Bluffs and Ravines
Bleck has been providing engineered context sensitive solutions on ravines and bluffs for decades. Whether new development is occurring on a property, routine maintenance and inspections to help prevent property loss, or emergency repairs are needed, Bleck is one of the go-to engineers along the North Shore.
Protecting the North Shore's Natural Landscape
The unique topography of the North Shore, with its dramatic bluffs and ravines along Lake Michigan, requires specialized engineering expertise. Bleck Engineering has been at the forefront of providing context-sensitive solutions that protect both property and the natural environment.
Our approach balances the need for development and property protection with environmental stewardship. We work closely with regulatory agencies, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, to ensure all work meets environmental standards while providing effective stabilization and restoration solutions.
From routine inspections that help prevent costly property loss to emergency repairs following severe weather events, our team provides comprehensive services tailored to the unique challenges of working with bluffs and ravines.
Our Services
Comprehensive services for bluffs and ravine management
Our Work
Showcasing bluffs and ravine engineering projects along the North Shore
Featured Projects
Explore our bluffs and ravine engineering work
Fort Sheridan Ravine & Coastal Restoration
In 2015, John Keno & Company was awarded a 5-year construction contract for ravine and coastal restoration by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. John Keno in turn looked to Bleck to layout new ravine thread lines, stone step pools, rock riffles, earth retaining structures, and walkways. As part of their contract with the Army the contractor was required to submit shop drawings for riprap that were sized and signed by a professional engineer. Bleck was able to leverage their knowledge of the immediate watershed in order to get the proper sizing of the stone to keep the construction project on schedule. The Fort Sheridan Ravine and Coastal Section 506 Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Project spanned across four main ravines and 1.5 miles of coast line on Lake Michigan.
Walden Ravine Stabilization
The City of Lake Forest identified a critical infrastructure issue when a headwall at the upstream end of the culvert beneath the Ringwood Road land bridge collapsed, obstructing water flow through Walden Ravine. In response, Bleck Engineering was retained to evaluate the structural stability of the ravine and conduct a comprehensive survey of both its upstream and downstream segments. The culvert, a brick structure over a century old, was in need of substantial rehabilitation. The project was approached through a multi-phase design process focused on restoring aging infrastructure, improving water quality within the ravine, and enhancing roadway safety. On the upstream side of the ravine, the design included the construction of a new concrete headwall and the restoration of approximately 130 linear feet of stream channel. This restoration incorporated hydraulic features such as rock riffles and stone step pools to moderate water flow, along with channel armoring using glacial and fluvial stone to control erosion. Toe protection was also provided, incorporating crevices designed to support amphibian habitat. Additionally, the ravine bottom was stabilized and revitalized through the use of native plantings to support long-term ecological health. To preserve the existing culvert, a spray-in-place pipe lining method was used to reinforce its structural integrity while minimizing disturbance to the surrounding environment. On the downstream side, a new storm sewer system was installed to effectively manage roadway drainage. This system included three separate drainage structures, each protected with glacial and fluvial stone to dissipate energy and prevent scour along the ravine slopes. Toe protection was further reinforced with the installation of gabion baskets and additional stone armoring, ensuring long-term slope stability. As part of the roadway improvements, approximately 300 feet of Ringwood Road was milled and resurfaced. A B6.12 combination curb and gutter system was installed along the land bridge to control stormwater runoff and reduce erosion along the ravine slopes. To improve vehicular safety, timber guardrails were placed along both sides of the roadway, addressing the steep 35-foot drop from the bridge to the ravine bed below. Following completion of the design, Bleck Engineering provided permitting assistance to the City of Lake Forest, coordinating with Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure all necessary regulatory approvals for the project.
Waukegan Municipal Beach
In the fall of 2017 the City of Waukegan Engineering Department reached out to Bleck to complete a plat of survey with topographic information of their municipal beach. The survey encompassed over 60 acres of land and was done on International Great Lakes Datum 1985 (IGLD85). Bleck Engineering also captured aerial imagery of the entire property to aid in future planning for the city.
Pioneer Park Wetland Restoration
Pioneer Park is nestled along the DuPage River in Naperville. Bleck Engineering was tasked with the design of a two phase habitat restoration plan along the river. The design work for phase one included shoreline stabilization and boulder riffle outcroppings along the DuPage River. Phase two improvements included wet prairie, riparian woodland, and non-riparian woodland restoration within the floodway of the river.
Private Residence – Soldier Beam and Lagging Wall
Bleck Engineering was hired to design a retaining wall to replace a timber retaining wall that was failing. The property overlooks Lake Michigan with a 65 foot high bluff. The home is situated 40 feet from an existing timber retaining wall that was failing. The new wall is 140' in length, with an exposed face 13' high. The wall was designed as a soldier pile retaining wall with drilled in steel H-piles and white oak timber lagging.
Private Residence – Soldier Beam and Lagging Wall
Bleck Engineering was approached by a homeowner who had a failing concrete and timber retaining wall that went right up to the detached garage and was 8 feet away from the residence. After assessing the site with the homeowner and gathering topographic and soil information, Bleck proposed that a new retaining wall be built in front of the existing failing wall. A soldier beam and lagging wall with concrete panels and a channel cap was chosen to help protect the real estate for the long term. The new wall is 400' in length with a maximum exposed face of 12' in height. Construction plans were designed to try and minimize the disruption to the table land as well as to provide an aesthetic quality to neighboring properties.
Need Help with Your Bluff or Ravine?
Contact us to discuss how our expertise in bluffs and ravine engineering can protect your property and preserve the natural landscape.
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