Repairing a Seawall on Lake Michigan

Seawall 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.

Repairing a Seawall in Rockport, Texas

Seawall 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.

Bulkhead Repair at the Miami Seaquarium

The 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, Atas 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.

Reservoir Seawall Repair in Jackson, Mississippi

Engineers for the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District recently asked Seawall Repair Network® contractor Foremost Foundation & Construction to assess a seawall at the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Jackson, Mississippi, for repair work. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the seawall was losing soil and the seawall cap was sinking. This presented a significant risk to the stability of the seawall and the safety of those who use the reservoir for recreational purposes.

Repair Materials

The technicians used SW-RP1 seawall repair material on this job. SW-RP1 transforms the surrounding soil 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/ANSI/CAN 61 standards for contact with drinking water.

Procedures

To address the issue, plans were developed to utilize the Seawall Repair Network® proprietary repair process. This procedure also prevents further erosion and deterioration. This is especially important at the Ross Barnett Reservoir, where the seawall is subjected to the harsh conditions of the marine environment on a daily basis. First the crew injections the repair material into the ground on the landward side of the wall. This process stabilizes the soil and seals leaks at the same time. Next, they install pressure control valves, which release any future water build-up behind the wall back into the reservoir in a controlled manner, preventing damage to the wall from hydrostatic pressure. Finally, any remaining cracks on the surface of the wall are repaired with high-strength epoxy.

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 client was pleased with the results.

Repairing a Seawall in Greenwood Lake, New York

Seawall Repair Network® member contractor LJS Waterproofing was recently tasked with repairing a rock seawall in Greenwood Lake, New York. The seawall, which had been in place for several decades, showed signs of significant damage due to erosion and harsh weather.

Repair Materials

LJS Waterproofing used SW-RP1 seawall repair material on this job. SW-RP1 transforms the supporting soil 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/ANSI/CAN 61 standards for contact with drinking water.

Procedures

The technicians on this job used Seawall Repair Network®’s proprietary stabilization process. First, they installed SW-RP1 repair material to shore up the supporting soil and stop any leaks in the wall. This material is specifically designed for use in seawall repair and has been extensively tested to ensure its durability and effectiveness. Next, the crew installed filters to allow rainwater a way to flow into the lake without cracking the wall or taking along supporting soil. This process equalizes hydrostatic pressure. In addition to the resin and panel filters, LJS also used Seawall Repair Network®’s SW-Power preservation material to protect the surface of the seawall from the harsh marine environment, ensuring that it remains in good condition for many years to come.

Results

The seawall was fully restored to its original strength. The structure will now be able to withstand the forces of nature and provide protection for many years to come. The seawall repair project on Greenwood Lake was a testament to the effectiveness of Seawall Repair Network®’s patent-pending installation process and specialized products. LJS Waterproofing was able to completely restore the structure at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Stabilizing and Preserving a Lakehouse Seawall in Michigan

SRN member-contractor Bluebird CFW of Michigan was recently called to assess a residential lakeside steel sheet pile seawall. The homeowner noticed that the seawall was beginning to lean slightly, and the soil around the base of the wall was washing away. Concerned about the stability of the seawall and the potential for property loss, the homeowner contacted Troy and his team for help.

Repair Materials

Bluebird CFW 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

Upon arriving at the site, Troy began to assess the situation. They examined the seawall and the surrounding soil, looking for signs of instability or erosion. They also performed soil probing tests to determine the cause of the problem. After completing their assessment, Troy and his team determined that the seawall was experiencing soil loss due to a combination of factors, including the presence of underground water and the weight of the soil on the seawall. To stabilize the seawall and prevent further soil migration, they decided to utilize the Seawall Repair Network’s SW-RP1 installation method, which involves the creation of dewatering channels to remove excess water from the soil. Over the course of several days, Troy and his team worked to stabilize the seawall and prevent further soil migration. They monitored the dewatering channels closely, adjusting the flow of water as needed to maintain the stability of the seawall.

Results

In the end, their efforts were successful. The seawall was stabilized, and the risk of further soil loss was significantly reduced. The homeowner was grateful for Troy and his team’s quick action and expertise and was relieved to have the stability of the seawall restored.

Stabilizing and Preserving a Seawall in Portland, Maine

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.

Seawall Repair Case Studies

Mother nature’s oceans, lakes, and rivers can be so beautiful and calm but over time her natural forces will cause damage and eventual failure to seawalls and bulkheads. These complicated structures are made up of a variety of essential components. If one component fails, the entire structure is at risk. In traditionally constructed seawalls, weep holes with a geotextile fabric filter allow water to flow from the landward side back into the ocean to prevent pressure buildup.

So what causes a seawall to fail? Over time, as the filter fabric fails, soil migration creates voids behind the wall, which causes structural instability. As the voids behind the wall fill up with water, hydrostatic pressure behind the seawall causes the wall panels to shift over time. The shifting panels damage the seawall cap, which holds the entire structure together. When this happens, failure of the seawall is imminent. If ignored, these problems only get worse. Water is relentless but we can be too.

Professionally trained contractors armed with Seawall Repair Network’s proprietary repair process have repaired all kinds of seawalls in a wide variety of locations. Here are a few case studies…

• Repairing a Sheet Pile Seawall in Great Neck Long Island
• Repairing a Wooden Seawall in Florida
• Lakefront Seawall Repair in Wisconsin
• Protecting Drinking Water from Potential Flood Contamination in Washington, D.C.
• Repairing a Bowed and Cracked Seawall in Seattle
• Repairing an Aging Seawall in New York
• Seawall Repair in Carrollton, GA
• Seawall Repair in Greensboro, GA
• Lake of the Ozarks Seawall Repair

Seawall Repair – Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

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

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.