Bulkheads & Seawalls

Anchoring Solutions for Bulkheads & Seawalls

For both repair and new construction, bulkheads and seawalls need anchoring solutions that install cleanly, verify capacity on site, and perform in marine conditions. Modern anchor products are a better choice than conventional deadmen—there’s no large excavation, easier access on tight sites, no spoils to haul, and faster installations with immediate verification.

Foundation Technologies supports this application with two proven products: Chance® helical tiebacks and MANTA RAY® earth anchors.

Chance® Helical Tiebacks

Helical tiebacks are a strong fit where projects call for higher loads, deeper load transfer, or torque-correlated capacity. They can be designed for virtually any load and are especially effective for applications 15 kips and higher. Installation is rotational with a drive head to a target torque; capacity can be verified by installation torque with additional proof testing as needed. Helicals can be installed from land or water and generate no vibration. Helical tiebacks can be removed later if the design or site requires it.

  • Typical use: higher design loads, deeper load transfer, stricter movement limits
  • Installation: rotated to design torque; straightforward proof/load testing
  • Access: installs from land or water; limited-access capable
  • Impact: low disturbance, no spoils, no vibration
  • Removability: removable when specified

MANTA RAY® Earth Anchors

MANTA RAY® anchors provide a fast, efficient option for lighter to moderate loads, typically up to ~15–20 kips depending on configuration, installation depth, and soil conditions. They are percussion-driven with small equipment and then proof-loaded at lock-off to verify performance on site. With minimal disturbance, no spoils, and small crew needs, they’re well-suited to tight-access marine work. Note: MANTA RAY® anchors are not removable.

  • Typical use: light–moderate loads, tight access, rapid mobilization
  • Installation: percussion-driven; set and proof-loaded at lock-off
  • Access: small equipment; minimal excavation; minimal spoils
  • Impact: low disturbance, efficient production
  • Removability: not removable

Typical Applications

  • New seawall or bulkhead construction (steel sheet, concrete, vinyl/PVC)
  • Remediation of leaning or displaced walls and cap beams
  • Boardwalks, marinas, and upland retaining structures
  • Deadman replacements and anchor upgrades

Design & Selection Factors

  • Required anchor load (tension) and allowable wall movement
  • Soil profile and groundwater conditions
  • Setback and available embedment length behind the wall
  • Access constraints and allowable equipment
  • Corrosion environment (brackish/saltwater) and service life
  • Testing requirements (proof and/or performance tests)

How We Support Your Project

  • Product selection for your application: Chance® helical tiebacks or MANTA RAY® earth anchors
  • Preliminary capacity estimates based on soils and geometry
  • Layout guidance (anchor inclination, spacing, and setback)
  • Proof/load testing recommendations and field coordination
  • Submittal data and technical assistance for the engineer of record

Note: We do not provide stamped plans. We support the licensed engineer with product data and technical guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these solutions suitable for both new construction and repairs?

Yes. Helical tiebacks and MANTA RAY® anchors are used for both new seawalls/bulkheads and remediation of existing structures.

What load ranges do they cover?

MANTA RAY® anchors typically address light to moderate loads up to about 15–20 kips (soil/depth dependent). Helical tiebacks can be designed for virtually any load and are especially effective for 15 kips and higher.

Why use these instead of conventional deadmen?

No large excavation, easier access on tight waterfront sites, no spoils to haul, faster installation, and immediate, verifiable capacity.

Are the anchors removable?

Helical tiebacks can be removable when specified. MANTA RAY® anchors are not removable.

Request Project Support

Share your wall type, setback, target loads, access constraints, and soils information. Our team will recommend a helical or MANTA RAY® approach and outline testing steps. Ask an Engineer or Request a Quote.

CHANCE® Helical Tieback Anchors are utilized for bulkhead and seawall repair as well as the new construction of seawalls and bulkheads. They’re proven to be the best system available for providing lateral support for both seawall and bulkhead repair as well as new seawall and new bulkhead construction and are engineered to meet your specific project needs.

No cleanup, no mess—just tons of load capacity

Helical tiebacks are superior to conventional deadmen because they eliminate the need for excavation and can be installed quickly and tensioned immediately. Helical tieback anchors are classified as soil anchors and loads are developed based upon the capacity of the soil behind the wall. Holding capacity is proportional to the installation torque of each anchor. Length and bearing area can be adjusted in the field to meet the specified load requirements for the project - be it for seawall repair or new bulkhead construction. Our professional engineers and field experts stand ready to assist you as needed from design to completion.

Benefits of using CHANCE® to repair failing bulkheads and seawalls:

  • No excavation or spoils
  • No concrete or grout – eliminated cure time
  • Can be installed from land or water side
  • Quick to install and can instantly be tensioned
  • Cost-effective: cuts down on labor, equipment, and time needed
  • Removable and extendable – can be moved if an obstruction is encountered
  • Can be installed underneath structures
  • No impact on landscaping and minimal cleanup

Want to learn more? Check out our Helical Tieback Anchor page.

See how Foundation Technologies products were used for bulkhead and seawall construction in this case study: