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:
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:
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.
The following materials were utilized for the seawall repair:
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:
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.