CASE STUDYBokeelia Underpinning & Seawall Repair

Location: Bokeelia, Florida
Project Type: Foundation Underpinning & Seawall Structural Repair
Client: Waterfront Homeowner
Completion Date: July 2024

Analysis

Bokeelia, Florida is a serene coastal community known for its beautiful waterfront properties and natural environment. However, like much of Southwest Florida, it endured severe damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Many homes along the water suffered foundation sliding and seawall deterioration due to storm surge, soil erosion, and shifting substrates beneath structures.

Coastal Foundation Solutions was contacted by a concerned homeowner whose property was showing significant foundation movement and a failing seawall that threatened overall structural safety. Given the environmental sensitivity of coastal zones and the technical challenges of marine construction, our team collaborated with the homeowner’s engineering consultants to develop a comprehensive solution.

After detailed site evaluation and soil testing, underpinning the home’s foundation was identified as the best method to stop further shifting and provide a permanent, stable support system. Concurrently, seawall repairs using state-of-the-art marine erosion control technology were planned to reinforce and extend the life of the existing bulkhead, minimizing soil loss and preventing sinkhole formation.

Solution

Upon contract signing, Coastal Foundation Solutions mobilized its expert crew and specialized foundation equipment to the Bokeelia job site. Our underpinning approach involved installing four galvanized underpinning piles outfitted with seven additional galvanized extensions to achieve the required torque capacity. Utilizing precision torque monitoring equipment, we ensured each pile was driven to depths that guaranteed load-bearing capacity sufficient to stabilize the home’s foundation without disturbing adjacent properties or the delicate shoreline ecosystem.

Once underpinning was complete, our team turned attention to the seawall. We installed a marine erosion guard system engineered specifically for Florida’s coastal conditions. This system consists of one-foot-wide vinyl sheets securely fastened over the joints of seawall panels. The sheets extend from approximately 12 inches below the mudline up to one foot beneath the seawall cap. This barrier effectively seals gaps between panels, preventing soil from washing out through seams and thus eliminating the formation of undermining sinkholes that could compromise seawall integrity.

In addition, five strategically placed seawall filters were installed to allow trapped water and hydrostatic pressure to safely vent from behind the wall. By reducing water pressure, these filters decrease stress on the seawall structure and significantly limit further soil erosion, helping preserve the bulkhead’s stability for years to come.

Throughout the project, environmental safeguards were prioritized. All efforts minimized disturbance to local marine life and helped protect the fragile coastal ecosystem that is essential to Bokeelia’s charm and natural beauty.

Results

The underpinning piles effectively halted the home’s foundation movement, restoring structural stability and providing the homeowner with peace of mind. The marine erosion guard system and seawall filters collectively addressed critical vulnerabilities in the seawall, preventing soil loss and extending the life of the structure.

Our client expressed satisfaction with Coastal Foundation Solutions’ professionalism and efficiency, noting minimal disruption during installation and long-term durability of the repairs. By using galvanized steel components and environmentally friendly marine materials, we ensured the repairs were not only strong but resilient against Bokeelia’s coastal weather conditions.

This project exemplifies how integrating modern foundation underpinning with marine structural restoration can protect and revitalize waterfront properties damaged by major storms.

Products Used

• RS2875.217 10” x 12” 84″ L Galvanized Round Shaft Lead Section
• RS2875.217 84” L Galvanized Round Shaft Extensions
• Galvanized Underpinning Bracket
• Marine Vinyl Seawall Erosion Guard Sheets
• Seawall Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Filters

About the Author

Charlie Garcia is a Florida-certified building contractor and a seasoned marine construction expert with over 25 years of experience serving coastal communities throughout the state. Based in Cape Coral, he holds multiple licenses, including Florida License #CBC1252534 and #CBC1263386, along with specialized certifications such as:

• Certified Helical Piling Inspector
• Certified Deep Foundation Contractor
• Certified Foam Injection Contractor

Charlie is trusted across the industry for his expertise in seawall repair, erosion control, foundation stabilization, and marine structural restoration. His approach combines technical precision, long-term durability, and a strong focus on environmental responsibility.