Chinese experience on plastic membrane-concrete thin slab lining for canals

Of the many types of canal linings in the world, concrete, compacted earth and buried plastic membrane linings are most commonly used. Another type of canal lining — plastic membrane-concrete thin slab lining — has been used in China since 1975. It has the advantages of both plastic and concrete linings, including good seepage control, smooth lining surface, steeper side slopes, effective film valve to eliminate external water pressure, reliability, durability, and lower construction cost. This type of canal lining is a viable alternative to other types of linings, especially in developing countries where the cost of labor is low or farmland is limited.