Many Chicagoans choose to sunbathe, exercise, and swim off the concrete steps lining parts of the city’s shoreline, even though traditional sandy beaches are nearby.
These large, tiered concrete structures are known as revetments. While they have become popular, unconventional spots for residents to enjoy the water on warm days, they also serve a crucial engineering purpose along the lakefront.
A significant portion of the lakefront parks sits entirely on artificial lakefill
A significant portion of Chicago’s lakefront is entirely artificial. To create the extensive parks and recreational spaces we see today, the shoreline was extended through a process called lakefill. This newly created land was formed by filling sections of the lake with a mixture of earth, rock, and historical refuse, including debris left over from the Great Chicago Fire.
The hidden engineering purpose behind the concrete steps
The concrete revetments were installed to create a strong barrier between the lake and the fragile artificial fill behind them. This setup slows down erosion and helps prevent the shoreline from deteriorating. The revetments secure the lakefill in place, ensuring that the paths don’t wash away into the water.
