AI-Powered The Challenge
Address sinkholes and erosion along seawall at the Port of Los Angeles by filling voids, stabilizing soil, and preventing further subsidence to protect the seawall, pavement, and utilities.
The Solution
Use high-density polyurethane grout for void-filling, soil stabilization, and compaction.
The Impact
Successfully completed the seawall rehabilitation, exceeding expectations by filling all voids, densifying the soil, and finishing ahead of schedule and under budget.
Location: Long Beach, CA
Project Type: 
Repair Type: The Challenge
Successfully rehabilitated 1,300 linear feet of seawall without excavation, while avoiding disruption to utilities and minimizing costs.
The main issue at hand that required Groundworks’ expertise and execution was the filling of voids that were a result of erosion, and soil stabilization in order to regain the integrity of the soil.
Sink holes were opening behind the Berth 248 seawall of the Port of Los Angeles. This was due to the inevitable sub-surface erosion caused by fluctuations in sea level and ocean runoff. There were three main objectives within this specific project. Firstly, to fill the underground voids behind the timber seawall. Secondly, to stabilize and densify the soil. Thirdly, to prevent further subsidence to the pavement and utilities above.
Key Facts
1,300 LF
Seawall Stabilized
Up to 12ft
Injection Depths
2
Rows of Injections
0
Disruption to Port Operations
The Solution
Non-Invasive seawall rehabilitation and soil stabilization using polyurethane grout.
After a thorough, initial examination of the project site was conducted by Groundworks’ team of highly experienced engineers and crew members, it was determined that the first course of action would be to void-fill the 1,300 linear feet of seawall that needed attention. The crew conducted this rehabilitation without excavation, without interruption to the existing utilities, and without the need for expensive containment systems. All of which were the primary reasons that the Port of Los Angeles chose Groundworks and our methods over competitors. The second component of the solution was to inject the high-density polyurethane grout behind the existing retaining seawall with the purpose of soil stabilization and compaction. Once injected, the polymers aggressively seek out the voids and push out any present water.
Just as with any repair project, the team was faced with some unexpected challenges. One of which was maneuvering around the underground utilities. The team was extremely cautious when dealing with these in order to prevent striking. Groundworks’ team values safety, and ultimately overcame this obstacle without any issue and was able to carry out the project to the highest of standards.
The Impact
Successful seawall rehabilitation exceeding expectations at Port of Los Angeles.
The results of the seawall rehabilitation repair were an overwhelming success with the EagleLIFT team and the Port of Los Angeles. The crew was able to fulfill its two main goals of filling any and all voids and densifying the soil in less time than estimated, and under the allotted budget. The Port of Los Angeles was so impressed with the capabilities and determination of Groundworks that the Chief Harbor Engineer, Shaun Shahrestani, personally wrote a letter of recommendation on behalf of the job well done.
“They performed the job under budget and met the aggressive completion schedule, while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental requirements.”
– Shaun Shahrestani, Chief Harbor Engineer, Letter of recommendation excerpt from the Port of Los Angeles
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