Rebuilding Volusia County: How ICE Equipment and Hydrauli-Flex Hoses Power the Restoration of Seawalls

In 2022, Volusia County, Florida, faced the wrath of Mother Nature. During the hurricane season, over 7,000 homes and nearly 1,650 buildings were severely damaged by flooding and structural destruction. The storms left countless businesses in ruins, including 40 small businesses that were completely wiped out. In response, FEMA allocated $103 million to help residents with home repairs, rental assistance, and other needs, while nearly $9 million was given to local governments and nonprofit organizations to help in the recovery.

Among the teams that have been working tirelessly to restore the coastline and protect the community from future storms is East Coast Marine Construction & Design (ECM), a local leader in Florida marine and dock construction. Their primary mission has been the restoration of seawalls, particularly in Daytona Beach Shores near Sunglow Pier, a critical area for both businesses and residents.

The Importance of Reliable Equipment

Rebuilding seawalls isn’t just about clearing debris and moving heavy materials. It requires specialized machinery that can perform in harsh environments while withstanding the pressures of coastal conditions. As ECM tackled this monumental project, the team relied on various pieces of heavy equipment, including a Terex truck crane, excavators, and most notably, ICE® vibratory hammers and power units.

To drive the 22-foot-long steel sheets necessary for the seawall reconstruction, ECM chose the ICE® 216D Vibratory Hammer and the ICE® 150G Power Unit, two products from International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®), a leading provider of foundation equipment. According to ECM, the ICE® 216D offered the perfect combination of power and size for this project. Its relatively lightweight design combined with the necessary force for sheet driving helped the team make quick progress, despite some challenges along the way.

In addition to the ICE® equipment, ECM used the ICE® 95 Sheeting Clamp, which played a pivotal role in efficiently driving the steel sheets into the sand, creating a stable base for the new seawall.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the sandy beach environment offering relatively good conditions for driving sheets, the ECM crew faced some tough obstacles. The presence of a cementitious sand layer on the beach slowed down the sheet driving, resulting in a higher blow count of 50+ with each strike. This challenge, however, was not the only difficulty the team faced.

Time and Tide: Working on the beach against both the clock and the unpredictable tides was a constant battle. With only four workable hours on certain days due to tidal patterns, ECM had to stay nimble and make the most out of every opportunity to work. On days when the wind was particularly rough, the team could not work at all, making time management critical to the success of the project.

Environmental Sensitivity: Given the coastal location, there were heightened concerns about preserving the beach’s natural environment, including ensuring that endangered species such as sea turtles were not harmed. ECM adhered to strict protocols, making sure that no contaminants—such as hydraulic oil, grease, or gas—were introduced into the beach ecosystem. Their commitment to minimizing environmental impact was unwavering, ensuring that the restoration process did not compromise the very land they sought to protect.

Storm Planning: Once the old seawall was demolished, the properties were left vulnerable to future storms. ECM was vigilant about planning for the possibility of another hurricane or strong storm while the restoration was in progress, ensuring that no further damage would be done to the properties they were working hard to safeguard.

The Hose Company and Hydrauli-Flex Hoses: Powering ICE Equipment

Throughout these challenges, one of the key components that ensured the success of ECM’s operations was the Hydrauli-Flex hoses supplied by The Hose Company. These hydraulic hoses are crucial in enabling the transfer of pressurized fluids to power the equipment needed for such heavy-duty tasks.

Hydraulic hoses, by nature, are designed to handle high-pressure environments and harsh conditions. This is why they are so important for projects like rebuilding seawalls, where machinery experiences both vibration and intense movement. The Hydrauli-Flex hoses used in the ICE® equipment are no exception. They are built to withstand the intense pressure required to operate vibratory hammers, cranes, and other construction equipment in difficult environments, ensuring reliable performance and long-lasting durability.

For ECM, the high-quality Hydrauli-Flex hoses ensured that the vibratory hammers and power units could run smoothly, helping the crew complete the job on time and on budget. The hoses’ flexibility and strength meant that ECM could continue working, even as conditions on the beach shifted.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Reliability

For ECM, the support they received from the ICE® Florida Branch Sales & Service team was invaluable. Project Manager Michael Fletcher praised ICE® for their expertise and customer service, saying, “Billy and the ICE® team were lifesavers. They always had our back, whether it was troubleshooting equipment or offering advice on how to use it more efficiently. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

This level of support and collaboration between ECM and ICE® highlights the importance of relationships in the construction and equipment industry. ICE® is not just about selling equipment; they are dedicated to ensuring their clients have the resources and support they need to succeed.

A Safe and Secure Future for Volusia County

Thanks to the tireless efforts of ECM and the reliability of the equipment, including the Hydrauli-Flex hoses powering the machinery, the residents, tourists, and beachgoers of Volusia County can rest easier knowing that the seawalls are being restored and strengthened. These seawalls are essential for protecting the area from future storm surges and providing a stable foundation for both local businesses and homes. The dedication of professionals like East Coast Marine ensures that Volusia County will continue to be a safe and thriving community, even in the face of nature's fiercest challenges.

Contact Us

At The Hose Company, we specialize in providing high-quality hydraulic and industrial hoses that are crucial for applications like construction and industrial machinery. With over 10 years of experience, we offer custom assemblies and hoses that are built to withstand harsh environments and high-pressure conditions.

If you're looking for reliable hydraulic hoses to power your equipment, contact us today. Our Hydrauli-Flex hoses are designed for durability and flexibility, ensuring your machinery operates efficiently and safely. Reach out to us for more information or to place an order.