive-head onto a marine barge, which transports the heavy equipment to the job site. This allows for quick and efficient installation of the seawall tieback or deadman anchors from the waterward side of the seawall, minimizing the destruction of property and safety risks associated with operating heavy equipment from behind the seawall.

Do All Seawalls Require an Anchoring System?

While helical tieback anchors are an effective solution for stabilizing seawalls, it is important to note that most seawalls do not require them. Proper maintenance and regular inspections can help identify potential issues early on and prevent the need for more extensive repairs. Seawall Repair Network®’s team of professionals is trained to assess conditions and provide recommendations for the most appropriate repair solutions.

Banner - Causes of Seawall Failure

Common Causes of Seawall Failure

Admin June 20, 2023

Body - Causes of Seawall FailureSeawalls typically fail prematurely due to a couple of common causes. One of the main causes of seawall failure is soil migration, which can destabilize the entire structure. Another cause is hydrostatic pressure buildup on the landward side, which often contributes to soil migration.

Soil Migration and Seawall Failure

Soil migration is the movement of soil from one location to another due to various factors such as waves, tides, and storms. This can cause erosion at the base of the seawall, undermining its stability. In addition, soil migration can lead to the formation of voids or empty spaces behind the seawall, which can cause further destabilization. Void formations can occur when soil is washed away from behind the seawall, creating a space between the seawall and the ground. These voids can undermine the integrity of the structure, increasing the risk of failure. Soils that are not sufficiently compact or stable are more prone to erosion and void formation.

Hydrostatic Pressure and Seawall Failure

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid, such as water, on a structure. When there is a buildup of hydrostatic pressure on the landward side of a seawall, it can cause the structure to become unstable and potentially fail. This water buildup can be caused by a variety of factors, such as high tides, waves, and storms. The effects of hydrostatic pressure buildup on the landward side of a seawall can be significant. It can cause the seawall to tilt or lean, increasing the risk of failure. In addition, the added pressure can cause the seawall to crack or break, leading to further destabilization.

Preventing Seawall Failure

To prevent premature failure of a seawall due to soil migration and void formation or hydrostatic pressure buildup, it is important to have a professional evaluate the condition and stability of the structure. If necessary, the supporting soil and the structure can be stabilized, and a hydrostatic pressure release system can be installed to prevent undue pressure on the wall.

Banner - Ignore Signs of Seawall Distress at Your Own Peril

Ignore Signs of Seawall Distress at Your Own Peril

Admin June 13, 2023

Body - Ignore Signs of Seawall Distress at Your Own PerilSigns of Seawall Distress

As a waterfront property owner or manager, it’s important to be familiar with the four critical warning signs of seawall failure. Soil depressions near the wall, rust stains on the surface, panel movement, and cracks in the concrete are all serious signs of distress. It’s important to call in an expert to evaluate the situation if any of these problems appear. The before and after photos included in this article depict the type of catastrophic failure that often results from neglect.

Preventing Seawall Failure

Fortunately, the proprietary Seawall Repair Network® stabilization process was designed by experts to prevent failure in waterfront barriers showing these types of warning signs. Preferred marine contractors inject SW-RP1 repair material behind each panel joint in the seawall, filling all the voids while stabilizing the supporting soil. Next, the crew installs a pressure relief system consisting of weep hole channels drilled through the wall, the stabilized soil, and into the soil on the landward side. Pressure release technology is then installed to regulate hydrostatic pressure resulting from any new water build-up on the landward side of the wall. If necessary, seawall preservation treatments are also applied to the concrete. This comprehensive repair and prevention system stops seawall deterioration in its tracks and shores up your waterfront barrier for many years to come.

Banner - Repairing a Seawall on Lake Michigan

Repairing a Seawall on Lake Michigan

Admin June 6, 2023

Body - Repairing a Seawall on Lake MichiganSeawall Repair Network® member Bluebird CFW recently completed a repair project on Lake Michigan. The seawall showed signs of significant deterioration due to the harsh weather conditions and constant exposure to freeze-thaw cycles.

Repair Materials

The technicians used SW-RP1 seawall repair material on this job. SW-RP1 transforms the surrounding soil of your seawall into a water-tight impermeable mass, which blocks the transference of energy and lateral stress caused by the typical build-up of hydrostatic pressure behind the seawall. SW-RP1 is environmentally safe and is certified to NSF standards for contact with drinking water. In addition to SW-RP1, the crew also used concrete preservation materials to address protect the concrete surface of the seawall.

