“This article introduces the research progress in the utilization of coral mud on islands and reefs. Relevant experts have studied the performance of coral mud on islands and reefs and found that it has cracking phenomenon as an engineering material. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is introduced for modification research. Through cracking tests and image processing technology, the variation law of cracking parameters and crack suppression mechanism of modified coral mud are explored. The results show that HPMC can significantly improve the cracking properties of coral mud and provide a solution for the effective utilization of coral mud on islands and reefs.”