Stabilizing and Preserving a Seawall in Portland, Maine

Admin January 24, 2023

A waterfront property in Portland, Maine was in need of a seawall repair to protect the property from erosion and storm damage. This seawall showed signs of failure, including soil depressions near the wall, rust stains on the surface, movement and shifting, and cracks in the concrete. Seawall Repair Network® member LJS Waterproofing was called for an evaluation and advised that the property owner needed a solution that would both stabilize the seawall and preserve it for the long term.

Repair Materials

LJS Waterproofing 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 (61-5) standards for contact with drinking water.

Procedures

The first step was to stabilize the soil and control hydrostatic pressure. This was done by injecting the Seawall Repair Network®‘s SW-RP1 into the soil behind the seawall. SW-RP1 is a soil-stabilizing material that is stronger than crystalline bedrock and safe for the environment. It seals leaks and controls hydrostatic pressure, which helps to prevent further movement and shifting of the seawall.

The next step was to preserve the concrete seawall. This was done by applying the Seawall Repair Network®‘s SW-Power to the surface of the concrete. SW-Power is a concrete hardener that strengthens the surface and makes it resistant to air or water-borne chemical damage. After that, LJS Waterproofing applied SW-Surcoat on top of the surface which is a concrete sealer that protects the surface of the seawall from water penetration, making it look nearly new.

Results

The seawall repair project was a success. The seawall was stabilized, and the soil behind it was protected from further movement and shifting. The concrete surface was also preserved, and the seawall was made to look nearly new. The property owner was pleased with the results and the work that was done by LJS Waterproofing. was protected from erosion and storm damage and the property owner was satisfied with the outcome.

Banner - Ken Braunlich Promoted to SRN Division Manager

Ken Braunlich Promoted to Seawall Repair Network Division Manager

Admin January 23, 2023

Alchemy-Spetec is pleased to announce the promotion of Ken Braunlich to the newly created position of Seawall Repair Network® Division Manager. In this position, Mr. Braunlich will supervise a newly created team of Seawall Repair Network® Regional Managers and report to the Alchemy-Spetec Vice President of Sales and Marketing. This change reflects our continuing efforts to serve our customers in the best way possible and build on our product and market expertise as the company grows.

Over the years Ken has personally evaluated and prepared repair plans for well over 1,000 seawalls and waterfront protection barriers in South Florida. His experience includes seawall evaluation, repair/preservation methodology, project cost analysis, and field service for training on the SRN product lines. Ken has extensive experience with the proper utilization of Alchemy-Spetec stabilization formulations, which are the critical component in advanced/modern soil stabilization methods required for professional seawall repair and preservation.

Seawall Repair Network is Hiring Regional Managers

Admin January 16, 2023

About Seawall Repair Network®

Seawall Repair Network® is a division of Alchemy-Spetec (an international leader in the manufacture and supply of chemical grouts for Seawall Repair, Geotechnical, and Leak Seal applications). Proven solutions and key partnerships have positioned Seawall Repair Network® as the national leader in high-demand solutions related to soil and hydrostatic pressure regulation, concrete & steel repair/preservation, and protecting waterfront infrastructure and seawall structures.

About the Opportunity

Permanent full-time positions are available in the Southern and Northern United States.

We are expanding the Seawall Repair Network®. The Regional Manager role is critical to our successful expansion. We are searching for a leader to facilitate this growth opportunity. You will report to the SRN Division Manager and take responsibility for locating and converting selected prospective clients, expanding existing clients, and networking with established Regional Managers to grow the SRN Business in your region.

Responsibilities

Generating new sales opportunities by finding and developing new customers in key markets.
Contacting prospective customers who have sent inquiries and converting them into customers.
Establishing relationships with local governments and engineering firms to develop new opportunities.
Delivering rapid growth and business revenue in the region through proactive sales activities.
Working with existing Regional Managers and Technical Support to meet territory goals.
Building regional networks of referral partners in support of our customers.
Working closely with the marketing team to provide content and leverage existing opportunities.

