CASE STUDYCase Study: Forklift Slab Restoration & Soil Stabilization at Pier 77 Seawall

Seawall Savers™ Restores Structural Integrity Without Disrupting Operations
Client: Safe Harbour Marinas – Pier 77
Location: Bradenton, Florida
Service: Forklift Slab Lifting & Subsurface Soil Stabilization
Scope of Work: 18” concrete slab lifting + deep polyurethane soil injection
Service Provider: Seawall Savers™ – Coastal Infrastructure Experts

The Challenge: Forklift Slab Settlement Threatens Operations

Pier 77 Seawall, located in Bradenton, Florida, serves as a key commercial hub for Safe Harbour Marinas. Heavy-duty forklifts are used daily on reinforced concrete slabs to launch vessels into the bay. Over time, the slab began settling by up to 4 inches, creating safety hazards, operational delays, and reduced performance.
Site Issues Identified:
  • Significant voids beneath the 18” thick slab
  • Cracks and uneven surfaces across the concrete pad
  • Soil loss due to water intrusion behind steel sheet piles
  • No foundational support—slab was reliant on eroded soil

A traditional demolition or rebuild would have caused costly downtime and operational disruptions. Safe Harbour needed a fast, efficient, and non-invasive solution.

Inspection & Diagnosis by Seawall Savers™

Team Leader: Charlie Garcia, licensed marine contractor
Seawall Savers™ conducted a comprehensive site assessment, including geotechnical testing and structural evaluation.

Diagnosis Highlights:
  • Core Drilling & Probing: Confirmed deep voids and slab settlement (up to 4 inches).
  • Seawall Inspection: Found water bypassing the seawall, eroding the soil behind the sheet pile toe.
  • Foundation Review: No pilings under the slab, meaning weight was being transferred to unstable soil.

Conclusion: A multi-phase polyurethane injection approach was necessary to stop erosion, stabilize the soil, and lift the slab to its original position.

Engineered Solution: Two-Phase Polyurethane Foam Injection

Seawall Savers™ implemented a dual-foam injection system that was custom-designed for the high-moisture conditions of the Florida coast, executed without excavation and with minimal operational downtime.

Phase 1: Soil Stabilization (Single-Component Foam)

Objective: Stop erosion and restore the load-bearing capacity beneath the slab and seawall.
Method: Hydrophobic polyurethane foam was injected into 30 strategic points, reaching depths of 2 feet beneath the slab and up to 2 feet under the sheet pile toe.
Result: Created a bonded soil curtain with 2,000+ psi compressive strength, halting water migration and densifying the eroded sub-base. This phase addressed the root cause—soil washout.

Phase 2: Slab Lifting (Two-Component Foam)

Objective: Lift and realign the forklift slab to its original elevation.
Method: A grid of 40 foam injection points was used to inject two-part foam beneath the slab. The foam expanded, lifting the slab in real-time, monitored with laser levels for precise alignment.
Result: Achieved up to 4 inches of lift across the 400+ sq. ft. slab, fully restoring the forklift pad without the need for demolition.

Project Results:

Metric

Performance Outcome

Soil Stabilization Depth

2 ft below slab to 2 ft beneath seawall toe

Injection Points

30 (stabilization) + 40 (slab lift)

Slab Elevation Restored

3–4 inches across 400+ sq. ft. area

Operational Disruption

None – Marina remained fully functional

Project Duration

Under 3 business days

Repair Lifespan

20+ years with minimal maintenance

Client Testimonial

“The Seawall Savers™ team lifted our slab and stabilized the soils faster than expected—with zero downtime for our operations. Extremely professional.”
— Marina Operations Director, Pier 77

Why Choose Seawall Savers™?
  • ✔️ Non-invasive repairs – no excavation or concrete removal required
  • ✔️ Marine-grade materials – designed for coastal durability
  • ✔️ Minimal business interruption – rapid, quiet installation
  • ✔️ Eco-conscious solutions – protect Florida’s natural coastlines
  • ✔️ 28+ years of marine infrastructure expertise
Don’t Let Subsurface Erosion Sink Your Operations

Seawall Savers™ provides fast, non-destructive, and long-lasting repair solutions that restore structural integrity and keep your waterfront business running smoothly.

Serving Florida’s coastal communities for over 28 years
📞 Call (239) 284-6830
🌐 Visit www.seawallsavers.com to book your FREE site assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a typical slab lift take?

Most projects are completed in 1 business days with no operational downtime.

What’s the difference between single- and two-part polyurethane foams?

  • Single-part foam is used to stabilize and seal soils.
  • Two-part foam is designed for precise slab lifting through controlled expansion.

Is polyurethane foam reliable in marine environments?

Absolutely. Our closed-cell, hydrophobic foams are waterproof, inert, and ideal for submerged or coastal conditions—offering 20+ years of protection.

About the Author – Charlie Garcia

Charlie Garcia, founder of Seawall Savers™, is a certified marine contractor with over 28 years of hands-on experience in coastal stabilization, seawall repair, and erosion control. He is respected statewide for his commitment to environmentally responsible marine infrastructure solutions.

Certifications & Licenses:

  • Florida Licenses: #CBC1252534 & #CBC1263386
  • Certified Helical Piling Inspector
  • Certified Foam Injection Contractor
  • Certified Deep Foundation Specialist
  • Certified Marine Contractor

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