Having established the importance of a professional seawall assessment in our previous article, the next actionable step is the actual installation of a seawall anchoring system if recommended. This piece will guide you, the waterfront property owner, through the pre-installation preparations, the installation process itself, and post-installation maintenance—all overseen by a qualified seawall repair contractor.
Pre-Installation Preparations Surveying
Before any work begins, a contractor will perform a detailed survey of your seawall and its surrounding areas. This survey will include studying the soil properties and evaluating the structural condition of your existing seawall.
Equipment Needed
Your contractor will generally use specialized rotary drilling equipment to install helical tiebacks. Preparing for this phase may involve some property adjustments to accommodate the equipment, a process that your contractor will guide you through.
Waterward-Side Installation
The installation most often commences from the waterward side of the seawall to minimize property disruption and safety risks. Helical tiebacks are installed into the seawall panels using hydraulic rotary drilling equipment. The tiebacks lock the wall into solid, load-bearing soil on the landward side, thereby enhancing the wall’s stability.
Completion and Inspection
Upon completing the installation, your contractor will carry out a final inspection to ensure that all elements are properly in place and meet safety standards. Any adjustments or fine-tuning will be made at this stage.
Key Takeaways
Installing a seawall anchoring system is a robust measure in mitigating the damaging effects of ice stacking due to freeze/thaw cycles. As with any significant property investment, the process requires careful planning, competent installation, and diligent maintenance—all of which a qualified contractor can provide.