Legato interlocking blocks forming a coastal erosion wall at the foot of a cliff

Coastal Erosion Control Solutions

Legato® Interlocking Concrete Blocks by Elite Precast

Elite Precast supplies coastal erosion control and shoreline protection systems using Legato® interlocking concrete blocks, providing a durable, adaptable and cost-effective solution for managing erosion, wave action and tidal forces in coastal and estuarine environments.

Manufactured from high strength 50N/mm² concrete, Legato® blocks are engineered to perform in harsh marine conditions where long-term durability, stability and environmental responsibility are essential.

What are Legato® Interlocking Blocks?

What Is Coastal Erosion Control?

Coastal erosion control structures are designed to:

  • Protect shorelines from wave and tidal action

  • Prevent land loss and infrastructure damage

  • Stabilise embankments and coastal slopes

  • Reduce scouring and undermining

  • Manage sediment movement in dynamic environments

Legato® interlocking concrete blocks form gravity-based coastal defence structures that rely on mass, interlock and geometry rather than steel reinforcement or mortar, making them ideal for exposed marine locations.

Long run of Legato interlocking blocks protecting an eroding cliff face

Why Choose Elite Precast

With decades of precast expertise, in-house engineering support and a proven delivery record on projects of every scale, Elite Precast is the partner specifiers trust. We pair robust, repeatable manufacturing with the flexibility to engineer bespoke solutions when a standard product will not do.

Key Applications

Typical Coastal Applications

Legato® interlocking concrete blocks are widely used for:

  • Coastal retaining walls

  • Shoreline stabilisation

  • Sea defence walls

  • Embankment protection

  • Tidal river and estuary walls

  • Harbour and marina protection

  • Flood defence structures

  • Temporary coastal works and emergency protection

Legato interlocking blocks stacked into a retaining wall against an earth bank

Benefits

High Strength & Stability

  • Manufactured using high-performance concrete

  • High unit weight resists wave impact and hydraulic forces

  • Interlocking design minimises movement under cyclic loading

Marine-Grade Durability

  • No steel reinforcement to corrode

  • Resistant to saltwater, freeze-thaw and abrasion

  • Suitable for tidal, splash-zone and fully exposed environments

  • 120-year design life

Flexible and Modular Construction

  • Dry-stack installation

  • Easily adapted to irregular coastlines and changing profiles

  • Can be reconfigured, extended or repaired as conditions evolve

Rapid Installation

  • Cast-in lifting pins for safe handling

  • No curing time required

  • Reduced construction windows in tidal zones

Engineered for Your Environment

Design, Stability and Engineering Considerations

Coastal erosion control structures must account for:

  • Wave loading and overtopping

  • Tidal variation and hydraulic pressure

  • Scour and ground stability

  • Wind loading

  • Wall height and geometry

  • Ground bearing capacity

Elite Precast provides access to its Stability and Loadings Directory, offering guidance on block selection, wall heights and foundation requirements.

⚠️ Important: All coastal erosion control structures must be reviewed and approved by a qualified structural or coastal engineer prior to installation.

Installation and Safety Guidance

  • Construct on a suitable, level and stable base

  • Assess scour risk and provide protection if required

  • Inspect blocks and lifting pins before use

  • Avoid impact damage during installation

  • Consider strapping top layers in highly exposed locations

Compliance and Performance

  • Designed in accordance with BS EN 1992-1-2004 (Eurocode 2)

  • Class A1 Fire Resistant

  • Suitable for public sector and infrastructure projects

Precast block wall forming a new sea defence along a town seafront

Why Choose Legato® Interlocking Blocks for This Application?

Why Choose Elite Precast?

  • Leading UK manufacturer of interlocking concrete block systems

  • Proven performance in harsh environments

  • Large stock availability for rapid deployment

  • Nationwide delivery with vehicle and offload options

  • Experienced technical and engineering support

Elite Precast – Protecting Coastlines with Strength, Stability and Sustainability.

Excavator placing large concrete blocks to build a wall beside a sea loch

Gallery

Contact Us

Have a question about our products, or a project in mind? Send us a message and our technical team will get back to you.