Shoreline Protection with Curtain Grouting

Admin October 4, 2022

Waterfront property can be expensive to own and maintain. If you own a property on an open waterfront, you are likely dealing with the forces of nature eroding away at your land and the unreasonable complexity that comes with finding a trustworthy party to inspect and preserve your investment.

We know searching for waterfront preservation solutions can be extremely difficult to begin, and often seems to require a costly construction commitment. Our team has spoken with open waterfront property owners of all kinds, and the stress is undeniable regardless of their background. Our goal is to mitigate the stress and uncertainty that comes with protecting your shoreline against erosion and instability. Seawall Repair Network is the only nationwide network of shoreline preservation professionals offering innovative and cost-effective solutions to protect open coastal, lake, and riverfront properties where shoreline preservation is critical and a waterfront barrier is not existent.

Is Waterfront Barrier Construction Critical?

Protecting your shoreline with the construction of a waterfront barrier structure such as a seawall, bulkhead, and/or revetment is one option, but not the only option. Seawall Repair Network professionals are capable of injecting subgrade “seawalls” beneath the shoreline by permeating the soil with environmentally safe curtain grouting material SW-RP6.

Shoreline Curtain Grouting with SW-RP6

This is done by systematically injecting SW-RP6 soil stabilization material deep into the ground which solidifies the existing soil into a single, solid lightweight mass that is resistant to erosion. This newly formed subgrade curtain wall extending across the length of the shoreline prevents further soil migration and washout.

Seawall Repair Network Contractors are Available Now

A Seawall Repair Network member contractor is available now to discuss your shoreline protection project. Our network of technical and application have access to specialized materials, equipment, and installation methods necessary to protect your property correctly.

Revetment and Rip Rap Repair

Admin September 29, 2022

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a revetment is defined as: “A facing of erosion resistant material such as stone or concrete that is designed to protect a scarp, embankment, or shoreline feature against erosion.” The key feature of a revetment structure is that it prevents erosion of landmass. This feature is critical for waterfront property owners and managers. One major problem associated with revetments, seawalls, and bulkheads is that these structures are often reliant on a filter layer that engineers specify in the design plans prior to construction. Often this filter layer (a.k.a. filter fabric or membrane) fails prematurely, and a massive loss of soil results in structural instability of the structure.

Pictured in this article is a revetment made of rip rap (small boulders) that protects the shoreline alongside property managed by a homeowners association in Pompano Beach, Florida. A recent assessment performed by Seawall Repair Network member contractor Stable Soils (located in Ocala, Florida) determined that the structure’s filter fabric had failed, causing soil migration from the landward side into the water, and gradual sinking of the structure. The technicians at Stable Soils are experts with Seawall Repair Network’s proprietary repair material (SW-RP1) and stabilization procedures. They were able to permanently shut down the soil migration, fill all related voids, stabilize the rip rap, and save this structure from a very costly failure.

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Seawall Repair – Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Admin September 28, 2022

A homeowner on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri reached out to Seawall Repair Network member contractor RT Construction after noticing soil erosion behind their seawall. This particular seawall was constructed with stacked stones that had been mortared together. Over the years, some of the stones broke loose and fell out, leaving gaps in the wall. Water poured through these gaps and eroded soil on the landward side of the wall, creating large voids behind the structure. In addition, the old drainage system that had been installed with the wall in order to prevent water buildup on the landward side was no longer working.

Repair Materials

The primary repair material used by Seawall Repair Network contractors is SW-RP1. This material is ideal for stabilizing soil, filling voids, and stopping leaks. Once a seawall is airtight, it’s important to install panel filters to prevent hydrostatic pressure from building up on the landward side due to accumulated rainwater. Panel filters allow water in the soil to drain through to the other side of the wall in a controlled manner.

Procedures

On the landward side of the wall, the crew began by inserting a half-inch injection rod to a depth of about 1 foot below the mud line (the point at which the bottom of the lake intersects with the seawall). SW-RP1 was then injected, the rod raised a little, more material was injected, and so on until that area behind the seawall was stabilized. This process was repeated every few feet along the back of the wall until the entire 100 foot seawall was reinforced and sealed up. Next, the crew installed panel filters between each injection location, allowing for water drainage into the lake and preventing any future damage from hydrostatic pressure.

Results

This entire repair job on all 100 feet of the seawall was completed in only two days. The property owner could see the visible improvements (sealed holes in the wall, filled voids in the soil, brand new panel filters installed) and was very happy with the results.

