Bluff Stabilization
Martin Resorts Shore Cliff Lodge Bluff Stabilization
Pismo Beach, California
Design-build bluff stabilization of four distinct work areas at a fully active coastal hotel, featuring 130 tiebacks, 15,000 square feet of shotcrete, and a GeoWeb bluff reconstruction.
The Problem
Site Conditions That Drove the Work
The Shore Cliff Lodge at 2555 Price Street had experienced severe coastal bluff erosion since the most recent buildings were completed in 1972. Previous stabilization measures in 1979, 1995, and 2002, including drilled piers, sea cave infilling, and rock revetments, had not prevented continued erosion. Historical records showed up to 14 feet of upper bluff retreat since the original piers were installed. Sea cave formation in the Obispo Tuff formation was a major factor, with seawater exploiting joints and faults to undermine the overlying terrace deposits. Further erosion threatened the hotel, parking, and pedestrian access.
The Solution
J.C. Baldwin and TerraCosta Consulting Group executed a design-build stabilization across four distinct work areas. Areas 8, 10, and 11 received tied-back shotcrete sea walls with 130 tiebacks up to 65 feet long and nearly 15,000 square feet of structural and architectural shotcrete applied in two layers, with a structural layer first and then an architectural finish designed to match the surrounding natural bluff. Workers rappelled down bluff faces with hand tools at heights of 50 to 80 feet to trim and prepare the bluff before scaffolding, rebar, tieback drilling, and shotcrete application. Area 9 received a GeoWeb bluff reconstruction with compacted fill to 90 percent relative compaction and hydro-seeding. All work was performed while the hotel remained fully active, including during holiday seasons.
Outcome
The project successfully stabilized the fragile coastal bluffs with an architectural finish that blends with the surrounding natural environment. It preserves public pedestrian access and protects all hotel structures, parking, and bluff-top improvements. The project received the 2017 CalGeo Outstanding Project Award.
Client
Martin Resorts
Engineer
TerraCosta Consulting Group
Delivery
Design-Build
Tiebacks
130 total, up to 65 ft long
Shotcrete
~15,000 sq ft, 12-18 in thick
Working Height
50-80 ft above beach
Duration
Sept 2015 - Aug 2016
Recognition
2017 CalGeo Outstanding Project Award
Project Gallery
Problem, Solution, and Site Conditions in the Field
Related Services
Capabilities Behind This Project
The Shore Cliff Lodge stabilization drew on J.C. Baldwin's bluff stabilization, coastal access and sea cave infilling, and slope stabilization services to protect the hotel and preserve public pedestrian access below. Learn more about the services involved in Martin Resorts Shore Cliff Lodge Bluff Stabilization:
Coastal
Coastal Access
Structural coastal access systems and sea cave infilling work that preserve safety, access, and long-term bluff stability.
Coastal
Bluff Stabilization
Stabilizing bluffs threatened by erosion, landslides, and long-term movement in steep, highly exposed coastal environments.
Inland
Slope Stabilization
Field-proven systems for slopes facing erosion, instability, or long-term movement near homes, roads, and development.