Design of canals lined with geomembranes

Abstract

First, a review of important issues that must be addressed when designing the use of geomembrane linings in canals is presented: water flow characteristics affecting exposed geomembranes and mechanisms that could cause failure of geomembrane linings. The reviewed mechanisms include: deformation of the supporting soil; uplift of geomembrane by wind, flowing water, or groundwater; mechanical damage to the geomembrane lining, e.g. by puncture or excessive stresses Recommendations are presented to address these issues. Then, design methods are presented for the sizing of canal components such as geomembrane protection, geomembrane ballasting, and geomembrane anchorage. It is shown that, in many cases, the association of geomembrane watertight lining and concrete protection layer is a successful solution.