Seawall Repair in Carrollton, GA

Admin September 22, 2022

A homeowner on a private lake in Carrollton, Georgia contacted Seawall Repair Network looking for a way to save their failing seawall. A representative from member contractor Ground Consolidation Solutions promptly arrived to perform a free assessment. There was significant soil loss on the land side. In addition, the seawall itself was starting to shift due to a buildup of hydrostatic pressure.

Repair Materials

SW-RP1 repair material and hydrostatic pressure control panels were used to stabilize the seawall and prevent any further shifting.

Procedures

Given that there were two separate issues occurring, a two-pronged repair approach was in order. First, the crew backfilled the soil voids with coarse river sand, then they injected SW-RP1 repair material from the bottom of the seawall up to the top. This ensured that all of the leaks were sealed off. In addition, the SW-RP1 resin permeated the soil, creating a solid mass to add structural support. Next, the crew addressed the hydrostatic pressure issue. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when groundwater on the soil side builds up and has nowhere to escape, putting undue pressure on the seawall. To alleviate this pressure, the crew installed panel filters every 6 feet, along the face of the seawall just above the average water line. The filters allow water to pass through from the landside without any soil loss.

Results

This process took only two days to complete and was completed for a fraction of the cost of seawall replacement.

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Seawall Repair in Greensboro, GA

Admin September 20, 2022

A homeowner on Lake Oconee (located in Greensboro, Georgia) contacted the Seawall Repair Network looking for a solution to the soil loss issue occurring behind their seawall. A crew from member contractor Ground Consolidation Services promptly arrived to perform a free assessment. The problem was quickly diagnosed and a repair plan was devised on the spot. Even though seawalls on lakes aren’t subject to the tidal action that coastal structures are, wakes from boat and jet ski activity cause the same erosion and soil loss issues. This particular seawall was in great shape and the backyard leading down to it was pristine, however, soil loss on the land side of the seawall was putting that situation in jeopardy. When the homeowner learned that the soil issue could be remedied with no excavation, his next question was, “when can you start?”

Repair Materials

The Ground Consolidation Services crew used SW-RP1 seawall stabilization and leak seal material on this job. This durable, environmentally friendly material is ideal for restoring waterfront structures.

Procedures

The crew began by backfilling the void areas with coarse river sand. They then injected SW-RP1 from the toe of the seawall up to the surface. They sealed off all the areas where the soil was being lost under the seawall and permeated the sand on the land side, creating a solid soil mass. As a precaution, they placed a turbidity barrier in the water to catch excess cured repair material, which is NSF approved for contact with potable water.

Results

This process took less than one full day to complete and the homeowner couldn’t have been more pleased!

Strong and Durable Seawall Repair Material

Admin September 15, 2022

Seawall Repair Network member contractors using SW-RP1 repair material provide superior results and permanent solutions for waterfront property owners. Simply put, SW-RP1 is the strongest and most durable product currently in use for seawall and bulkhead stabilization.

The Installation Process

Proper installation of SW-RP1 is essential for sealing cracks, filling voids and repairing defects behind a seawall, and – perhaps most importantly – stabilizing the supporting soil. Once installed, SW-RP1 transforms the soil into a water-tight impermeable mass. This, along with the installation of dewatering channels with panel filters, relieves lateral stress caused by the typical build-up of hydrostatic pressure behind the seawall.

Environmental Safety

SW-RP1 is environmentally safe and is certified to NSF (61-5) standards for contact with drinking water.

Strength and Durability

One detail that cannot be emphasized enough is the strength of the material. Once SW-RP1 cures, it is stronger than crystalline bedrock. Originally seen in the blog post, SW-RP1 – Rock Solid Seawall Repair Material, this video demonstrates the strength of the materials once cured…

Using Seawall Repair Network Stabilization Methods in New Construction

Admin September 13, 2022

In addition to repairing seawalls, Seawall Repair Network member contractors can also provide permanent soil stabilization and hydrostatic pressure regulation for newly constructed seawalls and bulkheads. Landward-side soil migration, erosion, void formation, and the build-up of hydrostatic pressure cause structural movement and damage to a seawall. It’s important for property owners, contractors, and engineers to understand that permanent seawall stability can be achieved at the time of initial construction. The stabilization process during new construction involves the installation of SW-RP1, and de-watering channels with panel filters. This process significantly improves the overall engineering design, durability, and lifespan of seawall structures.

By making these simple changes to the new seawall construction process, the Seawall Repair Network member contractor will:

Provide a permanent solution to the most pressing problem associated with seawall construction – long-term soil stability.
Position the new-construction contractor to provide meaningful warranties for installation and materials.
Help new-construction contractors provide waterfront barrier systems that are reliable.
Contribute to a superior seawall construction industry.

