{"id":4804,"date":"2021-07-07T14:17:15","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T14:17:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/?p=4804"},"modified":"2024-05-16T21:12:35","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T21:12:35","slug":"geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/","title":{"rendered":"Geotextile Tubes vs  Rock Revetments vs Seawalls for Erosion"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This page compares and contrasts these three types of <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;Erosion Control&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-weight: 400;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Erosion control&amp;lt;\/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-weight: 400;&amp;quot;&amp;gt; is the practice of preventing or controlling wind or water &amp;lt;\/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-weight: 400;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;erosion&amp;lt;\/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-weight: 400;&amp;quot;&amp;gt; in agriculture, land development, coastal areas, river banks and construction.&amp;lt;\/span&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/glossary\/erosion-control\/\"  target=\"_blank\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]'  tabindex='0' role='link'>erosion control<\/a> and materials; including efficacy, cost, environmental impact, and ease of deployment.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-692026fa60ad7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #333333;color:#333333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #333333;color:#333333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-692026fa60ad7\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 \"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Geotextile-Tubes-for-Erosion\">Geotextile Tubes for Erosion<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#What-are-geotextile-tubes\">What are geotextile tubes?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#How-do-geotextile-tubes-protect-from-erosion\">How do geotextile tubes protect from erosion?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Are-geotextile-tubes-expensive-to-install\">Are geotextile tubes expensive to install?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Do-geotextile-tubes-harm-the-environment\">Do geotextile tubes harm the environment?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Revetments-for-Erosion\">Revetments for Erosion<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#What-are-revetments\">What are revetments?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-4\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Some-advantages-of-revetments-include\">Some advantages of revetments include:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Some-disadvantages-of-revetments-include\">Some disadvantages of revetments include:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#How-do-revetments-protect-from-erosion\">How do revetments protect from erosion?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Are-revetments-expensive-to-install\">Are revetments expensive to install?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#What-is-the-best-material-for-revetments\">What is the best material for revetments?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Are-revetments-harmful-to-the-environment\">Are revetments harmful to the environment?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Seawalls-for-Erosion\">Seawalls for Erosion<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#What-are-Seawalls\">What are Seawalls?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#How-do-seawalls-work-to-prevent-or-protect-from-erosion\">How do seawalls work to prevent or protect from erosion?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Are-seawalls-expensive-to-install\">Are seawalls expensive to install?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#What-are-the-best-materials-for-seawalls\">What are the best materials for seawalls?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#Do-seawalls-harm-the-environment\">Do seawalls harm the environment?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/#What-is-the-best-solution-for-erosion-on-shorelines-and-banks\">What is the best solution for erosion on shorelines and banks?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Geotextile-Tubes-for-Erosion\"><\/span>Geotextile Tubes for Erosion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4808 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Geotextile tube installation\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/768;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-geotextile-tubes\"><\/span>What are geotextile tubes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Geotextile tubes are an erosion prevention tool that create a barrier along a shoreline. They are sometimes called breakwater tubes because they act as a breakwater to slow waves. When waves approach a shoreline, they hit the geotextile tube first, which reduces their speed and force. This reduces the erosive force on the dune or beach. Geotextile tubes can help preserve beaches.<\/p>\n<p>Geotextile tubes are made out of a geotextile fabric, which is UV stabilized and able to withstand the elements. The fibers are strong enough to last through storms and other weather conditions, including Lake Michigan ice. They can be found in a variety of sizes to create the right barrier for the specific property.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4810 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Geotextile barrier on a shoreline\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/3.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/768;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-do-geotextile-tubes-protect-from-erosion\"><\/span>How do geotextile tubes protect from erosion?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Geotextile tubes can protect property from erosion in many ways. They can be used for everything from land reclamation to island creation to dams.<\/p>\n<p>&#x201C;Additionally, geotextile tubes can be used as breakwater walls. They are able to absorb the impact from waves, diminishing their strength when they hit the shore and minimizing erosive patterns.<\/p>\n<p>Geotextile tubes can be used to form seawalls. By stacking geotextile tubes, seawalls can be formed to help protect homes and property from storm waves and rising water levels.&#x201D;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-for-erosion-control\/#:~:text=Using%20a%20geotextile%20tube%20will,shore%20and%20minimizing%20erosive%20patterns.