Special Construction Plan for Coral Reef Protection Using Silt Curtains
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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.
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.
Safety And Environmental Measures
- Use low-noise machinery to reduce disturbance.
- Prohibit direct contact with reefs.
Silt Curtains: Environmental Compliance & Efficiency Challenges
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.