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  • Made in North Devon since 1973
  • BSI Kitemark ready-mixed concrete
  • Manufactured to BS EN 14992
  • UK-wide & European delivery

Coastal Protection

Tetrapods.
3 and 5-tonne wave armour.

Precast concrete tetrapods for coastal defence, breakwater armour and erosion control. Cast in marine-grade C50/60 concrete to BS EN 1992-1 with full chloride-resistance detailing. Standard 2-tonne (4,410 lb) and 5-tonne (11,020 lb) units; bespoke sizes to coastal-engineer spec. Lead time 6–10 weeks; full project supply for harbour and seawall schemes.

Ideal for sea defence — reduce erosion, reduce wave energy. Suitable for Environment Agency coastal works. Two sizes — 3-tonne / 6,610 lb (1.95 × 1.95 × 1.72 m / 6'5" × 6'5" × 5'8") and 5-tonne / 11,020 lb (2.34 × 2.34 × 2.08 m / 7'8" × 7'8" × 6'10") — cast in C40/50 marine-grade concrete.

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WCCP precast concrete 3 and 5-tonne tetrapods in the yard, coastal armour units cast in Devon

Specification

Marine armour — engineered sizing.

Unit Weight Arm Length Concrete Spec Application
3 tonne (6,610 lb) 1950 × 1950 × 1720 mm (1.95 × 1.95 × 1.72 m) — 6ft5in × 6ft5in × 5ft8in C40/50 concrete Coastal defence, sea-wall armour, wave-energy reduction
5 tonne (11,020 lb) 2340 × 2340 × 2080 mm (2.34 × 2.34 × 2.08 m) — 7ft8in × 7ft8in × 6ft10in C40/50 concrete Heavy breakwater armour and exposed foreshore protection

Key Features

  • · 3.5-tonne weight (7,720 lb) for optimal interlocking and stability
  • · Four-leg design for natural matrix formation on slopes
  • · C40/50 concrete for marine durability and long service life
  • · Integrated lifting points for safe placement
  • · Designed to current code with marine engineering best practice

Design Standards

  • · BS 6349-1-1 (Maritime works)
  • · EN 14844 (Precast concrete products)
  • · Coastal engineering best practice
  • · Wave energy dissipation modelling
  • · Site-specific slope analysis available

Where They Go

Breakwaters, revetments, coastal armour.

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Coastal defence and erosion control

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Breakwater and revetment protection

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Wave attenuation on exposed foreshores

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Marine engineering and harbour protection

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Environmental revetments and habitat structures

From the casting bed, to the foreshore

Armour units, in the yard.

3-tonne and 5-tonne tetrapods cast at Chilsworthy, ready for breakbulk haulage to the harbour or seawall site.

WCCP precast concrete tetrapods in the Devon yard — 3 and 5-tonne coastal armour units
3-tonne and 5-tonne tetrapods in the yard. Each unit cast in C40/50 marine-grade concrete.
WCCP tetrapod stockpile awaiting heavy haulage to a UK coastal-defence scheme
Pre-despatch stockpile. Goes out on heavy breakbulk haulage to harbour and seawall sites.
Close detail of WCCP four-leg precast concrete tetrapod showing interlocking armour shape
Four-leg interlock. Why a tetrapod stays put on a 1.5:1 slope when a rock would roll.
WCCP yard view of large precast civils units near Holsworthy, Devon
Yard view at Chilsworthy. The same casting beds shape the tetrapods, panels and L-blocks.
WCCP heavy precast concrete unit being lifted by yard crane, Devon
Yard lift. 5-tonne tetrapods need a spreader beam and a careful pick.

Common Questions

Asked and answered.

What are tetrapods used for? +

Tetrapods are four-legged concrete armour units designed to dissipate wave energy and protect coastlines from erosion and storm surge. They lock together when placed on a slope, creating an effective breakwater or revetment protection layer.

What size are WCCP tetrapods? +

Two sizes — 3-tonne (6,610 lb) units at 1950 × 1950 × 1720 mm (6ft5in × 6ft5in × 5ft8in) and 5-tonne (11,020 lb) units at 2340 × 2340 × 2080 mm (7ft8in × 7ft8in × 6ft10in). Both are cast in C40/50 concrete and ideal for sea defence, reducing erosion and reducing wave energy. Suitable for Environment Agency coastal works.

How are they installed? +

Tetrapods are typically placed on prepared slopes (usually 1.5:1 or 2:1) using a crane with a spreader beam or lifting sling. They interlock naturally as they settle, creating a stable mass that resists wave action.

What concrete specification do you use? +

C40/50 concrete ensures durability in harsh marine environments. We can specify marine-grade mixes or sulphate-resisting cement if required for specific site conditions.

Can you provide design and engineering? +

Yes. We work with coastal engineers and contractors on sizing calculations, placement plans and site-specific specifications. Contact the office for a detailed quotation.

Lead time and delivery? +

Tetrapods typically ship in 4–6 weeks. Delivery is on a heavy breakbulk service due to weight. We handle all logistics coordination.

Downloads

Datasheet, CAD and BIM files.

BIM-ready packs

— engineer pack.

Direct downloads where available, with the rest sent direct from engineering on request. All packs versioned to BS EN 14992 / BS 5502-22 where applicable.

Need something else, or a stamped drawing? Email engineering@wccp.co.uk — typical reply within 24 working hours.

Need a quotation?

Provide your site conditions, slope gradient and wave data — we'll design the armour specification and lead time.

Request a quote Call 01409 281437
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