Bulkhead vs. seawall
A bulkhead primarily retains soil at the shoreline. A seawall is generally described as providing greater protection from waves and coastal forces. In practice, Texas homeowners and contractors often use the terms loosely, so the actual structure and design matter more than the label.
The wall is a system
A functioning bulkhead includes more than visible panels: anchors or tiebacks, cap, joints, drainage, backfill and transitions to neighboring walls all affect performance.
Common problems
- Soil washing through failed joints
- Voids or sinkholes behind the wall
- Rotated or leaning wall sections
- Cap cracking and separation
- Corroded tie rods or anchors
- Poor upland drainage
Planning repairs
Identify the cause before selecting a repair method. Filling a sinkhole without stopping soil loss, for example, treats the symptom rather than the pathway.