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The Challenge
The homeowner of a property along Harbor View Drive in Gig Harbor, WA, faced a serious issue with their 115-foot seawall. Over time, the seawall had begun to show signs of stress and deterioration, including significant cracking in the bulkhead cap and noticeable leaks. Soil erosion behind the seawall further compromised its stability, posing a risk to the structure and the surrounding property. Given the Puget Sound location, the homeowner sought a durable solution to ensure long-term resilience against environmental stressors.
Proposed Solution
Ram Jack West collaborated with Wolden Structural Engineering to design a robust solution to reinforce the seawall. The project included:
- Helical Tiebacks: Installation of (11) Ram Jack 2-7/8" helical tiebacks to anchor the seawall and provide critical stability.
- Reinforcement Channel: A 100-ft C8 channel was installed along the seawall’s face for structural reinforcement.
- Soil Stabilization: Injection of (195) gallons of SWR-P1 poly resin from Seawall Repair Network to stabilize the soil behind the seawall and prevent future erosion.
- Drainage Management: Incorporation of (11) four-inch stainless steel Jet Filter Systems to mitigate hydrostatic soil pressure and improve drainage.
- Bulkhead Cap Repairs: Reinforcement of cracking at the bulkhead cap with (6) SRS Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CRFPs), using six-inch bi-directional carbon fiber for added durability.
This multifaceted approach was designed to restore the seawall’s structural integrity while addressing the underlying causes of its degradation.
Project Execution and Outcome
The project progressed according to plan, with the crew encountering minor delays due to quick-rising tides, which reduced daily working hours. Despite these challenges, the s
olution was implemented as designed, resulting in a stabilized and reinforced seawall. Key highlights include:
- The successful installation of all 11 helical tiebacks to a depth of 20 feet, achieving the required 16k ultimate loads.
- Effective soil stabilization and drainage improvements to reduce hydrostatic pressure.
- Enhanced structural integrity of the bulkhead cap through advanced carbon fiber reinforcement techniques.
The homeowner was delighted with the project, stating that Ram Jack West had restored the integrity of their seawall using sustainable, high-quality products.
Testimonial
"Ram Jack West restored the integrity of another Puget Sound seawall with high-quality, sustainable products. We are pleased with the project outcome and will refer Ram Jack West to anyone needing foundation or seawall repair."
Conclusion
The Harbor View Drive project demonstrates Ram Jack West's expertise in addressing complex structural challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. By combining advanced materials, strategic engineering, and precision execution, Ram Jack West ensured the long-term stability and functionality of the seawall, safeguarding the property from future environmental stresses.
Ram Jack West Installs (11) Helical Tiebacks as Part of the Restoration Solution for a Failing Residential Seawall in Gig Harbor, WA
November, 2024
