Something that characterizes coastal areas is their beauty and they are often areas of interest and market development. Hotels, restaurants, and small markets gain the interest of the people who visit them to enjoy the view of the sea. It is therefore understandable that the aesthetics of the area and the buildings play an important role in the image of the seaside area. The term aesthetics includes both the traditional and characteristic architectural structures of each region or settlement, but also the modern contemporary aesthetics that attract. Regardless of the architectural aesthetic, protecting the structure from coastal erosion with proper waterproofing and repair is essential and necessary in order to extend the life expectancy of the structure.

A phenomenon that one can very often perceive when visiting coastal areas, is the wear and tear on the buildings as well as the corroded reinforcements in the older houses and structures. The main cause of these damages is coastal erosion. As its name states, it is a process that describes the erosion and destruction of the coastal environment and everything contained in it. Often the action of coastal erosion becomes apparent over time.

The most common method of construction, apart from surface and light structures, is concrete construction, which is widely used for the construction of coastal structures, such as piers, bridges, buildings, and other structures that are also located in the coastal area. Coastal corrosion, mechanical and/or chemical, acts on the concrete and causes damage, while after a long-term effect,  it renders the structure unusable.

A key factor in coastal erosion is the marine environment. The sea and the occurrence of strong waves, combined with wind and precipitation, exert a great force on the coasts and coastal structures. At the same time, suspended sand, cobbles, and salt are transported with great force, additionally contributing to the mechanical erosion of both walls and roofs. The chemical composition and especially the salinity of the seawater, the various salts contained in the water, as well as the chemical components of the environment, such as the extreme pH of the soil or water, also contribute to chemical corrosion and chemically affect structures and surfaces with which they come into contact with. The presence of salts in the water causes electrochemical corrosion of the concrete resulting in the appearance of cracks, peeling, and, by extension, a loss of its strength. The climatic conditions of the seaside areas are characterized by the appearance of moisture throughout the year, thus impregnating the permeable surfaces with water and contributing to the “slag” of the metal surfaces.

Important effects of coastal erosion on structures and buildings located near the coast or in coastal areas are the damage to the underground space due to sea level change and exerting negative pressure on the foundations of the structure. This can allow water to enter the subterranean space of the structure through an aquifer, causing moisture, damp marks, dust, mold, and other unavoidable damage.

To address the effects of coastal erosion on structures, prevention and proper design of coastal structures is crucial. In addition, regular maintenance, the use of durable materials, and the implementation of protective techniques such as waterproofing structures can help prevent or reduce coastal damage and corrosion. To address coastal erosion in reinforced concrete buildings and structures, engineers must consider these factors in the design and construction of coastal structures. It is also important to make waterproofing and use suitable materials, to apply special methods of protection of the reinforced parts, and to carry out frequent inspection and maintenance of the structures to maintain their integrity and avoid damage.