Canal lining

Canal lining is the process of reducing seepage loss of irrigation water by adding an
impermeable layer to the edges of the trench. Seepage can result in losses of 30 to 50
percent of irrigation water from canals, so adding lining can make irrigation systems
more efficient. Canal linings are also used to prevent weed growth, which can spread
throughout an irrigation system and reduce water flow. Lining a canal can also
prevent waterlogging around low-lying areas of the canal.[1]

By making a canal less permeable, the water velocity increases resulting in a greater
overall discharge. Increased velocity also reduces the amount of evaporation and
silting that occurs, making the canal more efficient.[1] The oldest known paved canal canal Lining
was discovered in 1995 near the pyramids of Giza, and is estimated to be around
4,500 years old.[2]

Contents
Canal lining types
Concrete
Compacted soil
Plastic membrane
Potential damage to canal linings
References

Canal lining types

Concrete
Concrete canal lining is often used due to its high structural strength and longevity. Concrete used for canal lining is typically non-
reinforced, as a way to reduce cost. A common method for constructing concrete lining is the use of slip forms, which are drawn
down the length of the canal as the concrete is poured.[3] Hand laying of concrete or prefabricated sections are also used when only a
short distance needs to be covered.[3] Certain additives, such as kankar lime and surkhi, are sometimes included in the concrete
mixture to improve water retention.[3]

Prior to constructing concrete linings, it is common practice to ensure the sub-grade layer of soil is adequately consolidated.[4] If
expansive clay is located on the site of a canal, a layer of this clay is removed and replaced with sand or gravel before the concrete
lining is constructed. This removal minimizes the risk of ground swelling, which can cause cracking in the concrete. In order to
prevent cracking during the curing process, water is sprinkled on the concrete or a damp cover is placed over the lining. Another
preventative measure against cracking, includes adding transverse and longitudinal grooves or expansion joints which help absorb
cracking that may occur.[3]

Compacted soil
Compacted clay is a simple form of soil canal lining, which serves as a relatively cheap alternative to other methods. Certain clays,
such as bentonite, have high water absorption but then become impervious, which makes them an ideal soil lining. It has been shown
through studies done in the U.S., that a layer of bentonite 2 to 5 cm thick, underneath a layer of earth 15 to 30 cm thick, makes for an
adequate lining system. Typically, porous soils are removed before compacted clay is applied to thebed and sides of a canal.[3]

Another simple method of canal lining with soils entails applying a layer of compacted silt on top of the subgrade of the canal.[3] The
use of soils as canal linings is efficient for controlling seepage, but not effective against weed growth.[1]

Plastic membrane
Plastic linings are often referred to as geomembranes or flexible membrane linings.[5] Plastic linings are often covered with soil,
rocks, brick, concrete or other material. This is done in order to anchor the lining down and to protect it from deterioration and
disintegration. Plastic membranes are very thin, varying in thickness from 8 up to 100 thousandths of an inch.[5] Low-density
polyethylene (LDPE) film, similar to the material used in trash bags, is a common type of plastic membrane used. Plastic linings are
also used as a method of retrofitting damaged concrete linings.

Potential damage to canal linings

Since canal linings are exposed to the elements and are in constant use, they are susceptible to damage over time. Geotechnical
considerations are often ignored in designing canal linings due to the light weight of the structure. Concrete canal linings often
experience cracking, which can be expensive to repair. Cracking can occur through several ways, starting during construction if the
concrete is cured improperly. Cracking can also occur due to movement of the soil, which can be caused by frost heave or the
swelling of expansive soils. Expansive soils, such as certain types of clay, may swell as a result of canal discharge, changing climates
or transpiration. A common method to reduce future swelling in expansive soils is to subject the soil to wetting and drying cycles
prior to construction of the lining.[6] Lab testing has shown that subjecting a clayey soil to wetting and drying cycles leads to a
hysteresis of shrinkage in the soil, significantly reducing its free swelling potential.[7] Dispersive soils, such as fine graded sands, can
also pose a threat to concrete canal linings since they erode when in contact with flowing water, which can cause piping. As a way to
reduce the potential for this contact to occur, geomembrane sheets can be installed underneath concrete linings, thus reducing the
amount of water that may seep through the canal.[8]

References
1. Basak (1999-10-01). Irrigation Engineering (https://books.google.com/books?id=noRRvsBZzBsC)
. Tata McGraw-Hill
Education. ISBN 9780074635384.
2. "Oldest Paved Canal Uncovered In Egypt"(http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-10-30/news/9510300094_1_cana
l-giza-nile). tribunedigital-chicagotribune. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
3. Michael, A. M. (2009-11-01).Irrigation: Theory and Practice(https://books.google.com/books?id=uDvuqawJDI4C)
.
Vikas Publishing House Pvt Ltd.ISBN 9788125918677.
4. Kraatz, D. B. (1977-01-01).Irrigation canal lining (https://books.google.com/books?id=vQFSAAAAMAAJ)
. Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.ISBN 9789251001653.
5. Gary, Merkley (2016-03-28)."Canal Linings" (http://ocw.usu.edu/Biological_and_Irrigation_Engineering/Irrigation___
Conveyance_Control_Systems/6300__L19_CanalLinings.pdf)(PDF). Utah State University. Utah State University.
Retrieved
http://ocw.usu.edu/Biological_and_Irrigation_Engineering/Irrigation___Conveyance_Control_Systems/6300__L19_C
analLinings.pdf. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
6. Bonab, Masoud; Sarand, Fariba; Farrin, Majid (2012).Unsaturated Soils: Research and Applications V
olume 2.
Springer. pp. 308–314. ISBN 978-3-642-31343-1.
7. Ahmadi, Hojjat; Rahimi, Hassan; Rostami, Maryam (16 April 2012). "Control of Swelling of Soil Under Canal Lining
by Wetting and Drying Cycles".Irrigation and Drainage. doi:10.1002/ird.1666 (https://doi.org/10.1002%2Fird.1666).
8. Rahimi, Hassan; Abbasi, Nader; Shantia, Hassan (30 July 2010). "Application of Geomembrane to Control Piping of
Sandy Soil Under Concrete Canal Lining".Irrigation and Drainage. doi:10.1002/ird.574 (https://doi.org/10.1002%2Fir
d.574).
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