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Special Construction Plan for Coral Reef Protection Using Silt Curtains

Project Background And Objectives

Coral reefs are highly sensitive to sedimentation and turbidity. Silt curtains prevent sediment deposition on corals, maintain light conditions for photosynthesis and protect reef ecosystems.

Construction Conditions

Depth 3–8m, moderate currents.


Transparency ≥10m required near reefs.


Silt curtains require an integral structure, strong anti-fouling performance, strong surge resistance and strong aging resistance.

Deployment And Preparations

Double-layer curtains around reefs.


Fully enclosed curtains around dredging vessels.


Monitoring equipment for turbidity and light intensity.

silt curtains are used in coral reef protection

Construction Procedure

STEP 01

Surveying:

Use GPS/total station positioning to clearly identify the boundaries of the coral reef.

STEP 02

Assembly:

It adopts an integral structure, 20m/unit and is assembled in units.

STEP 03

Deployment:

Lay out in layers to form a double layer of protection and fix the curtain with iron anchors and anchor ropes.


STEP 04

Adjustment: 

Adjust the tension according to the water flow.


Quality Control

  • Ensure double-layer spacing ≥20m.
  • Monitor water clarity in coral areas daily.
silt curtains are used in coral reef protection

Safety And Environmental Measures

  • Use low-noise machinery to reduce disturbance.
  • Prohibit direct contact with reefs.

Silt Curtains: Environmental Compliance & Efficiency Challenges

silt curtains are used in coral reef protection

Pain Point 01

Poor Design Leads To Low Pollution Control, Risk Of Penalties

Customer Concern:

Conventional silt curtains use mixed fabrics sewn together, with overall strength <50% of base material. They fail under wave impact, leading to breakage, excessive turbidity, fishery disputes, fines and suspension risks. Sediment interception is often <60%.

Solution:

Useing high-strength permeable fabric in an integrated structure. Curtain strength = 100% of base fabric. With sandbag ballast (non-corrosive), sediment interception reaches >90%, while dissipating wave energy and ensuring compliance (permeability coefficient 1.5×10⁻³ m/s).

Pain Point 02

Poor Durability, Frequent Replacements

Customer Concern:

Standard silt curtains lack UV resistance and seawater durability, lasting less than 1 year. This requires annual replacement, raising offshore operation costs and delaying schedules.

Solution:

Use anti-aging integrated silt curtains, durable for 3 years in seawater, cutting life-cycle cost by 50%.