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Standard Turbidity Curtain Installation Suggestions

Last updated: July 25, 2023
 

The information provided herein is offered without charge or obligation, and it is essential for the recipient to consult with qualified engineering or environmental professionals for each specific job. While we strive to provide accurate and reliable information, the conditions of use and handling may vary and are beyond our control. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or reliability of this information or the performance of any product. The specifications, properties, and applications discussed here are intended for informational purposes only and do not alter, amend, enlarge, or create any warranty. We strongly advise seeking guidance from qualified engineering or environmental professionals to ensure appropriate and accurate implementation for each unique situation. It is important to note that nothing contained herein should be construed as permission or a recommendation to infringe any patent.

Before Installation:

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  • Ensure that the curtain is not expected to hold back flowing water. Minimize the flow against the curtain during installation.
     

  • Take into account the movement of the curtain caused by wind. Consider wind direction when installing.
     

  • To minimize strain on the webbing attaching the cable to the curtain, install the curtain in a way that allows the fabric to be pushed against the cable under the flotation, rather than away from it.
     

  • Determine and construct the anchor point(s) on land where the curtain will be attached before placing it in the water. Note: Do not attach the curtain onshore to the top anchor eye loop, as it is designed for connection to anchors in the water and may cause the curtain to tear away from the connector plate. Instead, use tow bridles onshore or ensure that the tension on the curtains aligns with the cable.
     

  • Decide where the curtain will enter the water. Most contractors assemble the curtain sections at a single location onshore, place the curtain into the water at that spot, and then pull the connected curtain further into the water from one end. Depending on the site and the distance from shore where the curtain will be anchored, it may be easier to stretch out the curtain on the shoreline and then place the entire length into the water. In either situation, DO NOT CUT the twine that holds the chain to the flotation until the curtain is properly positioned in the water. Each 50 ft. curtain section is bundled separately and should be clearly marked if sections have different skirt depths. If a shore section(s) has been ordered with a skirt depth change from one foot to 5', 7.5', or 10', identify those sections and connect them to the beginning and end of the assembled curtain.
     

Assembly:

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  1. Lay out the sections to be joined. At the assembly site, place a 50 ft. section of curtain on the ground with the cable (excluding Type 1 DOT) in the loops beneath the flotation, visible on top of the fabric. Cut the white strapping that holds the bundle together. For sections to be joined, cut the twine that holds the fabric and weight chain at the end of the section until the skirt fabric can be fully stretched out. Minimize the number of twine ties cut. Repeat this process for another 50 ft. section of curtain, ensuring that the cable is on top of the fabric.
     

  2. Connect the sections. For HD curtains, begin by connecting the aluminum universal connectors. Slide one side into the opposing side and insert the toggle pin to hold the sections together. For the remaining sides of the curtain, locate the burned holes (or grommet holes for Type 2 DOT) marked with yellow paint circles (Type 1 IND). Starting from the top, match the burned holes (or grommet holes) and connect one section to another using the provided black cable ties. Connect the ends of the weight chains together using the carabiner attached to one end of the chain.
     

  3. Re-tie the curtain. Gather the now connected curtain fabric and chain back to the flotation, and retie the fabric and chain to the flotation to ensure the curtain can float to its final position in the water. Repeat this step for each joined section. IMPORTANT: BUNCH UP THE NOW CONNECTED FABRIC AND LINKED CHAIN AND RE-TIE BACK TO THE FLOATATION BEFORE TOWING TO AVOID DAMAGE.

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Note: Depending on the site and curtain length, it may be necessary or advantageous to assemble larger pre-joined sections in the water. Assembling curtains of hundreds of feet in length can be challenging to pull around. This can be done, but it is easier to understand the procedure once the installation team has assembled individual sections on land.
 

Floating into position.​

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  1. Float and stretch the curtain into place, anchoring it to the shore and using anchors in the water as necessary. For HD curtains, use the eye bolts on each side of the curtain on the connector plates for this purpose.
     

  2. Once the curtain is in its desired position and adequately anchored, cut and collect the twine, allowing the curtain skirt and chain to drop into the water.

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More.​

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