Coastal Seawalls & Bulkheads

The JET Filter maintainable drainage & erosion control unit mounts flush into any new or existing coastal seawall or bulkhead. The JET Filter relieves hydrostatic water pressure while preventing loss of soil and backfill material.

Seawalls, bulkheads, and other marine structures are vulnerable to the effects of water pressure behind the structure. Failure to drain water pressure is the #1 cause of wall failure and expensive concrete seawall repair. Why?

Groundwater naturally flows from behind the wall toward the open body of water in front of the seawall or bulkhead. During storm events, rainwater percolates into the soil behind the wall. Surface runoff may put more water on top of the soil. Waves overtopping the wall during storms add more water into the soil.

As water flows, it seeks the easiest path…the path of least resistance. Drainage systems should always be the path the water follows. Unfortunately, drainage systems will ultimately clog and fail. They are no longer the path of least resistance. When drainage is clogged, the easiest paths are typically under the toe, around the ends, or through the seams. If none of those paths are available, the water pressure will push against the concrete until cracks are formed.