SILT CURTAIN
A silt curtain (also called a turbidity barrier) is a floating barrier installed in water to contain mud and suspended sediment within the work area.
A silt curtain has three main parts: floats at the top, a geotextile or PVC skirt hanging down into the water, and a ballast chain at the bottom to keep the skirt upright. The curtain stops turbid water from the construction area spreading into the surrounding waters.
With a silt curtain, dredging, reclamation and jetty construction projects can go ahead while protecting water quality and the marine ecosystem, and meeting environmental impact assessment (AMDAL) requirements.
Functions
FUNCTIONS OF SILT CURTAIN
A silt curtain has 2 main functions:
- Turbidity control: the silt curtain keeps mud and suspended sediment within the work area.
- Water quality protection: the silt curtain protects industrial water intakes, power plants, fish ponds and tourist areas around the project.
Applications
SILT CURTAIN APPLICATIONS
Silt curtains are used mainly on projects next to open water, including:
- Dredging of shipping channels, ports and rivers
- Coastal reclamation and artificial island construction
- Construction of docks, jetties, breakwaters and bridges over water
- Mining work and tailings disposal near water
Types
TYPES OF SILT CURTAIN
Silt curtains come in several types based on the curtain material:
- Permeable curtain: a woven/non-woven geotextile skirt that lets water through while holding back sediment. Suitable for strong currents and tidal areas.
- Impermeable curtain: a PVC/PE skirt that holds back turbid water completely. Suitable for calm water with high turbidity.
Specifications
SILT CURTAIN SPECIFICATIONS
| Properties | Test Method | Units | VSC 150 |
| Strength @Ultimate (MD) | ISO 10319 | kN/m | 150 |
| Strength @Ultimate (CD) | ISO 10319 | kN/m | 150 |
| Elongation MD/CD | ISO 10319 | % | <15/15 |
| CBR Strength | ISO 12236 | kN | 8.8 |
| Water Flow @50 mm Head | ISO 11058 | l/m2/min | 60 |
| Rate of Contraction | ISO 7771 | % | ±0.2 |
| Apparent Open Size | ISO 12956 | mm | ≤0.25 |
| Float Diameter | – | – | 280 |
| Depth | 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 8m, 12m | ||
| Length Span | 20 m | ||
FAQ
SILT CURTAIN FAQ
What is the difference between a silt curtain and a silt fence?
A silt curtain floats in the water to hold back sediment in the water. A silt fence stands upright on land to hold back soil carried by rainwater runoff.
How deep does the curtain need to be?
The curtain is usually made slightly shorter than the water depth at the lowest tide, leaving a gap of about 0.3–0.5 m above the bottom. This gap prevents the curtain from dragging and stirring up bottom sediment.
Should I choose a permeable or impermeable curtain?
Permeable curtains suit locations with strong currents or tides because the water pressure on them is lower. Impermeable curtains suit calm water with high turbidity.
How is a silt curtain installed?
The segments are joined on land, towed to the site by boat, then moored with anchors at several points. The curtain is released from its ties once it is in the right position.
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