Seawalls are protective walls or embankments that reduce the force of strong waves, particularly during heavy storms, and prevent the erosion of shorelines. Seawalls come in many different forms and sizes. Some are straight-sloping, curved or vertical. They can be built in the water or on land, and they can be constructed of various materials like concrete, stone or steel.

 

Thanks to seawalls, we are able to preserve our beaches, prevent erosion and protect humans and property. If you’ve ever driven along the Mississippi Coast, you and your vehicle were likely protected by a seawall of some type. Without it, you could have been hit by a huge wave!

 

Seawalls have important goals to meet, but they can only do this when they are in good condition. Once a seawall is compromised, it can fail completely, causing significant damage to the coastline, buildings, roadways and people. By paying attention to the signs of a compromised seawall, you can get ahead of the problem and prevent failure.

 

One of the most important things to look for? Erosion behind the seawall.

 

What is Erosion Behind a Seawall?

 

Even though they do their job well, seawalls are not permanent solutions. In fact, they can actually make erosion worse in certain cases due to wave flaking and scouring. But since they are the best option we have, it is our job to provide regular maintenance and repairs to keep them in good, functional condition. However, by nature, seawalls will always be susceptible to erosive forces.

 

So how does erosion occur behind a seawall?

 

When storms come through the Mississippi area, they saturate the soil around the seawall. The soil then expands when it’s wet, and contracts when it dries. This creates a force called hydrostatic pressure that can cause the seawall to crack. Soil that has poor drainage, acidic issues, a lack of structure or a lack of organic materials is more prone to erosion.

 

Soil erosion behind a seawall can cause a lot of damage - and headache. This is why you’ll want to repair erosion behind seawall structures as soon as you notice there’s a problem. Ignoring the issue will cause more headache in the long run - and the seawall will be more expensive to repair.

 

The Best Method to Repair Erosion Behind a Seawall

 

To fix erosion, you do not need to bring out the heavy machinery and backfill. There is another option - polyurethane seawall repair. This process involves injecting SWRP-1 poly resin into voids in the subsurface soil in a quick and efficient manner. There is no need for heavy equipment, which means less disruption and mess.

 

So what is SWRP-1 poly resin, exactly?

 

This proprietary repair solution is a type of plastic resin that is environmentally friendly, cost-effective and durable. It has the official NSF seal of approval for contact with drinking water. SWRP-1 permeates the soil and cures, forming a mass that is stronger than bedrock. Minimal equipment is required, and most repairs can be completed in a day.

 

For the best long-term, permanent solution, we suggest SWRP-1 poly resin and helical tiebacks.

 

Get a Free Estimate for Polyurethane Seawall Repair

 

Foremost Foundations and Construction specializes in seawall repairs. We will create a custom plan for your seawall based on the damage and its causes. While polyurethane injections are the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective way to fix erosion, there are times when another solution is the better choice.

 

Fortunately, we also provide seawall rebuilding, reinforcement, rehabilitation and reconstruction, making us your one-stop solution for seawall repair. Book a free inspection or consultation to have one of our experts evaluate your seawall and determine the best method to repair erosion behind seawall structures.