Sjømurer

Sjømurer are coastal structures designed to protect land and human activities from the force of the sea. They run along shorelines, fronting harbors, towns, and agricultural land at risk of erosion or flooding. By absorbing and reflecting wave energy, they reduce shoreline retreat, stabilize beaches, and maintain access for vessels and roads.

Designs vary with location, wave climate, and seabed; common forms include solid masonry or concrete seawalls, rubble-mound revetments, and stepped or sloped profiles. Some seawalls are integrated with harbor defenses such as breakwaters or quay walls. Foundations rest on bedrock, sediments, or piles, and details often include a toe protection and drainage to manage seepage and settlement.

Construction requires coastal geotechnical assessment, load calculations, and consideration of long-term settlement and scour. Maintenance focuses on repairing cracks, replacing displaced blocks, and addressing undermining or corrosion, as well as managing associated sediment transport and drainage.

Environmental considerations are central in modern practice: seawalls can alter sediment dynamics, coastal habitats, and water exchange. In some cases, soft engineering approaches, such as beach nourishment or dune restoration, are favored to preserve natural dynamics. Sjømurer have a long history in Norwegian and other Nordic coasts, reflecting efforts to protect communities, ports, and farmland from the sea while balancing ecological impacts. Owing to sea-level rise and intensified storms, planning and upgrading seawalls remains an ongoing aspect of coastal engineering.