How it works

When sand loses its ability to bind with other sand particles, the result is increased erosion, and sand is more easily washed away. ShoreLock promotes the relationship between grains through the retention of interstitial water that facilitates the accretion of sand along the beach.

By promoting hydrogen bonding with ShoreLock, a liquid bridge is formed between grains of sand. This liquid bridge increases surface tension and allows natural accretion to occur through tidal wave action. ShoreLock also promotes dewatering below the surface level of the beach to help reduce escarpment. 

 

Is the ShoreLock process purely chemical, physical, or both?

The general process is purely chemical. ShoreLock works by promoting an interaction between sand and water molecules. The result is a beach that retains a microscopic layer of fresh water so that better cohesiveness is maintained.

ShoreLock is applied directly to an existing beach. The beach may “grow” over time through the natural accretion of nearshore sand deposits attracted through this process. There are often instances where it is practical to import sand and pre-treat that sand with ShoreLock. For this type of application, ShoreLock is formulated to blend with the imported sand in order to ensure maximum performance and interactions between the native and imported sand.

Is it harmful to environmental or/and human health?

It is safe to use ShoreLock on ANY beach and in any environment. ShoreLock is made of all FDA approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) components, and offers no danger or harmful effects to people, or the environment. ShoreLock, and its effect on the environment have been extensively studied.

Is it harmful to sea turtles, small nesting birds or crabs?

It is safe for sea turtles, birds, and crabs. In fact, instances have been found where sand quality has improved such that new nesting locations have been established for sea turtles due to improved sand quality that is LESS compact due new sand accretion that is lighter and finer grain size.

How is it applied?

  1. Prior to any project, our team conducts all necessary baseline surveys in accordance with requirements of local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. The data is then analyzed and the necessary amount of ShoreLock is custom-manufactured to account for subtle differences in sand composition as well as water chemistry in order to maximize performance.

  2. During the application process, ShoreLock (in powdered form) is mixed with water onsite, and then distributed throughout the beach by means of covered trenches, directional boring equipment, or direct push machinery. The wave action and tidal fluctuation mixes the product with the sand. Applications are typically spread 30-45 days apart initially and spaced over a 4 month period, depending on the environment and desired results. Once the beach is established a quarterly maintenance program is initiated. 

  3. Topographical data, marine resources, and sand and water chemistry are monitored throughout the entire process until project completion or a required by local environmental agencies.

How long does it last?

ShoreLock is designed to for coastal engineers to have environmental control over the coastline. Its effects are scalable and will reverse if the product is discontinued for any reason. 

Benefits

  • Stabilization begins to occur within 24 hours

  • Reduces erosion escarpments providing safer ocean access and improved grading for sea turtles to approach their nesting location, reducing false crawls

  • Increases capture of nearshore sand that improves retention and builds up sand reserves

  • Reduction in storm erosion with a faster rate of recovery

  • Proactive maintenance of coastline

  • Cost savings over traditional methods

  • No impact or risk to coral reef health