Turbidity Curtain Depths Made in the USA by GEI Works

Does Turbidity Curtain Touch the Bottom?

type 2 turbidity curtainQuestion: Does the turbidity curtain have to touch the bottom along the full length? What is the proper use for a turbidity curtain? Couldn't silt get under the barrier if it wouldn't touch the bottom? We have a river with depths that go from 2 feet to 15 feet at about a 45° angle. The silt must be contained. The project calls for a turbidity curtain that will enclose a large area of several barges. The disturbance will be in a smaller confined area between the barges and shore. What would be the best industry practice for use of a Type 2 turbidity curtain?

Answer: Great question. In general, it is not recommended that the turbidity curtain touch the water bottom. The general rule of thumb is to allow for approximately one foot between the bottom of the curtain and floor bottom. This is recommended to help make sure that the curtain can still move and there is no unnecessary pressure against it.

In regards to your question on silt, yes, silt could get potentially get underneath your barrier. However, the main concern with your barrier being on the bottom of the water floor is that, over time, silt will build up against the curtain. This will trap the bottom of the curtain and may prevent it from being able to function properly.

Questions about turbidity curtain? We can help. Call us: +1-772-646-0597 or contact us.

Turbidity Curtain Depths

In general, depths for turbidity curtains can range in length anywhere from 3 to 100 feet. In order to accommodate an area of changing depths, one option may be to consider using multiple sections of different lengths to match various depth changes.

Turbidity Curtains Site Considerations

type 2 silt barrierIn order to provide you the best industry practice, we would need to receive further information in regards to your river dredging operation project. Some information we
would need to know includes:

  1. Water Velocity and Waves
  2. Quiescent Settling Zone
  3. Project Duration
  4. Site Contamination

After reviewing this information, it will be our pleasure to work with you to create the right site plan for you location.

Type 2 Curtain Layouts Options

The possible layout and installation of the Type 2 Turbidity Curtain can include any of the following:

  • A single containment curtain with a secondary containment curtain
  • A containment curtain with a sheet pile header
  • A containment curtain with a deflection screen on the leading edge

    Questions about turbidity curtain? Call GEI Works at +1-772-646-0597 or contact us to discuss your project.