Building a Rock-Imitation Breakwater in the USA

The City of San Diego launched a breakwater construction project designed to protect a popular beachfront path from erosion. For many years, this route, popular with tourists and local residents, had been damaged by ocean waves.

The project for all the structures is worth USD 333,000 and, in addition to rebuilding the walkway, includes the construction of new concrete blocks whose task will be to break up ocean waves. The main idea is to shape the breakwater so that its form recreates the rocks found in this area.

Within a week, substructures for the artificial rocks were built, filled with natural stones and reinforced with thick rebar powder-coated for corrosion protection. The decorative rock-imitation layer itself is exceptionally thick so that it can withstand the strongest waves that have been damaging this area for many years. Without doubt, this use of concrete artificial rocks, in addition to its protective function, effectively masks the raw concrete blocks and gives them aesthetic value. 15 January 2020