Construction & Deployment
The Memorial Reef Experience
Creating a Memorial Reef is a rewarding and lasting experience. We have over 15 years of experience in designing, creating, deploying, and monitoring Memorial Reefs. We are proud to be affiliated with some of the most trusted and respected artificial reef makers in the Southeast. The Memorial Reefs have been designed and developed after decades of research and experience.
Our reefs have withstood the strongest storms the Gulf can produce while creating vast and productive marine ecosystems. Our reefs are constructed at the Walter Marine facility in Orange Beach, AL. OAR Memorial Reefs can be created in days. Steps typically consist of initial casting pour, assembly, welding, corner pour, and final cure. The facility is on an intercoastal waterway and provides seamless transport from the construction location to the deployment vessel. We can create the Memorial Reef months before deployment and secure it at the facility until the time of deployment. Please keep in mind that if you cannot attend an event, the OAR staff will perform any or all of the construction and dedication events for you. The following is an illustration of how the Memorial Reefs are constructed and deployed.
OAR Memorial Reef Construction
Constructing Memorial Reefs is a 5 step process that requires a minimum of a week to complete. The key steps include:
- Cast the forms
- Insert Florida Limestone
- Place personal effects: cremains, personal items, plaque
- Assemble and Cure: weld and pour the corners
- Deploy
Step 1: Cast the Forms
Memorial Reef construction begins with the pouring of one of the three metal forms that will serve as the basis for the reef. One-half-inch rebar is placed in pre-formatted slots and is extended beyond the form. Over 270 feet of rebar is used for each reef. The rebar extension will be welded later in the process.
Each mold is poured and a full yard of concrete is used for each reef.
Step 2: Insert Florida Limestone
As the forms are poured, Florida Limestone is placed by hand directly into the concrete forming a permanent bond with the structure.
Limestone rock is believed to be the best artificial reef material and Florida Limestone is soft enough for marine worms to bore into, but hard enough to withstand the harsh environment artificial reefs must endure.
Each reef contains more than 3/4 ton of Florida Limestone and provides more available surface for marine life than a single 5’x5’x5′ Limestone boulder.
Step 3: Place Personal Effects
Your Memorial Reef can be constructed with or without cremains. If you choose, you may permanently incorporate your loved ones’ cremains into the reef by mixing them directly into the cement mixture.
Additionally, family and friends are allowed to personalize the reef by creating handprints, inserting personal keepsakes, and writing messages in the damp concrete reef mixture before it dries. Items such as glass, metal, porcelain, rock, and granite can be placed in the cement to increase personalization. Many loved ones feel this is a wonderful way to stay in touch for eternity.
The plaque is placed directly in the concrete mixture at the center of the module and becomes a permanent part of the reef. An inscription of your choice is engraved on the plaque.
Step 4: Assemble and Cure
Once the sides have had time to cure in the metal forms, they are placed on a specially designed frame that prepares the structure for assembly. The rebar used during the initial pour is now welded on all sides, permanently locking the structure together.
After welding, metal forms are attached to the three corners. Additional concrete is poured, secured, and allowed to cure. Once the reef is cured, it is removed from the brace and is ready for deployment. Reefs will remain on-site in a secure location until the scheduled dedication and deployment date.
Step 6: Deploy
On the day of the scheduled deployment of your loved one’s Memorial Reef, you can participate in the actual dedication/deployment ceremony. There are numerous charters available in the area that can provide transportation to and from the dedication ceremony.
PLEASE NOTE: Several challenges can impact our ability to deploy the Memorial Reefs on the day and time we have scheduled. Reef-building is a marine construction project and can be affected by weather and equipment. It is also highly dependent on the government. Wind and waves are always an important consideration. Even tidal fluctuations can cause delays and prevent the memorials from being safely placed.
Our Commitment is that we will work with you to identify the most appropriate location, type, and timing for the deployment of your Memorial Reef.