Professional Seawall Assessments

Admin January 30, 2023

The importance of professional seawall assessments cannot be overstated. A seawall assessment performed by a trained and experienced professional is essential for identifying any potential issues or weaknesses that may compromise the stability and effectiveness of the seawall. Seawall Repair Network® specializes in providing high-quality professional seawall assessments. Seawall Repair Network® member contractors are highly trained and experienced in identifying key indicators of soil instability, seawall movement, cap damage, panel damage, tie-rod failure, and deadman anchor failure through a detailed assessment process. Using this information, they can design a customized repair plan that takes into account the specific needs and requirements of each individual seawall.

The repair process includes the use of advanced materials like the SW-RP1, which is specially formulated for use in soil stabilization and has been proven to increase the strength and stability of soil. SRN member contractors also utilize the state-of-the-art PolyShark pump for efficient and effective seawall stabilization. Overall, Seawall Repair Network®‘s focus on professional seawall assessments and the use of advanced materials, equipment, and processes allows member contractors to deliver the highest quality seawall repair services in the industry.

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.

Seawall Repair Network Partners with Ram Jack

Admin May 26, 2022

Seawall Repair Network is proud to partner with Ram Jack’s chain of infrastructure and seawall repair contractors. With more than 50 locations across the United States, Ram Jack adds a significant geographic footprint to the network. Ram Jack has been in business for over 50 years and offers time-tested expertise to property owners/managers and engineers alike.

Ram Jack on Customer Service

Our mission is to be recognized for lasting solutions and exceeding customer expectations – nothing more, nothing less. Providing quality first, safety always, complete integrity and delivery that is on time is a part of our core values. Read more from Ram Jack seawall and foundation repair…

Ram Jack on Engineer Resources

Engineers around the world have found Ram Jack’s methods and engineering offer versatility and reliability. Ram Jack has a staff of engineers who are dedicated to answering questions and providing assistance. Read more from Ram Jack seawall and foundation repair…

Ram Jack Joins a Nationwide Network

Seawall Repair Network is the only national, all-inclusive seawall repair and preservation network of highly trained and qualified Preferred Marine Contractors. Preferred Marine Contractors are carefully selected for their experience, integrity, reputation, and customer service record. Each contractor has been thoroughly trained in Seawall Repair Network product and solution application methods.

Seawall Repair in Seattle, WA

Admin November 5, 2021

A homeowner in Seattle, Washington hired Seawall Repair Network member contractor Ram Jack West to make repairs on their deteriorating bulkhead. Loss of soil caused voids behind the wall, which undermined the stability of the structure resulting in bowing at the midspan and cracks in the concrete. The seawall was only about 30 years old, with plenty of lifespan left if repaired properly.

Repair Materials

The Ram Jack West crew used helical tiebacks, SW-RP1 stabilization/water cut-off material, and pressure release technology to restore the seawall.

Procedures

First, the crew installed the helical tiebacks, which were required due to a failure of the original Deadman Anchor. Next, they injected SW-RP1 stabilization/water cut-off material behind the structure for permanent support. Then, they installed pressure release technology to regulate any hydrostatic pressure caused by future water build-up behind the wall. (In addition, this contractor installed carbon fiber reinforcement on the outside of the wall.)

Results

The result was a permanently stabilized seawall and preservation of the property behind it. The homeowner benefited from a solid solution at about 80% less than the cost of replacement. The patent-pending SRN repair process implemented by Ram Jack West restored the seawall without any damage to the customer’s adjacent property.

Protecting Drinking Water from Potential Flood Contamination

Admin October 6, 2021

Planners at Washington D.C.’s water utility, D.C. Water, decided to take proactive measures against potential flooding of their facility. Located right next to the Potomac, their facility could’ve been at risk in the event of an out-of-the-ordinary natural disaster. Determining that the main risk to the water supply in such a case would be permeation through sub-surface soil, they began installing a metal sheet pile wall deep into the substrate between the riverbank and the facility. However, in some spots, they were not able to drive a sheet pile panel into the ground because of underground utility lines or rocky substrate. The planners called in Seawall Repair Network contractor LJS Waterproofing to create sub-surface grout walls in those spots to fill in the gaps.

Repair Materials

The crew “constructed” these sections of the underground wall by injecting SW-RP1. This repair material permeates the soil, fills small voids in the soil, and cuts off water flow.

