The Dock Experts

Seawall

Over time seawalls require maintenance to address issues like cracking, erosion, and reinforcement corrosion. Properly designed seawalls not only safeguard waterfront properties but also play a vital role in preserving the natural landscape from the effects of rising water levels and climate change. As a long-term investment, seawalls help protect against costly damages, making them an essential component of coastal and waterfront infrastructure.

Have You Noticed These Signs of Damage

Around your seawall?

Water Levels Reaching Top of Seawall

When water levels reach the top of a seawall, the structure faces increased pressure from wave impact and potential overflow. This can lead to accelerated erosion behind the wall, weakening its foundation and stability. Regular monitoring and timely reinforcements are essential to protect the seawall from breaching and ensure shoreline defense.

Concrete Chipping or Breaking

Concrete chipping or breaking, also known as spalling, occurs when surface layers of the concrete deteriorate, often due to freeze-thaw cycles, salt exposure, or structural stress. This damage reduces the seawall’s integrity, making it vulnerable to further erosion and cracking. Prompt repairs can prevent deeper structural issues and prolong durability.

Cracks in Seawalls and Seawall Caps

Cracks in seawalls and seawall caps can compromise the structure’s integrity, allowing water to seep through and erode the soil behind the wall. Over time, this weakens the seawall, increasing the risk of collapse or further damage. Early detection and repairs with marine-grade sealants are essential to maintain stability and protection.

Leaning, Bowing or Settling Seawall

Leaning, bowing, or settling seawalls indicate foundational instability, often caused by soil erosion, water pressure, or insufficient support. These issues can lead to further structural failure if unaddressed. Reinforcing the wall with additional support or underpinning techniques and stabilizing the soil behind it are crucial to restore strength and prevent collapse.

Sink-Holes/Divots Near Seawall

Sinkholes or divots near a seawall often result from soil erosion due to water seeping through cracks or around the wall’s base. These voids compromise the ground’s stability, potentially endangering the seawall’s foundation. Filling sinkholes and addressing drainage issues promptly helps preserve both the seawall’s integrity and surrounding land stability.

Cracking or Shifting in Adjacent Patios, Pavers & Retaining Walls

Cracking or shifting in adjacent patios, pavers, and retaining walls often signals movement in the underlying soil, typically due to water intrusion or erosion near a seawall. These shifts can lead to structural instability in outdoor spaces. Prompt repairs, soil stabilization, and effective drainage solutions help maintain surface stability and longevity.

What causes the damage

to your seawall?

Seawall Elevation is Outdated

Outdated seawall elevation may fall short of current water levels, leaving structures vulnerable to overtopping during high tides or storms. This can lead to increased erosion, structural strain, and compromised shoreline protection. Raising seawall height to meet modern standards helps safeguard against flooding and adapts to rising sea levels.

Deterioration & Decay

Deterioration and decay of seawall materials occur over time due to constant exposure to water, salt, and weather conditions. As materials weaken, cracks, chipping, and structural weaknesses develop. Regular inspections and timely repairs with marine-grade materials can slow decay, extending the seawall’s lifespan and functionality.

Foundation Failure

Foundation failure in seawalls arises from unstable soils, erosion, or poor initial support, causing the structure to lean, crack, or shift. This instability undermines the seawall’s effectiveness and can lead to collapse. Strengthening the foundation through additional supports or underpinning is essential to restore stability and prevent further issues.

 

Erosion

Erosion around seawalls gradually removes the soil needed for support, often due to water seepage or wave impact. This weakens the seawall’s base and surrounding areas, increasing the risk of structural damage. Installing proper drainage systems and reinforcing affected areas can help combat erosion and preserve the seawall’s stability.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure builds up behind a seawall when trapped water has no outlet, adding strain that can cause cracks, bulging, or failure. Installing weep holes or drainage systems relieves this pressure, allowing water to flow safely and reducing stress on the seawall, ultimately enhancing durability.

Poor Design & Construction

Poor design and construction practices lead to seawalls that fail to handle local water conditions, soil types, or wave impacts. Without proper materials and engineering, seawalls are more likely to deteriorate or collapse. Ensuring designs are tailored to specific site conditions is crucial for long-lasting protection and structural resilience.

How Dock Experts repair the damage

to your seawall

Raising Seawall

Raising a seawall enhances its ability to protect against rising sea levels and extreme tides, safeguarding adjacent property from flooding. By increasing its height, the seawall becomes better equipped to handle wave action, preventing overtopping and erosion. This proactive measure is crucial for adapting to changing coastal conditions.

Seawall Repair or Replacement

Seawall repair or replacement addresses structural damage like cracks, corrosion, and erosion that compromise its effectiveness. Repairs with marine-grade materials restore stability, while full replacement may be necessary for severely weakened walls. These actions ensure continued protection against water intrusion and extend the seawall’s lifespan.

Install Seawall Drain System

Installing a seawall drain system helps relieve hydrostatic pressure buildup behind the wall by allowing trapped water to escape safely. Drainage systems, such as weep holes, prevent excessive pressure that can lead to cracking or wall failure, ultimately preserving the seawall’s integrity and maintaining soil stability.

Stabilize Seawalls & Supporting Soils

Stabilizing seawalls and supporting soils involves reinforcing the base and surrounding soil to prevent shifting or erosion. Techniques include soil compaction, pile reinforcement, and the use of retaining structures. Proper stabilization prevents wall movement, ensuring the seawall’s durability and effectiveness in protecting shorelines over time.

These are just a few of the ways that we help you repair and maintain your seawall. We are THE Dock Experts and can help with all seawall related issues. 

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