\">Learn more about Geotextile Tubes for Erosion.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4811 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of geotextile tubes on the beach\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/768;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are-geotextile-tubes-expensive-to-install\"><\/span>Are geotextile tubes expensive to install?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Geotextile tubes vary in cost based on project size, system height, location, and other specific project site details. Most geotextile tube sites on Lake Michigan will likely cost between $200 &#x2013; $400 per linear foot, including installation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do-geotextile-tubes-harm-the-environment\"><\/span>Do geotextile tubes harm the environment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Geotextile tubes are, comparatively, a much better environmental solution than steel seawalls.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Revetments-for-Erosion\"><\/span>Revetments for Erosion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-revetments\"><\/span>What are revetments?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Revetments are another erosion control method that can be either exposed structures or buried. Revetments are sloped and typically permeable. They are often made of natural stones or concrete blocks which help absorb wave energy (rather than simply reflect it). This makes them more environmentally friendly than steel seawalls.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some-advantages-of-revetments-include\"><\/span>Some advantages of revetments include:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>No wave flanking<\/li>\n<li>Less expensive<\/li>\n<li>More environmentally friendly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some-disadvantages-of-revetments-include\"><\/span>Some disadvantages of revetments include:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>The look is less appealing to some<\/li>\n<li>Maintenance \/ structural integrity<\/li>\n<li>Do not prevent flooding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-do-revetments-protect-from-erosion\"><\/span>How do revetments protect from erosion?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Revetments are passive structures which help protect against erosion by limiting damage from wave action, storm surge, and strong currents. Unlike seawalls, revetments do not prevent flooding.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are-revetments-expensive-to-install\"><\/span>Are revetments expensive to install?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Revetments may be less costly than seawalls, depending on materials and method of installation, but can still cost $2,000 or more per lineal foot. Costs can begin to add up with maintenance, however. Some types of revetments are not long-term solutions and do require maintenance.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-the-best-material-for-revetments\"><\/span>What is the best material for revetments?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Revetments can be made out of many different materials including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rip Rap, Revetment Stone, Armor Stone<\/li>\n<li>Gabions<\/li>\n<li>Wooden planks<\/li>\n<li>Logs<\/li>\n<li>Concrete blocks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Natural rip-rap rock revetments are common because they last longer and are more environmentally friendly.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are-revetments-harmful-to-the-environment\"><\/span>Are revetments harmful to the environment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Revetments cause less damage to the environment than seawalls because they do not cause wave flanking, however, they do still have adverse effects.<\/p>\n<p>&#x201C;Bulkheads and revetments greatly reduce the connectivity between land and aquatic ecosystems, with adverse impacts on species that utilize both habitats.&#x201D;<br>\n&#x2014;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/earth-and-planetary-sciences\/revetment#:~:text=Bulkheads%20and%20revetments%20greatly%20reduce,species%20that%20utilize%20both%20habitats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/earth-and-planetary-sciences\/revetment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Any unnatural altering of the shoreline can damage the natural eco-systems. The best method for protecting your property from natural erosion is to build far enough away from the water and to leave natural vegetation where it is. Removing natural vegetation is essentially removing the erosion barrier. Natural vegetation has deep root systems which hold soil in place and absorb wave energy.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seawalls-for-Erosion\"><\/span>Seawalls for Erosion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4812 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Steel seawall\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/768;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-Seawalls\"><\/span>What are Seawalls?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A seawall is a hard wall that is installed along the shoreline, which is intended to stop wave erosion. Seawalls can be made of many types of materials including concrete, wood, rock, and steel.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-do-seawalls-work-to-prevent-or-protect-from-erosion\"><\/span>How do seawalls work to prevent or protect from erosion?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Seawalls are intended to protect the shoreline by preventing waves from hitting the shore. However, seawalls typically cause much more harm than good. Seawalls not only cause environmental problems, but actually worsen erosion.<\/p>\n<p>&#x201C;Seawalls also prevent the absorption of wave energy. When a wave hits a wall &#x2014; rather than vegetation or soil &#x2014; the energy is not absorbed, and therefore, is directed elsewhere. Usually, it goes downward toward the lake bottom, where it &#x201C;scoops&#x201D; out the soil there. This event is called &#x201C;scour.&#x201D; Scouring leads to more habitat loss AND makes the lake deeper until the seawall is no longer viable and the water undercuts it. Scouring also makes the water cloudy, algae-filled, and all together much less pleasant for lake life and people.