Procedures

Before beginning the repair process, the technicians conducted a thorough assessment of the seawall to determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action. Once the repair plan was developed, the team began the process of preparing the seawall for repair. This included the removal of any loose or damaged concrete, as well as the installation of a protective layer to prevent further deterioration. With the seawall prepared, the team began the process of installing SW-RP1 seawall repair material. The SW-RP1 was applied in stages, and the soil was thoroughly solidified. Seawall Repair Network’s hydrostatic pressure control system was then installed. Next, concrete preservation materials were then applied to protect the surface of the seawall. Once the process was complete, the team conducted a thorough inspection of the seawall to ensure that it was fully repaired and ready for use. Upon completion of the inspection, the seawall was deemed fully repaired.

Results

The seawall was fully restored to its original strength and stability, ensuring that it will be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions of Lake Michigan for years to come.

Banner - Seawall Repair Resource for Engineers

A Trusted Seawall Repair Resource for Engineers

Admin May 30, 2023

Body - Seawall Repair Resource for EngineersSeawall Repair Specification Guidance and Contracting Partners for Engineers

As an engineer, you understand the importance of maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of seawalls and bulkheads. Additionally, it’s important to consistently broaden one’s knowledge when it comes to the spectrum of available repair methods. Seawall Repair Network® is here to help you do just that. Our team of experienced professionals provides comprehensive repair and preservation services for seawalls. Whether your clients’ seawalls are in need of stabilization or preservation, we have the expertise and resources to meet their needs. Seawall stabilization involves stabilizing surrounding soil, repairing cracks, and installing systems to control hydrostatic pressure. These systems can help prevent movement and cracking of the concrete, ensuring the structural integrity of the seawall.

We are committed to using environmentally friendly seawall repair materials and methods. This includes the use of products such as SW-RP1, a repair material that is stronger than crystalline bedrock, as well as using the installation of systems that prevent soil migration and void formation on the landward side of the wall. As an engineer, you can trust Seawall Repair Network® for the expertise and resources you need to provide reliable, long-lasting solutions for your clients’ seawalls.

Seawall Repair Continuing Education – Accredited Presentations

Seawall Repair Network® offers one-hour CE/PDH accredited presentations on a variety of seawall and concrete repair applications. Click here for more information on scheduling an accredited presentation.

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Welcome Dan Pobuda – SRN South Central Regional Manager

Admin May 23, 2023

Body - SRN Welcomes South Central Regional ManagerDan Pobuda, a Texas Tech University graduate, is a sales professional with 16 years of business-to-business sales, account management, and project management experience in the food services, environmental services, construction, oil & gas, and industrial services industries. Throughout his career, Dan has become well-versed in evaluating the needs of his customers and providing the highest quality services and solutions, on-time and within budget.

Before joining Seawall Repair Network, Dan was a Regional Sales Manager for HMT Tank where he focused on providing customers with above-ground storage tank repair solutions as well as associated products such as floating roofs, seal systems, etc. He also secured new tank construction projects in the petrochemical and oil and gas industries. Dan was also the Subject Matter Expert for the Hydro Excavation Division of Clean Harbors Environmental/Industrial Services where he focused on prospecting, bidding, and execution of multiple hydro excavation projects throughout the entire United States. Dan’s industrial sales background also includes ultra-high pressure hydro blasting, dry ice blasting, tank cleaning, and waste management services throughout the Gulf Coast. He lives in the Houston, TX area and enjoys spending his free time with his wife and daughter.

Banner - Seawall Concrete Preservation Materials

Seawall Concrete Preservation Materials

Admin May 16, 2023

Body - Seawall Concrete Preservation MaterialsSeawall Repair Network® contractors offer seawall stabilization and seawall preservation services. This article is a deep dive into the application and characteristics of the Seawall Repair Network® concrete preservation products that could be used to protect your seawall.

All concrete surfaces need to be pressure washed before the application of any of the following products.

SW-Power (Apply This Product First)

SW-Power is a multi-phase, inorganic, surface-applied corrosion inhibitor for use on hardened concrete. It is designed to protect reinforcing steel in concrete from corrosion on multiple fronts by penetrating the concrete surface and migrating to the steel. SW-Power forms a passivating film on the steel surface which provides protection from the corrosion process thereby extending the service life of the structure. SW-Power functions on multiple fronts to deliver superior performance. In addition to creating a passivating film on the surface of the embedded reinforcement SW-Power inhibits and prevents corrosion by increasing electrical resistance, complexing and removing water-soluble chlorides, re-alkalizing areas of carbonation, and stopping water penetration and diffusion. In addition, SW-Power has been shown to improve substrates strength. In some cases, SW-Power will purge impurities from the concrete surface. If this happens, the surface will need to be pressure washed again to remove the purged impurities before moving to the next step.

