Protecting Coastal Homes with Engineered Soil and Marine Solutions
Project Overview
- Location: Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs, Florida
- Project Type: Foundation Underpinning & Seawall Structural Repair
- Client: Waterfront Homeowner
- Completion Date: July 2024
- Scope: Underpinning foundation, marine erosion control, hydrostatic relief
Analysis
The coastline of Bonita Beach, nestled in Bonita Springs, Florida, is a beautiful but challenging setting for structural stability. After Hurricane Ian’s destructive path in 2022, many waterfront homes were left with compromised foundations and weakened seawalls due to storm surge, erosion, and compromised soil.
One such home suffered from both a sliding foundation and a deteriorating seawall, posing a serious threat to its stability and the safety of its coastal environment. The homeowner engaged Coastal Foundation Solutions and an engineering team to assess, design, and implement a repair strategy capable of withstanding future environmental stressors.
Our evaluation revealed that underpinning was required to stabilize the relocated foundation, while seawall reinforcement was essential to protect against further soil erosion and wave action. With Bonita Beach’s coastal soils and marine ecosystem in mind, our team developed a solution engineered for long-term performance.
Our Solution
1. Foundation Underpinning
We installed four galvanized underpinning piles, each extended with seven shaft extensions to reach stable subsurface layers. Using high-precision torque monitoring, we ensured each pile met load requirements while allowing installation with minimal disturbance to the lush beachfront property.
2. Seawall Stabilization with Marine Erosion Guard & Filters
To combat erosion at the seawall, a marine erosion guard system was deployed. This involved affixing vinyl sheets (1 foot wide) over panel joints—extending from one foot below the seawall cap down 12 inches below the mudline—to prevent soil washout and the formation of sinkholes.
Additionally, five hydrostatic pressure relief filters were installed to allow trapped groundwater behind the wall to drain safely. This step reduced pressure buildup, improved seawall resilience, and prevented future soil erosion.
Throughout the process, environmental stewardship guided our work. Every step was taken with attention to preserving Bonita Beach’s delicate marine and shoreline ecosystems.
Results
With the underpinning system in place, the home’s foundation is now stable and protected from further movement. The seawall upgrades directly address erosion concerns and significantly extend the life of the structure by preventing hydraulic pressure buildup behind the wall.
The homeowner commented positively on our ability to complete the work with precision and minimal intrusion, giving them renewed confidence in their home’s resilience.
This project stands as an example of how modern foundation and shoreline techniques—combined with coral-safe materials and environmental care—can restore and protect coastal properties for generations to come.
Products Used
- RS2875.217 — 10” x 12” 84″ L Galvanized Round Shaft Lead Sections
- RS2875.217 — 84” L Galvanized Round Shaft Extensions
- Galvanized Underpinning Brackets
- Marine Vinyl Seawall Erosion Guard Sheets
- Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Filters
GEO Targeting: Bonita Beach & Bonita Springs, FL
This project highlights our service in the Bonita Springs region of Southwest Florida, specifically on Bonita Beach—an area known for its luxury waterfront properties and environmental importance. Our solutions are tailored to confront the geological and marine challenges posed by this region, including fluctuating water tables, hurricane risk, and erosion.
Why Choose This Approach?
|
Core Benefit |
Explanation |
|
Foundation Stability |
Underpinning re-establishes structural support on compromised soils. |
|
Seawall Protection |
Erosion guards and filters prevent foundational undermining and hydrostatic damage. |
|
Coastal Endurance |
Galvanized materials hold up in salt air and humid environments. |
|
Environmental Care |
Minimal disruption during installation protects adjacent marine ecosystems. |
About the Author
Charlie Garcia is a Florida-certified contractor and marine construction expert with 25+ years of experience in Southwest Florida, including Bonita Springs. Based in Cape Coral, he holds:
- Florida License #CBC1252534
- Florida License #CBC1263386
- Certified Helical Piling Inspector
- Certified Deep Foundation Contractor
- Certified Foam Injection Contractor
He is known for delivering long-lasting foundation and shoreline solutions with technical precision and environmental responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is underpinning preferred over traditional foundation repair for coastal homes?
Underpinning strengthens existing foundations by transferring load deeper into stable soil, which is essential in areas with eroded or weakened topsoil, common in hurricane-affected zones like Bonita Beach.
Q2: How does the marine erosion guard system work to protect the seawall?
The vinyl guard seals panel joints below the seawall’s cap and above the mudline, stopping soil from washing out and preventing sinkhole formation—key in preserving shoreline integrity.
Q3: What is the role of seawall filters?
These filters relieve built-up water pressure behind seawalls, preventing destructive pressure that can lead to wall displacement or collapse.
Is your Bonita Beach property at risk from foundation damage or seawall erosion?
Let Coastal Foundation Solutions restore your peace of mind with engineered underpinning and marine protection. Get a free consultation today.
Call (239) 555-1234 or visit: www.coastalfoundationsolutions.com/contact