Turbidity Barrier Installation

Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing Turbidity Barrier Made in the USA by GEI Works

The turbidity barrier is a high quality floating barrier designed for use in containing and controlling turbidity and silt that may become displaced during construction projects, dredging, pile driving, mining, and other marine or construction activities. Following turbidity barrier installation instructions will help ensure that the barrier remains in place and performs effectively.

Here you will find a turbidity barrier installation guide in pictures. Please feel free to use this as a general guide for your silt barrier installation. For a complete listing of Turbidity Barrier styles and options manufactured by GEI Works, please see: Turbidity Curtain Products.

Questions about turbidity barrier installation? We can help. Call GEI Works at +1-772-646-0597 or contact us to discuss your project.

Turbidity Barrier Installation Instructions


silt curtains   silt barrier installation
Step 1: Unload the silt curtains for the truck. Barriers sections are typically shipped to your location in bundles that have been secured by vinyl straps.   Step 2: Cut the bundle straps and lay out the barriers. Each section should be approximately 15 to 20 inches apart.
bottom chain of silt barrier   snap hook connections
Step 3: Attach the bottom chain of the silt curtain via shackle or snap hook to the adjacent chain or ring.   Step 4: Medium and heavy duty turbidity barrier will have a steel stress plate on the bottom. Here there is a heavy-duty snap hook for connecting barrier sections.
aluminum slide connectors   silt barrier installation
Step 5: Slide together the aluminum section connectors. (Type 2 and Type 3 barriers only.)   Step 6: Align the grommet eyes of the barrier sections and connect them using a rope or zip tie.
silt barrier installation   silt barrier towing
Step 7: Furl or reef the skirt to the flotation device. This will allow the barrier to move easily during towing and installation.   Step 8: Tow the barrier and anchor it into position.

Required Equipment: Communication Devices, Hand Tools, Work Boats, Anchors, Forklifts, Front Loader, Safety Equipment

For additional instructions, please see: Turbidity Curtain Installation Guide (pdf)

Turbidity Barrier Installation Tips

  • When towing the curtain, make sure that the curtain does not become twisted during the process.
  • Work to avoid sharp objects or areas which may damage the silt barrier during its deployment.

Other helpful tools for this type of installation include:

Silt Barrier Site Considerations and Models

type 1 silt barrierWhen choosing a silt barrier, it is typically advised that the barrier be able to meet your water and site conditions. In general, you will want to take the following factors into consideration:

  • Water Velocity
  • Wind Speed and Direction
  • Wave Height and Frequency
  • Project Duration
  • Tides
  • Amount of Displaced Turbidity or Silt

Silt and turbidity barrier models include:

  • Type 1 Silt Barrier: Specifically intended for calm water applications where there is little to not water current and no waves or wind.
  • Type 2 Silt Barrier: Used for medium duty conditions where there is a mild water current, mild waves, and mild wind flow. These barriers have successfully been used in dredging, mining and construction operations.
  • Type 3 Silt Barrier: This barrier is the designed for the roughest water conditions and can be used in areas that require tough turbidity or silt control, fast currents, or frequent waves.

Turbidity barrier questions? We can help. Call GEI Works at +1-772-646-0597 or contact us to discuss your project.