Coastal Protection

Arcosa Lightweight’s expanded shale and clay aggregates provide a sustainable solution for coastal restoration, effectively stabilizing shorelines, reducing erosion, and promoting sediment buildup to restore marshlands.

By using lightweight aggregate-filled geotextile bags, Arcosa helps protect sensitive coastal areas from wave impact, while supporting ecosystem regrowth and resilience against tropical storms.

Key Benefits

Arcosa Lightweight aggregates provide stable, eco-friendly solutions for coastal restoration, reducing shoreline erosion, supporting sediment buildup for habitat restoration, and withstanding harsh marine conditions.

Shoreline Erosion Control

Arcosa’s lightweight aggregates dissipate wave energy, reducing shoreline retreat and protecting coastlines. This stabilizing effect is critical in areas with significant erosion challenges, helping maintain shoreline integrity.

Promotes Marsh and Habitat Restoration

The porous nature of Arcosa aggregates encourages sediment buildup, fostering habitat creation and regrowth in marshes and other coastal environments. This supports biodiversity and helps restore ecological balance in sensitive coastal regions.

Economical and Environmentally Friendly

Lightweight aggregates reduce overall project costs by minimizing material settlement, allowing for cost-effective use of resources. The non-toxic, non-degradable composition of Arcosa aggregates also ensures environmental safety and longevity.

Featured Case Studies

Civil Engineering Magazine Highlights LWA Breakwaters

In January 2021, Civil Engineering, the magazine of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), published a thorough article about the massive land-saving project along the 26.5 mile section – with an emphasis on a specific 9.2 mile stretch of marshland – bordering the Gulf of Mexico in Cameron and Vermillion Parishes.

Barataria Restoration Utilizes Encapsulated Lightweight Aggregate

The Barataria Basin Landbridge Shoreline Protection project is a restoration campaign conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). This long-term effort is designed to protect vital marshes and wetlands from further damage.

Arcosa Lightweight Used in Man-Made Berm Along Louisiana Coastline

The Biloxi Marsh project is located along a 7-mile stretch of the southeastern shoreline of Lake Borgne and the Biloxi Wildlife Management Area.

Wave Energy Reduction

Arcosa aggregates help absorb and disperse wave energy, preventing soil loss and stabilizing coastal areas effectively.

Sediment Accumulation and Habitat Support

The porous structure of the aggregates promotes siltation, creating a foundation for marsh and habitat restoration in coastal regions.

Lightweight and Durable Design

Easy to transport and install, Arcosa’s aggregates provide a low-maintenance, long-lasting coastal solution, especially suited for areas where traditional rock breakwaters are impractical.

Why Choose Arcosa Lightweight for Coastal Restoration?

Proven Effectiveness: Arcosa’s lightweight aggregates have demonstrated success in major coastal projects, providing a reliable solution for shoreline stabilization and ecosystem restoration.
Sustainable and Environmentally Safe: Arcosa aggregates are inert, non-toxic, and promote ecological health, making them a responsible choice for marine and coastal protection.
Cost-Efficient with Minimal Maintenance: With reduced settling and easy handling, Arcosa aggregates support cost-effective, low-maintenance coastal restoration projects.

Coastal Protection