Clever eco engineering pilot

The project will demonstrate an innovative new design of ECOncrete’s award-winning interlocking COASTALOCK Tide Pool Armor on Harbor Island, which is currently protected from storm flooding and erosion by a riprap rock mound, with very little habitat value.

“ECOncrete is excited to launch the first installation of COASTALOCK here at the Port of San Diego. This Blue Economy pilot is proving that the coastal and marine construction industry can achieve two goals at once: any concrete infrastructure going into the water can perform structurally and be good for ecosystems,” said Dr Shimrit Perkol-Finkel, co-founder and CEO, ECOncrete.

“COASTALOCK is a fully load bearing, durable solution that changes the form and function of our developed coastlines – making them stronger, able to store carbon, while rejuvenating the precious coastal ecosystems and inviting the local community to engage with their waterfront.”

Green pilot

The COASTALOCK installation will secure Harbor Island’s shoreline with 72 interlocking armor units to provide environmentally sensitive edge protection.

Requiring minimal maintenance, the interlocking armor provides structural, ecological and community engagement benefits, including the promotion of marine organisms and restoration of local ecosystems.

Every six months after installation, ECOncrete will evaluate the viability of the tide pool units as an ecological armoring replacement to traditional riprap.

The pilot project is part of the port’s unique Blue Economy Incubator, a launching pad for sustainable aquaculture and port-related blue technology ventures.

ECOncrete is responsible for a variety of technologies for the eco-engineering of urban, coastal and marine infrastructure, providing high-performance, environmentally sensitive concrete solutions for climate change threats such as rising sea-levels and superstorms.

This announcement represents one of several upcoming large-scale projects secured by ECOncrete.