Slope Protection & Erosion Control
If you’re concerned about slope movement, erosion, retaining wall issues, or water-related soil loss, our experts are here to help! Contact Foundation Systems Hawaii today to schedule a professional evaluation and learn how our engineered slope protection solutions can safeguard your home for years to come. Call 808.833.7173 to schedule your consultation today.
Steep terrain and intense rainfall make slope-related issues a serious concern across Oahu. At Foundation Systems Hawaii, we specialize in structural slope protection and erosion control designed for Hawaii’s unique conditions, including steep grades, limited access sites, and residential environments.
Rather than relying on surface-level treatments, our team focuses on stabilizing the soil itself, reinforcing slopes, managing groundwater, and protecting homes both on hillsides and below them. Every solution is tailored to your property’s specific conditions to ensure lasting stability and peace of mind!
Slope Movement vs. Erosion
Slope movement and erosion are closely related, but not the same. Both can threaten homes, retaining walls, and foundations if left unaddressed. That’s why we approach every project with engineered solutions that stabilize the ground itself, not just the surface. Some key differences include:
Slope movement involves the instability of the soil mass, often caused by gravity, weak or weathered soils, excess groundwater, or inadequate original construction. These issues are especially critical for homes built on hillsides or near steep terrain, where unstable soil can directly impact foundations, slabs, and retaining walls.
Erosion is the slow but persistent loss of soil over time. In Hawaii, intense rainfall, surface runoff, groundwater flow, and wind-exposed slopes can wash soil away little by little. While erosion may look minor at first, it can eventually undermine slopes, expose foundations, and contribute to larger, more dangerous slope failures.
Slope Stabilization Solutions
At Foundation Systems Hawaii, we design slope protection systems that address both soil instability and erosion when needed. Some of our services include:
- Micropiles – These small-diameter, high-capacity drilled piers are ideal for stabilizing slopes, supporting foundations, and reinforcing retaining systems. They are especially effective for homes built on or near steep hillsides or at the toe of a slope.
- Soil Nails – This process involves drilling steel bars into a slope and grouting them into place to strengthen and reinforce the soil mass. Soil nailing is commonly used on steep natural or cut slopes to reduce the risk of movement or collapse.
- Tieback Ground Anchors – These tensioned anchors are drilled into stable soil or rock to support retaining walls or stabilize slopes that are leaning, cracking, or showing signs of outward movement.
- Shotcrete Slope Facing – For this process, we use spray-applied concrete and reinforce it with steel rebar and mesh. Shotcrete is often used alongside soil nails, tiebacks, or micropiles to provide surface protection, structural facing, and rockfall mitigation.
Drainage & Water Management
Water is one of the biggest contributors to slope failure in Hawaii. A critical component of many slope protection systems is proper drainage solutions, especially behind shotcrete facings. Drains and weep holes allow groundwater to escape instead of building up pressure behind walls or within the soil.
Nearly every slope stabilization project we perform includes water management strategies designed to reduce soil saturation, limit erosion, and improve long-term stability. By controlling both surface water and groundwater, we help protect slopes from future movement and failure.
Signs You May Need Slope Protection or Erosion Control
You may benefit from slope stabilization or erosion control services if you notice any of the following conditions on your property:
- Your home is constructed on or along a steep hillside
- Your property sits downhill from a slope showing signs of movement or soil loss
- Retaining walls are bowing, cracking, separating, or no longer plumb
- Soil is eroding or washing away near foundations, slabs, or walkways
- Exposed soil, roots, or rock are appearing where ground cover once existed
- There are concerns about falling rocks, unstable slopes, or hillside safety
Addressing these issues early can help prevent costly structural damage and improve overall safety!
Contact Us
At Foundation Systems Hawaii, we help protect homes both on and below slopes by stabilizing the ground itself, managing water, and reinforcing soil with engineered, drilled foundation solutions. With decades of experience working in Oahu’s challenging terrain, our team understands what it takes to deliver durable, long-lasting results.