&#x201D; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/shoreline-erosion-a-complete-guide\/\">https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/shoreline-erosion-a-complete-guide\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Seawalls actually prevent the absorption of wave energy. When a wave hits a seawall instead of natural vegetation or soil, the energy merely bounces off the wall and is redirected outwards. Next, the wave heads toward a neighboring property and causes severe erosion damage to that property. This phenomenon is called &#x201C;wave flanking.&#x201D; Wave flanking begins a domino effect around the lake shore.<\/p>\n<p>&#x201C;When one seawall is installed, neighboring seawalls are required to handle the wave flanking, and a vicious and unnatural cycle continues to wreak havoc on the lakes.&#x201D;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IotHq9RYl5w&amp;feature=emb_title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See wave flanking in action.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4813 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/6-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Seawall that needs backfill\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/6-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/6-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/6.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/768;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are-seawalls-expensive-to-install\"><\/span>Are seawalls expensive to install?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The cost of seawalls varies based on a few different factors. These include soil condition, size of the wall, as well as job site accessibility. Soil condition determines from which materials the seawall should be constructed. Steel Seawalls can cost upwards of $2,000 per linear foot or more, but this can vary based on materials used.<\/p>\n<p>To install a seawall, the construction team must first examine the area. They will need to note the soil condition, the water levels, and the surrounding environment in order to determine the materials and size of the wall.<\/p>\n<p>Next the team will need to remove any type of old seawall if there is one. Following the removal of the old wall, they will determine the amount of posts needed. A post is typically needed every 6-8 feet.<\/p>\n<p>The land along the shore is excavated, and then the posts are installed into the ground. The posts help to support the seawall. After the posts are installed, the seawall is constructed. Next, it is secured to the shore and backfilled with sand.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-the-best-materials-for-seawalls\"><\/span>What are the best materials for seawalls?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Seawalls can be made of many different materials depending on soil conditions, budget, and other factors. Some of the common materials include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Timber<\/li>\n<li>Aluminum<\/li>\n<li>Steel<\/li>\n<li>Plastic<\/li>\n<li>Concrete<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do-seawalls-harm-the-environment\"><\/span>Do seawalls harm the environment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As discussed above, seawalls have a negative impact on our environment. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12237-017-0254-x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a study conducted by UC Santa Barbara<\/a>, of the 207 ecological responses to seawalls that were catalogued, over 70% were &#x201C;significantly negative.&#x201D;<\/p>\n<p>According to the Watershed Council&#x2019;s guidebook on shoreline erosion: <a href=\"https:\/\/www3.uwsp.edu\/cnr-ap\/UWEXLakes\/PublishingImages\/resources\/restoration-project\/understanding_living_with_shoreline_erosion_guide_totmwc.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Understanding, Living With, and Controlling Shoreline Erosion: A Guidebook for Shoreline Property Owners Third Edition<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p>&#x201C;Bulkheads have numerous disadvantages. When placed in the water or at the water&#x2019;s edge, the vertical faces of bulkheads can reflect and transfer wave energy, causing increased bottom scouring in front of the structure and accelerated shoreline erosion beyond its end. The loss of a sand beach is often the result. Bulkheads are aesthetically unattractive and degrade shoreline habitat. They are rigid structures and cannot adapt to minor landscape movements. This means that they are usually doomed to eventual massive failure from the enduring forces of nature. They create access problems unless stairs are provided. They require heavy equipment and open accessibility at the site, and the installation can<br>\nbe noisy and disruptive.&#x201D;<\/p>\n<p>Seawalls are among the most destructive actions to a lake ecosystem.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-the-best-solution-for-erosion-on-shorelines-and-banks\"><\/span>What is the best solution for erosion on shorelines and banks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Shoreline erosion is a natural process that cannot be prevented. The best solution for protecting your property is (as explained above) to build far enough away from the coastline and to leave natural vegetation in place.<\/p>\n<p>If needed, biological engineering can also help reduce the effects of erosion in an environmentally friendly way.<\/p>\n<p>When emergencies like those facing residents along the Great Lakes occur, other methods may need to be implemented. Each solution described above has advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n<p>To find the best solution for your unique situation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/contact\/\">contact a member of our team<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This page compares and contrasts these three types of erosion control and materials; including efficacy, cost, environmental impact, and ease of deployment. Geotextile Tubes for Erosion What are geotextile tubes? Geotextile tubes are an erosion prevention tool that create a barrier along a shoreline. They are sometimes called breakwater tubes because they act as a &#x2026;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/geotextile-tubes-vs-rock-revetments-vs-seawalls-for-erosion\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Geotextile Tubes vs  Rock Revetments vs Seawalls for Erosion<\/span>Read More &#xBB;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":3250,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-erosion-control"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4804"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4804\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11856,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4804\/revisions\/11856"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}