Seawalls & Bulkheads: Commonly Used Terms and Definitions
The buried portion of the tie-back rod that is typically a reinforced concrete block, which engages the soil to resist the pull on the tie-back rod. Also known as a deadman.
The angle from plumb (vertical) deliberately constructed for a bearing pile.
The ground or soils which support the base of the panels, may also include rip rap.
Any solid vertical structure, which serves to separate landward real property and/or any improvements thereon from any natural or manmade body of water. Typically constructed in areas experiencing mild to moderate exposure such as protected waters in rivers, canals, bays, etc.
The component on top of the seawall panels used for alignment and/or structural support.
Poured concrete block approximately 10’ to 15’ landward of the seawall, connected to seawall with tie rods, used to anchor the structure.
Soil loss from the landward side of the seawall.
The height of the exposed bulkhead as measured from the berm to the top of the cap.
A geosynthetic fabric manufactured specifically as a filter to inhibit soil movement through the fabric while allowing water to pass through.
A trench dug parallel to the seawall directly adjacent to the cap, common dimensions being 2’ width by 2’ depth, lined with filter fabric and filled with 1” rock. The system is used to allow water to pass from the soil through the seawall in order to relieve hydrostatic pressure.
The pressure caused by water.
Concrete or wood poles, typically used as supports for docks and boat lifts.
The portion of the sheet pile that extends vertically downward through the “toe-berm”, penetration should be a minimum of 33% of total sheet pile length.
The portion of a seawall that is parallel to and abutting the adjacent property line, usually this wall is short and is approximately one foot below grade. The return wall provides anchorage and stability to the seawall and provides soil containment.
The portion of the sheet pile that extends vertically upward from the “toe-berm” to the concrete cap, reveal should be no more than 66% of total sheet pile length.
A sloping structure that serves to separate real property and/or improvements thereon from any natural or manmade body of water.
Large stone placed at the base of the panels to reduce lower rotation and minimize scouring.
Erosion of the soils at the base of the panels that support the lower portion of the seawall, commonly caused by current or wave action.
Any solid vertical structure, which serves to separate landward real property and/or any improvements thereon from any natural or manmade body of water. Typically constructed in areas experiencing moderate to extreme exposure such as open water.
Preformed structural element providing vertical stability and separation of soil from an adjacent waterway, typically pre-cast concrete panels in this area.
The cracking and chipping of concrete generally associated with the oxidation of the internal steel reinforcing bar.
Pilings, rip rap, tie-backs: a system used to arrest movement of a seawall.
A seawall consisting of specially formed support piles that support sheet piles horizontally with a concrete cap and a tie-back at each pile.
The structural system installed to laterally support the seawall. This system typically consists of a steel rod with one end embedded into the cap and a buried concrete anchor attached to the other end of the rod. However, it could be another assembly performing the same function such as a screw anchor.
The rod connecting the concrete cap to the anchor, part of the tie-back system.
Soil on the waterward side of the seawall, typically underwater, canal bottom.
A floating geotextile barrier that confines turbid water to the immediate construction area in accordance with state law.
A horizontal structural element laterally supporting sheet piles. A concrete cap typically performs this function but a wale can be positioned vertically anywhere along the height of the sheet piles.
A hole through a sheet pile to allow water from behind the sheet pile to drain through the wall without the loss of soil.