Land vs. Barge: Rock Revetment Shoreline Installation

Compare land and barge methods to choose the best option for your property.

As a leader in seawall installation, High Surf Corp specializes in providing durable, eco-friendly coquina rock seawalls to waterfront property owners in Brevard County. In this post, we will explore the two primary installation methods: by land and by barge. Each method has unique advantages and considerations, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision for your shoreline protection needs.

Traditional Land Installation

Land installation often involves heavy machinery such as excavators and trucks to transport materials to the site. This method can be effective in areas where access is not an issue. However, it can lead to significant disruption for the surrounding environment, especially in tightly packed residential neighborhoods.

Excavator placing coquina rocks along a shoreline for seawall installation. — An excavator placing coquina rocks along a shoreline, illustrating the process of traditional land-based installation for effective shoreline protection by High Surf Corp.

Bulldozer preparing shoreline for coquina rock seawall installation. — Preparing the shoreline for coquina rock installation, demonstrating the initial stages of a land-based seawall construction by High Surf Corp.

Pros of Land Installation:

• Efficient for Larger Projects: Land-based installations can be highly efficient for larger projects with direct access to the shoreline.

• Lower Upfront Costs: Generally, land installations have lower upfront costs compared to barge installations due to the reduced need for specialized equipment and logistics.

Cons of Land Installation:

• Landscape Disruption: Significant disruption to the landscape and nearby properties can occur, especially in residential areas.

• Risk of Damaging Utilities: Increased risk of damaging underground utilities like irrigation systems, pool pipes, or other infrastructure.

• Inconvenience for Homeowners: The presence of heavy machinery and ongoing construction can be inconvenient for homeowners.

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Barge-Based Installation

High Surf Corp employs multiple custom-designed barges to facilitate seawall installation directly from the water. Our barges are equipped with a 360-degree rotating mechanical grapple claw that allows for precise placement of coquina rocks along the shoreline.

Barge placing coquina rocks for seawall construction in front of a waterfront property. — A barge at work, placing coquina rocks with precision to construct a seawall, showcasing High Surf Corp’s advanced barge-based installation method.

Barge with mechanical grapple claw placing coquina rocks along a shoreline for seawall installation. — High Surf Corp’s barge with a mechanical grapple claw precisely placing coquina rocks along a shoreline, demonstrating minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.

Pros of Barge Installation:

• Minimal Property Disruption: Minimal disruption to surrounding properties due to water access, making it ideal for areas with strict HOA regulations or limited land access.

• Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas: Barge installations can access areas that may not be reachable by land vehicles, such as properties with limited road access or dense vegetation.

• Reduced Risk of Damaging Utilities: The risk of damaging underground utilities is greatly reduced as the work is conducted from the water instead of land.

Cons of Barge Installation:

• Higher Overall Cost: Barge installations typically have higher overall costs due to the specialized equipment and logistics involved.

• Potentially Longer Project Time: Depending on various factors such as water depth and distance from loading sites, the project time can be longer compared to land installations.

Why Choose Barge Installation?

In Brevard County, shallow depths often define the shoreline landscape, making barge installations both feasible and advantageous. Here are some key benefits of choosing barge installation:

• Strict HOA Compliance: Many waterfront areas have homeowners’ associations with regulations limiting construction impacts. Barge installations minimize these disruptions, making it easier to comply with HOA rules.

• Environmental Considerations: Less ground disturbance helps preserve existing vegetation and ecosystems along the shoreline, aiding in environmental conservation efforts.

• Safety Precautions: With barges, the risk of damaging essential components like irrigation or pool systems is greatly reduced, as work is conducted from the water instead of land.

• Minimal Property Damage: Barge installations avoid the need for heavy machinery on your property, reducing the risk of damage to lawns, landscaping, and other structures.

Our Custom-Designed Barges

High Surf Corp’s custom-designed barges are engineered to handle the unique challenges of Brevard County’s waterways. Our barges are extremely buoyant, making them suitable for the shallow depths common in the area. The mechanical grapple claw on our barge can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for precise placement of coquina rocks. This precision ensures that each rock is placed optimally to provide maximum protection against erosion.

Considerations for Barge Installation

While barge installation offers many advantages, it’s important to be aware of some considerations:

• Cost: Barge installations are generally more expensive due to the specialized equipment and logistics required.

• Project Duration: The time to complete the project can vary depending on factors such as the distance between the installation site and the loading area for the rocks, as well as water depth and weather conditions.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between land-based and barge installation will depend on specific project conditions, accessibility challenges, and homeowner preferences. At High Surf Corp, we prioritize providing tailored solutions that meet our clients’ needs while ensuring high-quality craftsmanship in every project.

Whether you choose land or barge installation, our team of experts is committed to delivering durable, aesthetically pleasing coquina rock seawalls that protect your property and enhance its natural beauty. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you safeguard your shoreline.