Versatile Seawall Repair Materials

Admin September 8, 2022

Seawall Repair Network member contractors are experts in soil permeation/solidification and the stabilization of seawalls, bulkheads, revetments, rip-rap, and all types of waterfront land retention and protection systems using SW-RP1 & SW-RP6 seawall repair materials. Engineers and architects often encounter numerous waterfront applications for SW-RP1 & SW-RP6 in the course of their waterfront structural design and remediation project work:

Chemical wall for erosion control of beachfront properties that do not have a seawall or structural water barrier.
Water cut-off of large flow and high-pressure water leaks in seawalls and bulkheads.
Sealing of large cracks, voids, and gravel layers in waterfront land-retention structures.
Soil stabilization around seawalls and bulkheads.
Void filling around seawalls and bulkheads.

The waterfront applications for SW-RP1 & SW-RP6 are endless.

Ancillary structures, as well as homes and other buildings, built near seawalls, waterways, and beaches often have tremendous needs for SW-RP1 and SW-RP6 and their proper installation. These Solutions are available through your local Seawall Repair Network member contractor.

Get Your Older Seawall Checked Out BEFORE Problems Arise

Admin September 7, 2022

Congratulations, you finally purchased your dream home on a beautiful waterfront property, and now have your personal slice of paradise. That is until your seawall fails and now your actual home is sustaining damage while you are waiting on a seawall builder to charge you for a very expensive new seawall.

Unfortunately, the above scenario occurs every year whenever mother nature’s powerful hurricanes, tropical storms, tsunamis, and routine heavy rains and flooding occur.

The single most important thing a waterfront property owner can do is to get your seawall or bulkhead checked out before problems arise. Think of it this way: your body needs a check-up every now and then, and so does your seawall. Or to use another analogy, failure to have your car serviced on a regular basis can lead to more expensive complications in the long term. Likewise, neglecting to have your seawall checked on and maintained can lead to premature structural failure. If you own a waterfront property with an older seawall, have it assessed immediately to ensure the seawall has not become destabilized. Specifically, you’ll want to have it checked for structural damage, proper dewatering mechanisms, and functioning deadman anchor systems.

If you are having a new seawall installed, be sure to verify the quality of the concrete, steel, vinyl, wood, or composite materials. Verify the quality of the anchor system being installed. Check on the soil erosion control material being utilized (i.e., filter fabric and/or membrane). Pictured in this article is a newly constructed seawall on Lake Erie in New York. This seawall is less than 2 years old and already has major destabilization and concrete damage due to poor soil control and the development of voids on the landward side of the overall structure.

Seawall Repair Network’s Nationwide member contractors are prepared to assist you with all of these critical considerations.

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What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Repair Your Seawall?

Admin August 30, 2022

Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus Christie is well known for its boating, fishing, beautiful coastlines, local seafood, and all the best Texas hospitality. Unfortunately, from time to time, this coastal oasis is hit with major hurricanes and tropical storms. These occasional severe acts of nature often cause major structural damage to the area’s waterfront land retention systems (i.e., seawalls, bulkheads, and revetments).

For these very reasons, an organization owning a seawall in Corpus Christie recently sought the assistance of Seawall Repair Network. A member contractor performed a complete and thorough assessment. It was determined that previous remediation efforts (i.e., pumping concrete, slurry, and hydraulic cement behind the seawall) were insufficient to properly stabilize and preserve this waterfront structure.

Unfortunately, this structure sustained serious damage from Hurricane Hanna in 2020 (during which Corpus Christie in general suffered the loss of lives and over 1.3 billion dollars in property damage). This particular seawall (pictured in this blog post) was also a casualty and unfortunately had to be replaced instead of repaired. Replacement is generally a lot more costly than repair. The time to repair and strengthen your seawall is NOW, before the next major storm.

Shoreline Protection with Curtain Grouting

Is Waterfront Barrier Construction Critical?

Shoreline Curtain Grouting with SW-RP6

Seawall Repair Network Contractors are Available Now

Revetment and Rip Rap Repair

Seawall Repair – Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Repair Materials

Procedures

Results

Seawall Repair in Carrollton, GA

Repair Materials

Procedures

Results

Seawall Repair in Greensboro, GA

Repair Materials

Procedures

Results

Strong and Durable Seawall Repair Material

The Installation Process

Environmental Safety

Strength and Durability

Using Seawall Repair Network Stabilization Methods in New Construction

Versatile Seawall Repair Materials

Get Your Older Seawall Checked Out BEFORE Problems Arise

What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Repair Your Seawall?

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