Locations & commitments

Remote-based office with travel throughout the region you manage.
Periodic Training and organizational meetings in Tucker, GA, and Reno, Nevada.
Estimated travel: 70%

Candidate requirements

Proven experience in business development and networking.
Experience in this industry sector (Marine Construction, Soil Management, and/or Enviro Chemical Applications).
Strong business, communication, and budgeting skills.
Professional, engaging, and determined personality.
Goal-oriented self-starter who requires little supervision.
The ability to track and achieve KPIs.

Benefits

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance

Contact us to apply

If you have a passion for business development and the coastline/shoreline resilience industry, then we would like to meet you. Consider becoming an important teammate of a growing organization that is dedicated to “Saving the Planet One Seawall at a Time.” Send your resume and cover letter to Ken Braunlich at kbraunlich@alchemy-spetec.com.

Charlie Lerman Interviews Seawall Repair Network’s Ken Braunlich

Admin January 9, 2023

The Injection Connection features in-depth discussions with thought leaders and professionals in the infrastructure repair industry and is produced by Seawall Repair Network® parent-company Alchemy-Spetec.

Episode 15 of The Injection Connection features Charlie “The Grout Geek” Lerman interviewing Seawall Repair Network® National Program Manager Ken Braunlich.

Over the years Ken has personally evaluated and prepared repair plans for well over 1,000 seawalls and waterfront protection barriers in South Florida. His experience includes seawall evaluation, repair/preservation methodology, project cost analysis, and field service training for the Alchemy-Spetec SRN product lines. Ken previously served as a Crisis Negotiation Team Leader for a major law enforcement organization and as a Company Commander in the United States Marine Corps.

Watch this episode in its entirety below, or check it out on TheInjectionConnection.com and the following platforms:

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Admin January 3, 2023

Seawall Repair Network® is the only national, all-inclusive seawall repair and preservation network. We are a division of Alchemy-Spetec, the industry leader in seawall, leak seal, and ground engineering solutions. Here are answers to the top five questions we get from the public…

Q1: How Will You Repair My Seawall?

See the Seawall Stabilization and Seawall Preservation pages for an overview of the Seawall Repair Network® proprietary repair process. That being said, each waterfront property, structure, and environment provide unique challenges and require appropriate repair and remediation procedures. A preferred marine contractor will create a custom repair plan for your seawall.

Q2: Will the Repair Process Damage My Property?

One of the many advantages of the Seawall Repair Network® proprietary repair process is that it does not require excavation of your property. The majority of our projects require non-invasive repair procedures using light equipment.

Q3: Will the Repair Be Expensive?

The cost of repairing a seawall is generally 70% – 80% less than the cost of replacing a seawall. Seawall Repair Network® repair materials SW-RP1 and SW-RP6 are rock solid and last for the life of the structure.

Q4: Do You Repair All Types of Seawalls? (i.e., Concrete, Wood, Vinyl, Composite, and Steel Sheet Pile)?

The hallmark of the Seawall Repair Network® advantage is the SW-RP1 repair material. SW-RP1 does not care what your seawall is made of, and does not care what type of seawall you have. This material will permanently bond to, seal, and stabilize your seawall regardless of type.

Q5: How Long Have You Been Repairing Seawalls?

Seawall Repair Network® was founded by technicians with decades of experience in the field. The SRN proprietary repair process was developed based on an in-depth understanding that only comes from years of on-site seawall repair work. SRN contractors are chosen based on their technical qualifications and proven experience. They are then thoroughly trained in the Seawall Repair Network® proprietary repair process.

Hydrostatic Pressure Release System

Admin December 19, 2022

Devastating Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure

In the blog post Water is Relentless!, we described the devastating effects hydrostatic pressure can have on a seawall:

“Excessive rainwater or floodwater build-up on the landward side of the wall (usually resulting from an inadequate or clogged weep hole system within the wall itself) will put untenable hydrostatic pressure on the structure. This pressure can cause parts of the wall to move and/or crack. Once the concrete is broken, landward side water will pull soil from your property through the wall and into the water on the other side, causing depressions or small sinkholes near the structure. In addition, steel rebar or mesh inside the wall is exposed to rust, resulting in rust stains appearing on the surface.”

