Erosion Control Repair in Fort Myers, Florida

Seawalls play a vital role in protecting waterfront properties from erosion, especially in coastal areas like Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel. Given the increasing frequency and severity of storms, effective erosion control and repair strategies have become essential for safeguarding these investments. Our recent project in Fort Myers showcases how Seawall Savers utilized advanced deep foam injection techniques to restore a residential seawall compromised by Hurricane Ian.

In this project, the residential seawall suffered partial undermining due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. The 200 foot of canal front property was located on Carrol Canal, which is a main water discharge canal for City of Fort Myers. The excessive water velocity and storm runoff led to significant storm erosion, undermining the integrity of the waterfront retaining wall. The severe discharge of stormwater eroded the berm at the base of the bulkhead, creating voids beneath the upland retaining wall and resulting in substantial soil loss in the homeowner’s backyard.

It’s critical for property owners to understand the signs of seawall erosion damage, including:

• Visible Depressions: Look for voids behind the seawall, which can indicate erosion instability.
• Erosion at the Base: If the soil at the seawall’s base appears to be washing away, it’s a sign of potential failure. This type of erosion causes the seawall to “Kick Out: at the base.
• Leaning Walls: A seawall that leans towards the water may be a sign of undermining or tie-back failure!

Following the assessment, Seawall Savers was engaged by the homeowner, who is a marine consulting engineer in Fort Myers, to devise a permanent solution to the seawall undermining issue. The primary engineering concerns included:

• Durability: Ensuring the foam structure could withstand the harsh marine environment.
• Sealing the Upland Retaining Wall: Approximately 200 feet of the wall required effective sealing to prevent further erosion.
• Longevity: Provide a repair that shall last years to come.

The chosen solution involved injecting foam 18” to 24” on center behind the existing seawall, targeting depths of 7 to 9 feet due to depth of canal. 

Before implementing full-scale foam injection, Seawall Savers conducted trial injections at six locations to ensure the effectiveness of the foam material. Quality Control personnel closely supervised these tests and maintained communication with the City of Fort Myers, which approved the deep foam injection method.

The deep foam injection utilized an environmentally friendly, high-density polyurethane foam that expands upon injection to fill voids beneath the seawall. This innovative method effectively addresses soil erosion with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

1. Determining Injection Points: Based on engineering specifications, injection holes were drilled approximately 18 inches apart.
2. Using Steel Probes: A ½-inch steel pipe probe was inserted into the holes, allowing for the injection of high-density polyurethane foam.
3. Controlled Injection: The pumping equipment ensured consistent injection rates, allowing for precise control over foam volume. This controlled application helps maintain structural integrity during the curing process.
4. Rapid Curing: The foam achieves 90% of its maximum compressive strength within just 15 minutes, allowing for quick stabilization of the seawall.

The following materials were utilized for the seawall repair:

• 360 ½-inch Steel Pipes: Used as probes for injecting the foam.
• 4,073 Pounds of High-Density SW-RP1 Polyurethane Foam: The primary material for targeted grout injection and stabilization.

• 36 cubic yards of Clean Sand: Employed for filling additional voids in the area.
• 800 Square Feet of St. Augustine Sod: Replaced after the completion of the project to restore the aesthetic of the landscaping.

This project not only restored the structural integrity of the seawall but also minimized environmental impact and disruption to the surrounding area. The following stakeholders were involved:

• Consulting Structural Foam Engineer: Alchatek Chemical Grouts
• Contractor: Seawall Savers
• Coast Engineers: Hans Wilson and Associates

Protect your waterfront investment now! Schedule a Seawall Savers professional seawall inspection and maintenance proposal to increase seawall structures longevity and protect against erosion. Contact us today for expert repairs and peace of mind.