Garrett Precast is a professional precast company that manufactures a wide range of products, including seawalls, concrete parking stops, lift stations, septic tanks, retaining walls, and many more. In today’s blog post, we’ll discuss seawalls in greater detail to help you understand how they work and their functions. If you’re looking for a trusted company providing high-quality seawalls, get in touch with the team at Garrett Precast.
Understanding Seawalls
At its core, a seawall is a coastal defense structure designed to shield land and property from the powerful forces of the sea. Seawalls are most commonly built along beaches, bays, harbors, and waterfronts where tides, waves, and storms can cause erosion or wash away soil and infrastructure. These walls act as a physical barrier, absorbing and reflecting wave energy that would otherwise hit the shoreline directly.
Seawalls come in different shapes and materials, depending on the needs of the area they’re protecting. Some are made from concrete or steel, while others use large rocks, boulders, or vinyl sheets. The design may be vertical, sloped, or curved. Vertical seawalls are space-efficient but can reflect wave energy back into the sea, potentially increasing erosion in front of the wall. Sloped or curved seawalls, on the other hand, help absorb more energy and reduce turbulence.
How Do Seawalls Work?
Seawalls work by interrupting the natural movement of water and redirecting or absorbing wave energy. When waves crash against a seawall, the force of the water is either deflected back or broken up before it can reach the shore. This keeps the soil, sand, or property behind the wall from eroding or being flooded.
In addition to wave protection, seawalls help stabilize the shoreline. Over time, constant wave action can wear away beaches, foundations, and roads near the water’s edge. By placing a seawall in front of these vulnerable areas, coastal communities can preserve the land and prevent costly property damage.
Benefits of Seawalls
The primary benefit of a seawall is protection. For homes, businesses, and public infrastructure located near water, a seawall can mean the difference between safety and severe flood damage. They’re especially useful in regions prone to hurricanes or strong tidal surges.
Seawalls also contribute to long-term shoreline management. By controlling erosion, they help maintain the shape and usability of beaches, harbors, and waterfront paths. In some areas, seawalls are essential for keeping roads and walkways from collapsing into the water.
Considerations and Maintenance
While seawalls are effective, they are not maintenance-free. Over time, the constant pounding of waves and exposure to saltwater can wear them down. Cracks, holes, or leaning sections may develop, requiring timely repairs to ensure continued protection.
Also, it’s important to recognize that seawalls can impact the natural flow of sediment along the coast. In some cases, this may lead to increased erosion in adjacent areas. That’s why proper planning, engineering, and sometimes additional structures like groins or revetments are used in tandem with seawalls.
Purchase High-Quality Precast Concrete Products From Garrett Precast
Garrett Precast is the company you can trust when you’re in need of high-quality seawalls and retaining walls. We have built an outstanding reputation for supplying strong and durable precast concrete products. Our commitment to offering quality products is embedded in every product we manufacture. We continuously innovate to ensure our products meet and even exceed our customers’ needs.