Overview of the Hydrostatic Pressure Release System

Fortunately, a pressure release system can be created by coring through the wall and the layer of SW-RP1 repair material that has been installed behind it during the initial part of the seawall stabilization process. Proprietary pressure release technology is then installed to regulate the release of hydrostatic pressure from any new water that may form behind the wall in the future. Because pressure release technology also stops landward-side soil from passing through the dewatering channels, it prevents new erosion and void formations. The support of high-strength SW-RP1 repair material combined with the regulation of hydrostatic pressure protects your seawall from subsequent movement, damage, or failure.

Components of the Hydrostatic Pressure Release System

Solidification of Soil with SW-RP1
The contractor injects SW-RP1 behind the wall on the landward side, transforming unstable soil into a permanent lightweight solid mass. This solidified soil provides the perfect supportive medium for the creation of de-watering channels.
Creation of De-Watering Channels
US Army Corps specifications for seawalls specifically require weep holes to relieve hydrostatic pressure. These channels are generally placed at the same height as the main waterline mark. If there are pre-existing weep holes, these new channels are usually created at those points.
Installation of Hydrostatic Pressure Release Filters
These filters allow water to pass back and forth to maintain an equilibrium of hydrostatic pressure while also preventing soil migration and void formation on the landward side.

In conclusion, this combined system of soil solidification, creation of de-watering channels, and installation of hydrostatic pressure release filters provides permanent stabilization of the seawall structure. This is all accomplished at 70-80% less than the cost of replacing a seawall. It’s also less destructive to the property because it requires no excavation. Seawalls require maintenance over time, and installation of this system can often be essential in preventing premature failure.

Seawall Repair Network is Hiring Regional Managers

Admin December 14, 2022

About Seawall Repair Network

Seawall Repair Network is a division of Alchemy-Spetec (an international leader in the manufacture and supply of chemical grouts for Seawall Repair, Geotechnical, and Leak Seal applications). Proven solutions and key partnerships have positioned Seawall Repair Network as the national leader in high-demand solutions related to soil and hydrostatic pressure regulation, concrete & steel repair/preservation, and protecting waterfront infrastructure and seawall structures.

About the Opportunity

Permanent full-time positions are available in the Southern, Western, and Northern United States.

We are expanding the Seawall Repair Network. The Regional Manager role is critical to our successful expansion. We are searching for a leader to facilitate this growth opportunity. You will report to the SRN Division Manager and take responsibility for locating and converting selected prospective clients, expanding existing clients, and networking with established Regional Managers to grow the SRN Business in your region.

Responsibilities

Generating new sales opportunities by finding and developing new customers in key markets.
Contacting prospective customers who have sent inquiries and converting them into customers.
Establishing relationships with local governments and engineering firms to develop new opportunities.
Delivering rapid growth and business revenue in the region through proactive sales activities.
Working with existing Regional Managers and Technical Support to meet territory goals.
Building regional networks of referral partners in support of our customers.
Working closely with the marketing team to provide content and leverage existing opportunities.

Locations & commitments

Remote-based office with travel throughout the region you manage.
Periodic Training and organizational meetings in Tucker, GA, and Reno, Nevada.
Estimated travel: 70%

Candidate requirements

Proven experience in business development and networking.
Experience in this industry sector (Marine Construction, Soil Management, and/or Enviro Chemical Applications).
Strong business, communication, and budgeting skills.
Professional, engaging, and determined personality.
Goal-oriented self-starter who requires little supervision.
The ability to track and achieve KPIs.

Benefits

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance

Contact us to apply

Water is Relentless!

Admin December 12, 2022

Water is relentless. This is a key fact that all waterfront property owners should thoroughly understand. The price of enjoying an oceanfront, riverfront, or lakeside view from the comfort of your own home is the inherent risk that comes with living right next to a large body of water.

