Standing the Test of Time and Tide

In 2005, Asilomar State Beach had a big problem. The gorgeously rugged beach had suffered the ravages of coastal erosion. This one-mile stretch stretch of coastline, home to the Asilomar Conference center, is known for its rugged natural beauty and diversity. The dunes and sandy beaches give way to rocky outcroppings and the fierce tides regularly overwhelm the pedestrian pathways. All of this  is part of the attraction to locals and tourists alike.

GraniteCrete Asilomar State Beach
An example of the erosion at Asilomar on the left; the GraniteCrete installation after completion in 2005 on the right.

But by 2005, these conditions had led to a perilous situation for the hundreds of thousands of annual visitors. The stairways leading to the beach had been severely and dangerously washed away. Asilomar State Beach is not located in a protective cove, but exposed to the open ocean. The pathways and stairs leading to the beach are regularly submerged by a  cold upwelling from nearby Monterey Canyon. When deciding how to resolve the erosion issue, the California Department of Parks and Recreation needed  to find a solution that would be both cost effective and extremely durable.

Concrete, though durable, would not blend with the natural beauty of the area. Traditional decomposed granite would only be washed away by the punishing tides. They needed something that would require little maintenance. Due to the fragile ecosystem, they needed to choose a product that would not leech dangerous or toxic materials, such as synthetic pigments and binders.

More than a decade ago, The Parks System chose GraniteCrete™.

GraniteCrete’s permeability and permanence were perfect for the project. It not only blends beautifully with the surroundings, it requires no maintenance. The organic colors, made from natural pigments, have stood the test of time, retaining their natural shade. Despite constant tidal encroachment, the steps look virtually the same today as when they were first installed.  Some of this can be credited to the porous nature of GraniteCrete, and some to the permanence provided by the proprietary admixture.

In the nearly thirteen years since GraniteCrete was installed at Asilomar State Beach, it has maintained its structural  integrity. It has not eroded, and the transition/grade between the railroad ties and the GraniteCrete is continuous, making the steps safe for public use.  The State Beach has saved thousands of dollars in maintenance over a regular decomposed granite installation, with an installation that has the durability of concrete, yet aesthetic beauty that no other product could provide.

GraniteCrete Permanent Durable Permeable Paving Asilomar State Beach
Beneath the sand from the beach, the GraniteCrete installation at Asilomar State Beach maintains its integrity in 2018.

Contact us to find out how GraniteCrete can help you combat erosion!