Bulkhead Repair: Strategies for the 2 Most Common Problems

Bulkheads are a part of waterfront living. They protect your land from erosion and also give you water depth right at the shoreline. They are not a permanent structure so eventually they need to be repaired or even replaced. This article explores two common bulkhead problems and offers insights on bulkhead repair solutions.

This diagram illustrates the typical components of a bulkhead in construction, helping us understand their functions and potential issues.

Components of a Bulkhead

• Wall pile
  • Wall piles are longer than the sheeting and are part of the primary structure. Damage to piles cannot be repaired, but the piles can be replaced.
• Waler
  • A waler is the horizontal piece used to provide lateral support for the vertical wall. Waler beams bridge the piles together forming a wall. They work in conjunction with the tie-back rods to prevent the wall from collapsing.
•  Sheeting
  • The sheeting is not structural and merely serves as a “dirt seal”. Wood sheeting is typically the first bulkhead repair encountered. Steps can be taken to repair the sheeting.
• Tie-Back Rod
  • Tie-back Rods are the main structural anchor for the wall. The rods anchor the top of the bulkhead to another pile behind the bulkhead. This is a critical part of the bulkhead and is replaceable.
• Deadman
  • This acts as an anchor pile which is driven into the ground usually 10-12 ft behind the bulkhead. This pile is replaceable if it shows signs of rot.

Bulkhead Repair for Sinkholes

One of the most common problems requiring bulkhead repair is the development of sinkholes, which can compromise the stability and integrity of the entire structure. Simply stated, it is the loss of land behind the bulkhead. If the sheeting is wood, gaps between the sheets or holes caused by rot are common issues. In both situations, measures can be taken to mitigate or repair the leaks.  If you have multiple sinkholes behind the bulkhead, it might be time for a significant repair. However, if there are only a few, there are steps you can take to delay the need for extensive repairs.

Begin this bulkhead repair by locating the hole or gap. Once identified, follow these steps.

1. Dig behind the bulkhead until you fully expose the hole or gap.
2. Bring in rocks larger than the hole to prevent them from falling through. If the hole is particularly large, start with bigger rocks and then layer smaller rocks on top. Use just enough rock to cover the entire hole.
3. Cover the rocks with filter cloth, also known as “sewer paper.” Filter cloth, which resembles a coffee filter, is available in rolls at most building supply stores.
4. Finally, cover the filter cloth and rocks with dirt, bringing the dirt level all the way to the top of the bulkhead.

This process allows water to flow out through the hole without carrying dirt with it. Although the hole remains, this repair will hold until the bulkhead deteriorates to the point where a major repair or replacement is necessary. If there are a lot of sinkholes behind the bulkhead but the piles and walers are in good shape, then it’s time for a major repair.  This happens when marine worms eat the wood sheeting, usually near the mudline, and the sheeting is no longer sealing the dirt. At this stage, a new dirt seal is required. This is a significant bulkhead repair that should be carried out by a licensed professional.

This is how to create a new dirt seal:

1. All the dirt is excavated from behind the bulkhead.
2. The tie-back rods are cut and removed.
3. New vinyl sheeting is installed behind the old wooden bulkhead sheeting to form a new seal.
4. New tie-back rods are installed to anchor the wall.
5. The dirt is then replaced behind the wall.

All of these steps are essential; do not allow your contractor to take shortcuts. Some contractors working with bulkheads in construction might avoid fully removing and replacing the entire tie-back rod, opting instead to clamp or weld a new end onto the existing rod. However, this weld is not galvanized and will begin to rust immediately. Clamping a new rod is also not as strong as using a solid rod. Additionally, if the wooden sheeting is old enough to have rotted, the rod might be nearly rusted through in some areas. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

We’ve also observed repairs where the contractor or homeowner places new vinyl sheeting in front of the old bulkhead and fills the gap with dirt. The new sheeting is bolted to the exterior of the old, rotting wooden bulkhead. While this may seem like a viable solution, the wooden bulkhead will continue to deteriorate, causing the bolts to eventually pull out. Additionally, the dirt will exert pressure on the new vinyl, potentially pulling the bolts through it. This type of repair is very short-term and costs about the same as doing it correctly from the start.

Bulkhead Repair for Walls Leaning Out

Another common issue needing bulkhead repair is when the bulkhead starts leaning out. This can affect concrete, wood, and vinyl bulkheads and typically indicates that some or all of the tie-back rods have rotted away. If the piles, walers, and sheeting appear intact but the bulkhead is leaning out, it’s a clear sign that the rods are compromised. While this problem is entirely repairable, it must be addressed by licensed professionals, as they are equipped to handle this kind of bulkhead repair.

If not promptly fixed, the bulkhead will eventually fail and collapse. You need to decide on an approach that will impact the repair cost. Do you want to merely stabilize the bulkhead, or would you prefer to “pull” the bulkhead back to its original position?

The steps to stabilize the bulkhead and prevent further leaning or collapse depend on the type of bulkhead.

For Concrete:

1. Drive a new wall pile in front of the weep hole in the concrete sheeting.
2. Dig a trench behind the bulkhead for a new tie-back rod.
3. Drive a new deadman pile.
4. Install a new rod through the new wall pile and deadman, then tighten.

For Wood or Vinyl:

1. Dig a trench behind the bulkhead to expose the broken rod.
2. Remove the old rod.
3. Inspect the deadman and install a new one if necessary.
4. Install a new rod and tighten.

In addition to the steps outlined above, if you wish to “pull” the bulkhead back to its original position, you must excavate all the dirt from behind the bulkhead to allow for the wall to be moved. Relieving the pressure from the dirt behind the bulkhead is necessary to reposition it. Naturally, the labor involved in excavating and pulling the wall back in this kind of bulkhead repair will increase the cost of the project.

Key Takeaways for Bulkhead Repair

Bulkheads in construction are essential for protecting waterfront properties from erosion and ensuring water depth at the shoreline. However, like any structure, they are not permanent and will eventually require repairs or replacement. It’s important to ensure that repairs are done correctly and professionally. At Lamulle Construction, we understand the importance of proper bulkhead repair. We’ve seen various short-term fixes that fail to provide lasting solutions. By choosing professional, thorough repairs, you can ensure the longevity and stability of your bulkhead.

For a free estimate on your bulkhead repair needs, contact Lamulle Construction. Our expertise and commitment to quality will help protect your waterfront property for years to come.