A Miami seawall is a structure that helps protect the surrounding area from the damaging effects of hurricanes and tidal flooding. As sea levels rise, parts of Miami regularly experience “sunny day flooding,” when salt water penetrates high-rise parking garages and basements.
With sea level predicted to rise, this flooding is expected to become more frequent, as tidal waves add to the already high water. In addition, storm surges add to the damage from hurricanes, which have even more devastating potential. As a result, the Army Corps of Engineers is working on a plan for a Miami sea wall.
Leaning seawalls
As a coastal town, Miami is particularly vulnerable to seawall collapse and leaning. Water seeps into seawalls, causing cracks and weakening the structure. Leaking water can also cause erosion and erode the surrounding ground, making seawalls prone to collapse. In addition, seawalls that bulge can expose the foundations of nearby structures to water damage. This can be a dangerous situation, especially for residents who are reliant on the seawall for protection.
Bowing seawalls
Sea walls protect the city from storm surges, but they don’t necessarily keep the water out. Over time, water may seep through the limestone and eventually be pumped out. There are 60 miles of sea walls in Miami Beach alone, most of which are privately owned. Here are some things to watch out for. Listed below are some of the most common warning signs that your seawall is in danger. Listed below are some ways to check for signs of seawall failure.
Damaged seawalls
While damaged seawalls in Miami are no fun to visit, you can learn about them from experts in the field. For example, a seawall built in Miami-Dade County must have a base of rocks, called riprap, to stop waves. This pile of rocks can also encourage the growth of mangrove trees. In an attempt to combat this problem, scientists at the University of Miami created a new design: SEAHIVE, a type of seawall that looks like a six-sided honeycomb.
The first step in repairing a seawall is to unclog the weep holes in the bottom of the wall. Unclogging these holes helps promote proper drainage and diverts dangerous water pressure away from the seawall. If you find cracks in a concrete retaining wall or vinyl seawall, it’s time for a seawall repair. You may also find termite damage or split wood on the seawall.
Poly foam seawall repair
A polyurethane resin is a common choice for seawall repair in Miami, Florida. This durable material fills voids and cracks along a seawall’s surface, forming a water-tight mass that withstands erosion. The resin is durable and flexible, and it is suited to repair a wide variety of structural problems, from settling buildings to cracked highway slabs. Unlike traditional cement and steel repair methods, polyurethane fills tiny holes and creates a watertight mass that is highly durable and strong.
Seawalls in Miami are essential for coastal protection, but damage can occur. A broken or …