At Kind Designs, innovation is grounded in rigorous scientific research. We partner with Universities, Engineering firms, and the DoD to continuously study, test, and improve our technology, ensuring every installation delivers measurable benefits for both coastal protection and marine ecosystems.
Structural Performance Testing
Flexural Test of Reinforced Concrete Specimens
Tests performed at the University of Miami’s Structures and Materials Laboratory, evaluated the load capacity, failure mechanisms, and material behavior of 3D-printed seawall panels relative to traditional precast concrete designs. The objective was to confirm that 3D printing techniques can deliver a structurally equivalent, or better performing wall than that of standard precast seawall panels. The results confirmed that Kind Designs’ 3DCP Living Seawalls meet the structural performance requirements for standard seawall applications as required by ACI 318—validating 3D printing as a viable, code-compliant manufacturing method for marine infrastructure.
Ecological Monitoring
Understanding marine habitat colonization and biodiversity enhancement
In partnership with Florida International University, we're conducting comprehensive ecological studies to document how marine life responds to our 3D-printed seawall structures. This research tracks species colonization patterns, monitors biodiversity development over time, and compares ecosystem health between traditional seawalls and living seawall installations. Additionally, understanding which design features attract specific marine species and support robust food webs, we continuously refine our panel designs to maximize ecological benefits while maintaining structural integrity.
Wave Absorption Testing
Measuring coastal protection performance under real world conditions.
Our collaboration with the University of Miami focuses on quantifying how effectively living seawalls dissipate wave energy and reduce coastal erosion. Researchers use advanced monitoring equipment to measure wave heights, flow patterns, and energy transfer across different panel configurations. This data helps us optimize the geometry and texture of our designs to provide superior protection while maintaining the complex surface features that marine life needs. The findings directly inform our engineering specifications for installations in varying coastal environments.
WAVE TANK TESTING AT NRL
Validating wave dissipation and sea spray reduction under Navy conditions.
In partnership with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), funded through a NAVSEA SBIR Phase I grant, we conducted physical wave tank testing comparing a special, 3D-printed Living Seawall™ geometry against a conventional flat seawall benchmark. Researchers measured wave attenuation and sea spray aerosol production — the latter one of the major drivers of the $20 billion in annual corrosion costs across DoD installations. Results showed our design absorbed up to 52% more wave energy than a flat wall in the most extreme conditions tested, with simulated marine growth meaningfully reducing sea spray. This NRL validation establishes a rigorous, military-grade benchmark for wave-dissipating coastal infrastructure, informing our next-generation panel geometry.
Work With Us.
Kind Designs, through continual research and development, relentlessly advances our technology, compliance, and sustainability efforts, consistently meeting, exceeding, and even setting new regulatory standards to ensure innovative marine construction solutions.
Learn more about our R&D, or discuss collaboration with our team for research.
FAQs
What is the importance of Performance Testing for marine construction projects?
Performance testing is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and durability of marine construction materials. At Kind Designs, we conducted rigorous flexural tests on our 3D-printed seawall panels at the University of Miami’s Structures and Materials Laboratory. These tests evaluated load capacity, failure mechanisms, and material behavior compared to traditional precast concrete. This scientific approach validates that our innovative 3DCP panels meet or exceed industry standards, ensuring long-lasting, robust solutions for waterfront property protection.
How does Kind Designs ensure effective biomimicry in marine construction design?
Kind Designs combines advanced marine science with biomimicry to engineer seawalls and coastal infrastructure that boost marine biodiversity and promote healthier marine ecosystems. Through our partnership with Florida International University, we conducted monitoring of species colonization on our structures, providing valuable data that guides the optimization of our 3D-printed panels for enhanced habitat complexity and superior structural integrity. This collaboration ensures our designs not only protect waterfront properties but also contribute positively to local ecosystems by fostering diverse marine life.
How do Living Seawalls™ improve coastal protection compared to traditional seawalls?
Living Seawalls™ significantly reduce reflected wave energy by up to 45%, mitigating destructive impacts such as foundation erosion, toe scour, and flooding. Wave tank testing at the University of Miami demonstrates that these innovative designs dissipate wave energy more effectively than traditional flat seawalls, extending the lifespan of coastal defenses and protecting both waterfront properties and adjacent shorelines.
Why is research and development critical for a marine construction company?
Research and development empower marine construction companies like Kind Designs to deliver innovative, durable, and eco-friendly solutions. By combining scientific performance testing and ecological monitoring, we continuously improve our products to meet evolving industry standards, reduce environmental footprints, and extend the life of marine infrastructure for optimal asset management.
Why do marine contractors choose Kind Designs?
Marine contractors choose Kind Designs for our proven track record of delivering durable, innovative, and sustainable marine construction solutions. Our cutting-edge 3D-printed seawall panels offer exceptional structural integrity, reducing frequent repairs and maintenance, which translates into significant cost savings. We provide expert consulting and collaborative design support, making us a trusted partner for future-proof waterfront property protection.
How does Kind Designs collaborate with marine construction companies?
Our partnership starts with a free consultation and project review to understand specific needs. We then provide custom design and product selection tailored to project requirements, supply high-quality products, and offer technical support. Throughout installation, we maintain ongoing collaboration with the contractor to ensure a smooth, successful project completion aligned with environmental safety and performance standards.