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.