Seawall Types

Stone Revetment: A structure that absorbs or deflects incoming wave energy to prevent erosion. It is built at an angle, which results in a less harsh method of dissipating waves while preserving the original slope of the shoreline.

Riprap Seawall: This is a type of stone that is made up of various materials and comes in a variety of designs that you can use to protect your shoreline or river bank.

Steel Seawall: Steel is both inexpensive and strong, making it an excellent material for the construction of long-lasting seawalls.

Concrete Seawall: Concrete seawalls are also quite common and, in some cases, include other reinforcements such as steel, which increases their durability.

Composite seawalls are made of prefabricated materials. However, they are not as strong as concrete or steel, allowing for faster construction.

Cobble Boulder Seawall: This type of seawall is typically used in less demanding areas with less aggressive wave action.

CONTROL OF EROSION

Natural soil erosion destroys land and can cause damage to existing walls and structures. It is critical to protect your property with an erosion control system to avoid further damage. If you are experiencing erosion and require assistance, Fleming Marine Construction can provide a variety of solutions. The construction of a seawall or bulkhead is not always the best solution for soil erosion. We use our many years of experience to help determine the cause of the erosion and provide options for correcting the problem.

There are a variety of methods for stopping erosion in its tracks. Fleming Marine will advise you on the best erosion prevention method for your specific situation. The following are the most common methods:

WOOD, VINYL, AND STEEL SEAWALLS AND RETAINER WALLS

Wood, vinyl, and steel seawalls are among the most effective methods for completely stopping natural erosion. Our walls are meticulously designed to prevent the erosion that can lead to wall failure. Years of experience have taught us the value of including 'wing walls' in the design of our seawalls. Natural wash out, which removes soil from get more info behind the seawall, will be prevented by wing walls. Improperly designed walls will begin to erode directly behind the wall, which can be feet lower than the land level, posing a safety hazard.

Fleming Marine specializes in repairing damaged seawalls that have been improperly designed or otherwise damaged. Proper repairs can help to halt the erosion process and add security to waterfront property quickly.

WALLS MADE OF ROCK

Limestone barriers (rip rap) are becoming a popular option for preventing shoreline erosion. This is due to the fact that rock barriers are effective at displacing wave energy, which erodes soil. Limestone is a great choice because its jagged edges lock together to form a more secure structure.

Limestone is also a good choice for the environment. Many marine plants and animals find refuge in rock areas. To protect native plant and animal life, the MDEQ (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality) has begun prohibiting the construction of new seawalls on natural shorelines in recent years. It is far easier to install a limestone barrier than it is to obtain a permit to build a new seawall where none previously existed.