Mar 26 2007
Inlet Point is a quaint waterfront community near Wilmington, North Carolina. The homeowners had a wooden bulkhead that had been ravaged by marine borers- Hurricane Ophelia dealt the final blow. With little or no seawall protection the shoreline was deteriorating at a rapid pace and immediate attention was required to prevent significant loss of property.
Most owners of waterfront property understand the very real possibility of a violent storm event. Wind and tidal surge are very powerful forces. Modern construction practices have significantly increased the survivability of houses and condominiums. But some seawalls are still built with out-dated technology such as wood as in the case of Inlet Point. The bulkhead deteriorated and a hurricane swept it away. The property owners chose not to repeat the problem for future weather.
We encourage anyone looking into a new seawall to do their homework.
The initial design allowed for concrete, steel, vinyl and fiberglass composite. Intercoastal Diving was contracted to replace the seawall. "I choose the ShoreGuard composite sheet pile because it was the most favorably priced", said Stanley Rudd from his offices in Wilmington.
Composite, also known as fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP), is a more modern material used in seawall construction. Innovative engineering techniques have allowed for space-age materials like composite to be used for seawalls. Contractors like the rigidity of the seawall material because it installs very easily. Engineers are attracted to the exceptional strength compared to the weight of the material. Property owners are attracted to the look as well as the comfort contractors and engineers feel in the product performance.
Though no material is storm proof, choosing the right material from a trusted manufacturer will greatly increase the chances of survivability. ShoreGuard is just one example of a modern product to use for your seawall. "We encourage anyone looking into a new seawall to do their homework." said Steve Hargrave- Technology Director- CMI Waterfront Solutions. "Make sure that you are happy with the style of the wall, and how well it will perform under harsh circumstances."
As communities like Inlet Point get ready for another hurricane season, they can move on to other measures of preparedness for the next storm.
Posted 26th March