Nestled within the prestigious Moorings enclave, the Commodore Club exudes an air of refined coastal living. Positioned just a leisurely mile south of the bustling boutiques and gourmet eateries adorning The Village on Venetian Bay, this exclusive non-gated community offers an unparalleled lifestyle experience.
Gracing the bayfront, the Commodore Club features an array of thoughtfully crafted condominiums, each occupying its own floor to ensure maximum privacy and tranquility. Additionally, the availability of boat docks further enhances the value of these residences. With direct Gulf access, boaters enjoy quick entry to the Gulf of Mexico via Doctors Pass—a route both scenic and efficient.
Originally, Seawall Savers was originally contracted by a local marine construction company to install a helical anchor tieback system for a new seawall. At first, geotechnical soil borings were supplied to us and the subsurface soils appeared adequate to install helicals into. However, once we mobilized to the project site, the helicals would not secure the required torque capacity. Despite multiple attempts, test helicals were installed to 65 feet without acquiring the engineered design load.
Consequently, the project had to be temporarily stopped as engineers came up with a new design strategy. Over the following weeks, multiple alternatives and calculations were developed and reviewed.
Due to poor soil conditions and the failure of the helicals to perform as intended, engineers proposed using batter piles or king piles to ensure long-term seawall stability.
A battered pile, unlike traditional vertical piles, is driven into the ground at an angle, providing essential lateral support. This method is particularly effective in resisting forces from cyclones, wave action, boat impact, and high winds. Moreover, in spatially constrained areas—such as behind existing condominiums—battered piles may be the only viable option to reinforce horizontal and vertical seawall capacity.
Installing piles in water, especially at an angle, introduces significant complexity. A modular barge equipped with a crane must remain steady, even as wind, currents, and waves challenge the pile’s directional alignment. As a result, precision and planning are crucial to successful placement.
Eventually, engineers developed a hybrid design tailored to the project’s soil conditions. Instead of relying on helicals, the solution incorporated Schedule 80 pipe pilings driven inside a hollow Truline Vinyl Panel. The piles were hammered to refusal depth in the underlying lime rock. A geotechnical monitor was actively involved to ensure each pile reached proper refusal.
Seawall Savers installed the king piles by positioning the vinyl Truline panels, driving the 3½” pipe piles internally, and pouring 5,000 PSI marine-grade concrete into each angled pile. This method not only addressed the soil issue, but also provided an exceptionally strong and durable seawall solution.
Seawall Savers in collaboration with sister company Coastal Foundation Solutions—maintains a fleet of modular barges for specialty seawall projects. In addition, we operate marine support vessels and specialized excavators to meet unique site demands.
Importantly, all equipment uses U.S. Coast Guard-approved biodegradable hydraulic fluid, reinforcing our commitment to environmentally responsible construction practices.
“Truline Vinyl Panels, blend the strengths of two established materials, vinyl, and steel-reinforced concrete, to create an unparalleled solution for seawalls. Protecting the steel-reinforced concrete core, with an external vinyl casing preserves the panels integrity for 50 years.
Pin Piles are small diameter pipe piles usually 3″ or 4″ in diameter driven to refusal. These piles are the most economical and very practical in many cases. Pin Piles are schedule 80 Galvanized generally cut in 10′ sections, the lead piece has a sacrificial drill bit to drill into limestone, and extensions fitted with distinctive sleeves used to later weld together proceeding pieces as necessary to achieve the final pile length required.
The pin piles were installed to an overall depth of 35 feet into competent lime rock. We installed these piling/ “Trueline” combination in seventy-eight locations.
The project was an exceptional success with multiple teams and contractors working together to resolve a field issue. The Seawall Savers family is proud to have the years of relationships we have bolstered to assist us in our endeavors.
At Seawall Savers, we specialize in expert seawall repair services aimed at restoring both the strength and functionality of your seawall. Contact Olivia or Kit today for a complimentary seawall assessment at 239-984-9899.