Edisto Beach, SC
A comprehensive shoreline upgrade combined high-volume beach fill with strategic groin enhancements to improve sand retention and elevate coastal defense performance.
At a Glance
Edisto Beach has battled chronic erosion driven by reduced sand supply and aging groins. A major restoration paired large-scale nourishment with targeted extensions to 26 groins, boosting sand retention and storm resilience. This adaptive strategy strengthened berms and dunes, improved structural performance, and supports ongoing monitoring of downcoast impacts.
Overcoming Long-Term Erosion and Aging Shore-Protection Infrastructure
Edisto Beach has faced persistent erosion from regional sand shortages and limited downcoast transport. Aging groins leaked sediment, destabilizing cells and shifting impacts alongshore. The solution focused on restoring beach and dune protection by upgrading groin performance—retaining sand where needed, while maintaining natural shoreline processes and minimizing downcoast effects.
Transforming Aging Infrastructure into a Modern Coastal Defense
CSE implemented a long-term adaptive strategy combining large-scale nourishment with targeted groin rehabilitation and extensions to address chronic erosion. Groins were reshaped to reflect natural beach profiles and upgraded with durable materials to retain sand while allowing controlled sediment exchange. The program strengthened berms and dunes, enhanced storm protection, and supports ongoing management of downcoast impacts.
Restoring Sand, Strengthening Dunes, and Protecting the Coast
The project delivered major gains in sand retention and erosion control at Edisto Beach by modernizing and extending aging groins alongside large-scale nourishment. Wider berms and dunes now provide stronger storm protection and a more stable beach across nearly four miles of shoreline. Ongoing monitoring confirms improved groin performance, healthy sediment exchange, and balanced downcoast impacts.
Project Transformation
See the dramatic difference our coastal engineering solutions made.
Beach nourishment and targeted groin improvements created a wider, stronger shoreline designed to retain sand and provide lasting storm protection.
"After decades of storms and high water, the community assessed and rebuilt several oceanfront erosion control structures to extend project life and reduce long-term costs."
Steven Traynum
CSE/Project Manager
Explore More Coastal Structures Work
Head back to our projects to see everything under Coastal Structures.
Explore Coastal Structures