Procedures

LJS Waterproofing professionals used a Geoprobe to drive injection pipes into the ground (up to 33 feet in some locations). They then injected one gallon per foot using upward staging. The next injection point was 18 inches away from the first one. This process was repeated until a grout wall formed, filling the gap between the two adjacent underground sheet piles. For a large-scale job like this, they used a PolyShark single component grout pump manufactured by Alchemy-Spetec.

Results

With solid, impermeable grout walls filling in the gaps, a sub-surface barrier between the riverbank and the drinking water facility was now in place. The planners at D.C. Water were very satisfied with this solution.

Lakefront Seawall Repair in Wisconsin

Admin September 22, 2021

The owner of a marquee lakefront property near Genoa City, Wisconsin contacted Phase One Shoreline Solutions regarding their crumbling seawall. There was a 75-foot slope behind the wall, guiding rainwater down into the soil behind the structure. There was no drainage system in place, so the water in the soil created immense hydrostatic pressure over time. If the wall failed completely, the slope behind it would begin to erode into the lake, dramatically affecting the value of the property.

Repair Materials

The contractor repaired the structure with Seawall Repair Network’s SW-RP1, the installation of pressure release technology, and concrete patching and waterproofing coating.

Procedures

The crew began by injecting the high-strength SW-RP1 repair material into the soil behind the wall in order to provide structural support and stop water leaks. Next, they repaired the cracks in the wall with high-performance patching concrete. After that, they installed pressure release technology in order to prevent future hydrostatic pressure build-up. Finally, they coated the entire wall with waterproofing cementitious coating.

Results

The dramatic before and after pictures included in this case study indicate the effectiveness of this repair job. The original strength and appearance of the wall were restored. Safeguards were put into place to alleviate the cause of degradation, thus preventing future damage. The customer emailed the contractor with a simple three-word response to this repair job: “I love it!”

Advanced Seawall Repair for Better Results

Admin June 3, 2021

Let’s take an in-depth look at the installation of Seawall Repair Network’s SW-RP1 repair material vs alternative repair options. This process consists of stopping high flow leaks, filling the voids behind concrete structures, and binding loose soil with Seawall Repair Network’s SW-RP1 repair material.

The Problem – Leaking Seawalls

As tidal flows rise and fall, water pushes its way in through cracks, joints, and defects in seawalls. The water pushes in on incoming tides and flows out on outgoing tides. As the water flows out, it carries sand and soil with it, which causes voids to form in the supporting soil, undermining the structural integrity of the seawall. This cycle is exacerbated during periods of heavy rain which continue the outflow of soil.

The Evidence – How to Spot Seawall Deterioration

In landscaped areas, evidence of soil erosion is often quite obvious. You’ll often see small sinkholes developing near the seawall. It’s important to inspect closely underneath tall grass and shrubbery since foliage can sometimes obstruct your view of the damage. Other clues include cracks in concrete slabs near the seawall and piles of sand building up at the base of the seawall on the waterside (if you can manage to get an underwater view). If you’re still not sure, you can use a soil probe to get a feel for the condition of the soil near the seawall.

The Options – Seawall Repair Methods

When it comes to repairing a seawall, you have three main options:

Replace the Seawall

You can tear out the wall (or part of the wall) and replace it. This approach has a few daunting downsides…

Costs more than repair.
Takes up a lot of time.
Requires permits.
Disrupts the site and poses a risk to nearby structures.

Paying for a new seawall is no doubt going to cost more than any kind of repair. A complete rebuild will also take some time. Not to mention the inevitable mess, a good portion of which is likely to end up in the water. The excavation also requires getting a permit, which can eat up a LOT of time.

Repair with Cement Grout (Hydraulic Cement & Slurry)

Some contractors and property owners are still filling sinkholes and trying to plug seawall leaks with concrete. This outdated approach has many disadvantages when compared to Seawall Repair Network’s advanced SW-RP1 material…

Requires a lot of labor and machinery.
Takes up a lot of time.
Uses a repair material that is prone to degradation over time.
Adds unnecessary weight to a seawall that is already under stress.