SW-Prevent (Apply Next, To Entire Surface or Just Hot Spots)

SW-Prevent is an organic, surface-applied anodic and cathodic site corrosion inhibitor for use on hardened concrete. It is designed to protect reinforcing steel in concrete from corrosion by penetrating the concrete surface and migrating, in liquid and vapor form, to the reinforcing steel. SW-Prevent forms a passivating film on the steel surface which provides protection from the corrosion process, thereby extending the service life of the structure. SW-Prevent is a vapor-phase corrosion inhibitor (VCI) for concrete. It penetrates easily as gas and affects steel properties at both the anodic and cathodic sites. Due to its high penetrative ability minimal or no surface removal is required for the SW-Prevent to be highly effective at the rebar depth. SW-Prevent is especially effective in areas of corrosion “hot spots” and instances of chloride-induced corrosion. For maximum corrosion protection SW-Prevent is recommended for use in combination with SW-Power.

SW-Protect (Apply This Product Last)

SW-Protect is a ready-to-use mixture of silane and siloxane water repellents that provide complete protection against water intrusion and further improve the performance of SW-power and SW-Prevent to resist water penetration and inhibit corrosion. SW-Prevent is a UV Resistant, cannot be peeled or scratched off, is VOC compliant, breathable, and easy to apply. Its performance has been laboratory tested and proven in the field to provide superior protection against atmospheric pollutants, waterborne pollutants, mold and mildew formation, etc.

Repairing a Seawall in Rockport, Texas

Admin May 10, 2023

Body - Repairing a Seawall in Rockport, TexasSeawall Repair Network® member contractor Jean’s Waterproofing was recently contacted by a seawall owner in Rockport, Texas. The seawall in question was located on the Gulf of Mexico and was showing signs of significant wear and tear due to the annual storms that impact the region, including hurricanes and tropical storms.

Repair Materials

The crew used SW-RP1 seawall repair material on this job. SW-RP1 transforms the supporting soil into a water-tight impermeable mass, which blocks the lateral stress caused by hydrostatic pressure resulting from water buildup on the landward side of the wall. SW-RP1 is environmentally safe and is certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards for contact with drinking water.

Procedures

Upon arriving at the site, the technicians began to assess the condition of the seawall. They examined the structure and the surrounding soil, looking for signs of instability or erosion. They also performed soil probing for voids and other tests to determine the cause of the problem.

After completing their assessment, they determined that the supporting soil was eroding due to a combination of factors, including heavy rain from storms and defects in the seawall structure. To stabilize the seawall and prevent further soil migration, they proceeded to stabilize the soil and install hydrostatic pressure control as specified in the Seawall Repair Network® stabilization process.

Results

In the end, their efforts were successful. The seawall was stabilized, and the risk of further soil loss was significantly reduced. The seawall owner was grateful for the contractor’s expertise and professionalism. This project was especially important to the property owner due to the continuing threat of major storms that impact the Gulf of Mexico.

Banner - Bulkhead Repair at the Miami Seaquarium

Bulkhead Repair at the Miami Seaquarium

Admin May 2, 2023

Body - Bulkhead Repair at the Miami SeaquariumThe Miami Seaquarium called on Seawall Repair Network® member contractor Atlas Seawall Solutions to evaluate a unique issue that had developed inside their park after the last hurricane. The park uses seawater that’s constantly pumped in from the ocean to fill all the tanks and aquariums to a very precise level, then the water is released through overflow spillways into the main discharge bulkhead, which then releases the water back into the ocean. The main discharge bulkhead works as a spillway, allowing the water to reach a certain height and then spill over the top. During the last hurricane event, the bulkhead became damaged and a 2’ x 3’ hole formed underneath the structure, allowing an enormous amount of water to escape from under the bulkhead rather than spilling over the top. This caused a big problem for the aquarium. With this much water escaping from under the bulkhead, the inlet pumps were not able to keep up and the water level inside the park dropped dramatically. This forced the grounds crew to run backup pumps to supply the park with more water.

Repair Materials

Atlas Seawall Solutions technicians on this job used SW-RP1 seawall repair material. SW-RP1 is environmentally safe and is certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards for contact with drinking water.

Procedures

Once on-site, the crew began by trying to slow the leak by filling the 2’x3’ hole with 20 lbs of oil-free Oakum. After the leak was slowed, they immediately started to introduce SW-RP1 into the oakum-filled hole in the bottom of the bulkhead. The SW-RP1 was catalyzed to the highest rate allowable due to the amount of flow that was still present even after filling with oakum.

Results

After 30 minutes and 35 gallons of SW-RP1, Atlas Seawall Solutions had the leak completely stopped. The leak flow rate before the repair was estimated at 5,434 GPM. The leak flow rate after the repair was estimated at 0 GPM. The total end-to-end completion time from the arrival of the technicians until the total leak flow stoppage was only 5 hours.

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