9/2024 – Swift Recovery: Terraforce Wall Withstands Nature’s Fury at Herolds Bay

‘Worst storm in 30 years’ hits Herold’s Bay

In the wake of an unprecedented storm that battered South Africa’s Garden Route in September 2023, the coastal gem of Herolds Bay faced a formidable challenge. For nearly two decades, a Terraforce round face finish retaining wall had stood as a silent guardian, protecting beachfront properties from the relentless assault of waves and winter storms. However, on September 16th, the wall met its match as freak waves breached a small section, threatening the idyllic coastal haven.

Extent of damage of the retaining wall
Extent of the damage of the retaining wall
Frontal view of the damage, cleared for repairs
Frontal view of the damage, cleared for repairs

Rising to the Challenge

Faced with this urgent situation, a team of experts swiftly mobilised to restore the wall’s integrity before the onset of the summer season. Urhwebo e-Transand, led by Technical & Contracts Director Klasie Lategan and Contracts Manager Brandon van Rensburg, took on the task with a clear objective: complete the repairs by the end of November 2023.

“The goal was to successfully repair the damaged area before the end of November 2023,” van Rensburg explained. “Construction started mid-October and was completed by mid-November.”

Expert Reconstruction Technique

Replacing and filling of blocks and stabilised backfill
Replacing and filling of blocks and stabilised backfill
Installing geogrid reinforcing
Installing geogrid reinforcing

The team employed a meticulous approach, rebuilding the wall one row at a time. Each completed row was reinforced with a 15MPa concrete mix poured behind and in the blocks, ensuring structural integrity. High-tensile galvanized dowels were installed for added strength, while geogrids tied back on the horizontal ends provided essential lateral support.

Shuttering for final backfill layer
Shuttering for the final backfill layer
Finishing off the repairs
Finishing off the repairs with a concrete mix backfill

In total, 1,044 L13 (manufactured with a marine concrete mix) Terraforce blocks were used in the reconstruction. These specialized blocks, designed to withstand harsh marine environments, were supplied by Mobicast, a Terraforce licensed manufacturer, Southern Cape.

A Testament to Resilience

The swift and successful repair of the Herolds Bay retaining wall stands as a testament to the durability of Terraforce systems and the expertise of our partners. Despite facing extreme weather conditions, the wall’s design allowed for efficient repair and reinforcement, minimizing downtime and ensuring continued protection for the beachfront properties.

For nearly two decades, a Terraforce round face finish retaining wall had stood as a silent guardian, protecting beachfront properties from the relentless assault of waves and winter storms.
Standing strong for 19 years
For nearly two decades, the Terraforce round face finish retaining wall has protected the beachfront homes
The wall in 2016

This project highlights the importance of robust coastal defence systems in an era of increasing climate unpredictability. It also underscores Terraforce’s commitment to providing reliable, adaptable solutions that can be quickly restored even in the face of nature’s most powerful forces.

As we look to the future, the reinforced Herolds Bay retaining wall stands ready to face whatever challenges the sea may bring, continuing its vigilant protection of this beautiful stretch of South African coastline.

Project Team:

Client: George Municipality

Main Contractor: Urhwebo e-Transand

Licensed Terraforce Manufacturer, Southern Cape: Mobicast