Four Critical Warning Signs of Seawall Failure

If your residence is protected by a seawall, you should familiarize yourself with the four critical warning signs of seawall failure:

Soil Depressions Near the Seawall
Rust Stains on the Surface
Movement or Shifting of the Seawall
Cracks in the Concrete

Excessive rainwater or floodwater build-up on the landward side of the wall (usually resulting from an inadequate or clogged weep hole system within the wall itself) will put untenable hydrostatic pressure on the structure. This pressure can cause parts of the wall to move and/or crack. Once the concrete is broken, landward side water will pull soil from your property through the wall and into the water on the other side, causing depressions or small sinkholes near the structure. In addition, steel rebar or mesh inside the wall is exposed to rust, resulting in rust stains appearing on the surface.

Four Options for Dealing with Seawall Damage

Once aware of these problems, you’re faced with four options:

Ignore the Problem and Do Nothing
(If you go this route, the problem gets worse – and more expensive to repair – over time.)
Replace the Seawall
(This option is typically a lot more expensive than a repair, requires heavy equipment, and involves messy disruptive excavation.)
Repair with Inferior Methods
(Inferior repair materials such as hydraulic cement, slurry, and sodium silicate do not provide a permanent, long-term solution.)
Repair with proven Seawall Repair Network^® methods.
(More on this in the next section.)

You can read more about these four options on the Seawall & Bulkhead Replacement vs Repair page. Needless to say, any of the four critical warning signs should warrant a checkup from a qualified seawall repair contractor. Most contractors offer free professional assessments and repair estimates.

Fortunately, there are many effective methods at your disposal in the battle against water’s relentless onslaught. Seawall Repair Network^® preferred marine contractors provide two major types of repair – seawall stabilization and seawall preservation.

Seawall Stabilization

Stabilizing a cracked or shifting seawall is accomplished via these four methods:

Stabilizing Soil and Sealing Leaks with SW-RP1
(SW-RP1 repair material is stronger than crystalline bedrock and safe for the environment.)
Installing a Hydrostatic Pressure Control System
(Creation of pressure release channels with filters that allow water to move back and forth, maintaining an equilibrium of hydrostatic pressure. These filters also prevent soil migration and void formation on the landward side.)
Repairing Cracks in Seawall Caps
(Repairing the seawall caps with high-strength epoxy.)
Installing a Seawall Anchoring System – If Necessary
(When needed, steel tie-backs are installed to prevent future movement of the seawall.)

You can learn more about these methods on the Seawall Stabilization page.

Seawall Preservation

Treating the concrete with preservation solutions provides additional long-term protection. Preservation is accomplished via these three methods:

Inhibiting Corrosion with SW-Prevent
(SW-Prevent creates an insulating layer on the surface of any steel rebar or mesh inside the wall.)
Strengthening Surface Concrete with SW-Power
(SW-Power renders concrete surfaces resistant to air or water-born chemical damage.)
Protecting Surface Concrete with SW-Protect
(SW-Protect inhibits water penetration.)

You can learn more about these methods on the Seawall Preservation page.

Water is Relentless – But YOU Can Be Too!

There is no reason to be intimidated by water’s relentless onslaught. All you have to do is memorize the four critical warning signs, and then enlist a qualified seawall repair contractor when needed. With the proper stabilization and preservation support, your seawall can safely protect that beautiful waterfront view for generations to come.

Banner - Reasons to Work with Seawall Repair Network

Seven Reasons to Work with a Seawall Repair Network Contractor

Admin December 5, 2022

Your seawall, bulkhead, or revetment is essential for protecting your waterfront property. Because water is relentless, it’s critical for property owners to recognize the four warning signs of seawall failure and to contact a qualified marine contractor when/if any of these symptoms appear. But how do you know if a contractor is qualified? Untrained general contractors can do more harm than good by using ineffective repair materials and procedures on seawall jobs. Think about it: if you had a heart condition, would you want to consult a general practitioner or a cardiovascular specialist?

Why should you consult a Seawall Repair Network^® contractor? Here are seven good reasons…

1. Professional Assessments

SRN Contractors have completed a Manufacturer Geotechnical Certification Requirement. They are thoroughly trained and capable of assessing the problem, identifying ‘Modes of Failure,’ and selecting the correct materials and processes for a Professional Remediation Plan.

2. Access to Advanced Solutions

SRN contractors have exclusive access to the program’s high-quality repair materials and proprietary seawall stabilization and seawall preservation application procedures. These solutions are not available outside of Seawall Repair Network^®. This is a good thing for you, the property owner, as it ensures professional-grade quality control for your project.

3. Fast and Efficient

Seawall repair with these proprietary methods and materials is the equivalent of a surgical strike in military terms. It’s important to understand the difference between seawall repair and seawall replacement. One procedure requires minimal disruption and light equipment, while the other requires site excavation with heavy equipment. One procedure is fast and efficient, and the other is not.

4. Cost-Effective

Seawall repair typically costs 70% to 80% less than the price of replacement.

5. Government and Regulatory Requirements

Depending on the jurisdiction and/or the actual project scope of work, there may be permitting requirements for your project. You should not attempt to navigate the government and regulatory maze on your own unless you have extensive experience in this complicated realm. Your Seawall Repair Network^® contractor will take care of this process if it’s required.

6. All-Inclusive Program

Seawall Repair Network^® contractors are thoroughly equipped to handle your entire waterfront repair project. Labor, equipment, and materials are all included. There are no gaps in this program from start to finish.

7. You Can Relax

Working with a Seawall Repair Network^® contractor also means that you will not have to fret about the quality of the work being performed on your behalf. Our contractors are thoroughly trained and supported by the network. Sit back and relax while we repair your seawall.

Fort Myers Beach Condo Building Severely Damaged by Hurricane Ian is Still Standing

Admin November 29, 2022

Note: This article was originally posted on NBC-2.com.

By Gage Goulding, NBC 2 Fort Myers
Tue October 4, 2022

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Amid all the destruction and devastation on Fort Myers Beach, a condo building deemed ‘vulnerable’ by engineers is still standing. The Leonardo Arms condo number two at the south end of Estero Island is badly beaten and bruised. “It’s still standing, but you can see right through it,” John Galataro said, a resident of Fort Myers Beach. NBC2’s Gage Goulding has been following the battle residents have had to build a seawall.

A seawall wouldn’t have stopped the catastrophic storm surge, but it could’ve helped prevent the loss of the entire beach. Galataro said residents have been trying to get permission to build a seawall for their building’s protection, but because of turtle season, all they could use were sandbags. Now after Hurricane Ian’s demolition through Fort Myers Beach, just inches of sand stand between the condo building and the Gulf. “Now the problem is, they’re all stuck up there because all the stairwells are washed out. And they’re all falling into the water,” Galataro said.

Repair Materials

Procedures

Results

About Seawall Repair Network®

About the Opportunity

Responsibilities

Locations & commitments

Candidate requirements

Benefits

Contact us to apply

Q1: How Will You Repair My Seawall?

Q2: Will the Repair Process Damage My Property?

Q3: Will the Repair Be Expensive?

Q4: Do You Repair All Types of Seawalls? (i.e., Concrete, Wood, Vinyl, Composite, and Steel Sheet Pile)?

Q5: How Long Have You Been Repairing Seawalls?

Devastating Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure

Overview of the Hydrostatic Pressure Release System

Components of the Hydrostatic Pressure Release System

About Seawall Repair Network

About the Opportunity

Responsibilities

Locations & commitments

Candidate requirements

Benefits

Contact us to apply

Four Critical Warning Signs of Seawall Failure

Four Options for Dealing with Seawall Damage

Seawall Stabilization

Seawall Preservation

Water is Relentless – But YOU Can Be Too!

1. Professional Assessments

2. Access to Advanced Solutions

3. Fast and Efficient

4. Cost-Effective

5. Government and Regulatory Requirements

6. All-Inclusive Program

7. You Can Relax

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