The amount of labor and machinery required can be quite disruptive. Compared to the surgical approach of installing SW-RP1 repair material, the installation of cement grout can create quite a mess. Needless to say, with all this extra material, machinery and labor – the whole process takes a lot longer than your typical Seawall Repair Network job. Cement grout is known to shrink and degrade over time. Imagine the frustration of paying for an expensive seawall repair, only to see it wash out eventually. And cement that doesn’t wash out can add weight to the structure, causing the surrounding soil to sink again over time.

Repair with SW-RP1

Seawall Repair Network’s SW-RP1 is the proven next-generation technology for effective and long-lasting seawall repair. SW-RP1 offers the following advantages over both excavation and cement grout…

Causes minimal disruption (less labor, equipment, and material required).
Takes up less time (rapidly installed, with a quick return-to-use period).
Does not degrade over time.
Won’t’ cause soil to sink (lightweight high-strength material).
Does not harm the environment (NSF approved for contact with drinking water).

Compared to the typical excavation or cement grout repair crew, a Seawall Repair Network crew will seem like a stealthy ninja strike force. This non-invasive, clean approach to repair allows the property owner to continue using the surrounding area during the process. The property owner can resume activity directly on and directly next to the structure within hours after a repair. Cured SW-RP1 repair material has been rigorously tested for contact with drinking water. So there is no concern about ensuing environmental issues.

Why Holes Are Appearing in the Soil Behind Your Seawall

Admin May 13, 2021

The Cause of Soil Holes Behind a Seawall

As seawalls age, soil often migrates through the vertical panel joints and weep holes. During construction, a geotextile filter fabric is usually installed on the landward side along the vertical panel joints and weep holes to prevent the migration mentioned above. Over time, however, filter fabric begins to deteriorate and becomes ineffective. Soil migration then occurs during every water event (rain, irrigation, daily tide activity, storm surge, etc.).

Holes Behind a Seawall Indicate Structural Stability Issues

Holes forming behind your seawall are a very big deal and should be considered a red flag that cannot be ignored. A slow process initially, soil migration eventually leads to void formations on the landward side of the seawall. Void formations jeopardize the overall stability of the seawall structure. The loss of structural stability can lead to movement of the wall itself. As the structure slips and moves, damage to seawall caps and panels occur. In addition, resulting stress on the supporting seawall tie-rods and deadman anchors can lead to complete failure of the entire seawall.

If you see holes behind your seawall, you should contact a qualified seawall repair contractor as soon as possible.

Seawall Repair Network Advantages

Admin April 14, 2021

Seawall / Bulkhead Repair & Seawall / Bulkhead Replacement

When you find yourself engaged in a search for seawall repair or replacement options, it’s fueled by the understanding that your seawall is key to preventing serious damage to (or even destruction of) your house, building, or property in general.

Unfortunately, most waterfront property owners have not been educated regarding replacement and repair with subpar methods:

Seawall replacement can be very expensive, disruptive, and sometimes even destructive to surrounding property.
Subpar, ineffective solutions such as hydraulic cement, slurry, crushed seashells, and sodium silicate do not address the underlying soil instability that puts unsustainable pressure on the seawall. These methods are similar to putting a band-aid on an infection. The problem will simply continue to get worse until the seawall fails completely.

Experienced Seawall / Bulkhead Repair Contractors

Seawall Repair Network (a division of Alchemy-Spetec) has developed a comprehensive solution, consisting of:

Proprietary SW-RP1 Repair Material
Hydrostatic Pressure Control Technology
Seawall Cap and Panel Structural Repair
Advanced Permanent Anchoring System (When Needed)

Seawall Repair Network member contractors are equipped with state of the art:

Seawall Repair Network System Training
Seawall Repair Materials
Seawall Repair Equipment

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

Ram Jack on Customer Service

Ram Jack on Engineer Resources

Ram Jack Joins a Nationwide Network

Repair Materials

Procedures

Results

Repair Materials

Procedures

Results

Repair Materials

Procedures

Results

The Problem – Leaking Seawalls

The Evidence – How to Spot Seawall Deterioration

The Options – Seawall Repair Methods

Replace the Seawall

Repair with Cement Grout (Hydraulic Cement & Slurry)

Repair with SW-RP1

The Cause of Soil Holes Behind a Seawall

Holes Behind a Seawall Indicate Structural Stability Issues

Seawall / Bulkhead Repair & Seawall / Bulkhead Replacement

Experienced Seawall / Bulkhead Repair Contractors

Recent Posts

Categories