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A leading full-service engineering firm renowned for our trusted, high quality, and innovative approach to solving complex challenges.

Seawall Engineering

Seawalls are a critical component of shoreline protection. They help stabilize waterfront edges, reduce erosion, and protect upland property, infrastructure, and public access areas from wave action, storm surge, and long-term shoreline retreat.

KCI, formerly McLaren Engineering Group, provides seawall inspection, engineering design, rehabilitation, and replacement services for waterfront owners, developers, institutions, and public agencies. Our approach draws on integrated coastal, structural, and geotechnical engineering to deliver durable, constructible solutions for complex marine environments.

Featured
Pier 42 Seawall

Evaluated the granite stone-faced seawall and completed underwater and topside investigations of the pier, then developed repair plans including localized fixes and a full deck replacement to improve structural integrity and resilience, while coordinating with NYCDEC and USACE to support environmental and regulatory compliance.

Seawall Engineering Services

Our team supports seawall projects from early evaluation through final design and construction. Depending on the site and project goals, services can include:

New Seawall Design and Replacement

New seawall design requires more than soil retention. Each project must respond to shoreline geometry, geotechnical conditions, hydraulic and wave forces, corrosion exposure, upland loading, access constraints, and long-term maintenance needs.

Our team develops seawall solutions that balance performance, constructability, durability, and cost. Whether the project involves a new waterfront development or replacement of an aging structure, we focus on practical designs that protect assets and support long-term resiliency.

420 Bulkhead Construction

We engineered the design of the bulkhead and 40-foot-wide waterfront walkway along the East River. The Marine Division assisted the Structural Division with the flood loadings on the buildings, and flood resistant design requirements. The shoreline improvements integrated mitigation design to prevent further pollution of contamination found on-site.

Rehabilitation of Existing Seawalls

Not every deteriorated seawall needs full replacement. In many cases, an existing wall can be strengthened, repaired, or extended to improve performance and service life.

Rehabilitation strategies may address corrosion, cracking, tie-back deterioration, voiding, settlement, scour, undermining, and localized structural damage. We evaluate existing conditions, identify likely causes of distress, and develop repair strategies that improve performance while minimizing disruption to operations and site use.

Graphic Identifying Parts of Promontory Point's Limestone

Completed above-water and underwater inspections of the historic limestone revetment, updated prior preservation studies, and evaluated repair options and costs. Findings confirmed the structure is stable, functioning as intended, and its service life can be extended with targeted maintenance instead of full replacement.

Engineered for Harsh Coastal Conditions

Seawalls operate in demanding environments. Tidal fluctuations, saltwater exposure, vessel interaction, repeated loading, storm events, and changing shoreline conditions all affect long-term performance.

Our engineering approach considers structural behavior, material durability, hydrodynamic forces, and construction methods together. That integrated perspective helps deliver seawall solutions that are built for longevity, functionality, and real-world coastal conditions.

Supporting a Wide Range of Waterfront Projects

Seawall projects are often part of broader waterfront improvements, redevelopment efforts, and resiliency initiatives. Our marine and coastal experience supports projects involving:

  • Ferry landings + terminals
  • Waterfront parks + public access areas
  • Mixed-use waterfront developments
  • Marinas + small craft facilities
  • Institutional waterfront campuses
  • Industrial + working waterfront sites

Frequently Asked Questions

A seawall is typically designed to resist wave action and coastal forces while protecting the shoreline and upland assets. A bulkhead often functions primarily as a retaining structure, although many waterfront systems serve both purposes depending on the site and loading conditions.

Repair may be appropriate when deterioration is localized and the wall still has sufficient overall capacity. Replacement is more likely when distress is widespread, performance requirements have changed, or the structure has reached the end of its useful life.

Seawall design can include structural analysis, geotechnical evaluation, wave and loading considerations, material selection, permitting, technical documentation, and construction support.

Yes. KCI’s Marine Engineering team provides seawall inspections, design, and rehabilitation services.

Integrated Marine + Coastal Expertise

Successful seawall projects depend on the interaction between water, soil, structure, and construction. Our team brings together marine structural, coastal, and geotechnical engineering expertise to evaluate existing conditions, define project priorities, and develop practical solutions for each site.

Whether the need is a targeted repair program or a full replacement strategy, we help clients move from assessment to implementation with clear engineering guidance and construction-ready deliverables.

We’re excited to share that McLaren Engineering Group is now part of KCI Technologies Inc., a 100% employee-owned firm offering engineering and consulting across all markets, and construction for communications and environmental projects.

Our commitment to excellence continues with the added strength of KCI’s full range of engineering and consulting services.

Visit KCI’s website to learn more.