Project Title
Design of Eco-Friendly Canal Lining to Minimize Seepage
Losses in Earthen Canals
Introduction
• Water loss due to seepage is a major
challenge in unlined earthen canals.
• Seepage causes water wastage, soil
degradation, and inefficiency in irrigation
systems.
• This project aims to design an eco-friendly
canal lining to address these issues
sustainably.
Objectives
Minimize Minimize water loss through seepage.
Implement Implement environmentally sustainable materials and practices.
Ensure Ensure cost-effectiveness for large-scale adoption.
Develop Develop a durable solution with long-term benefits.
Unlined canals lose up to 50% of
water due to seepage, especially in
arid regions.
Problem Conventional methods like concrete
or plastic lining are costly and
Statement environmentally unsustainable.
There is a need for innovative eco-
friendly solutions to reduce water
losses while being affordable and
sustainable.
Traditional Lining Methods
Concrete Lining: Effective but prone to cracks,
high installation, and maintenance costs.
Bitumen Lining: Cost-effective but can degrade
under extreme temperatures.
Plastic Linings: Easily installed, but susceptible
to UV damage and not eco-friendly.
Bentonite Clay: Naturally swells
when wet, forming a water-
impermeable barrier.
Eco-
Friendly Geotextiles: Natural fibers like jute
or coir that reinforce the canal bed
Alternativ and prevent erosion.
es
Biopolymers: Plant-based materials
that are biodegradable, effective,
and durable for canal lining.
Site Selection: Select a representative
Methodolog canal system based on soil properties,
current seepage rates, and
topography.
y: Site &
Material Material Selection: Evaluate eco-
Selection friendly materials based on cost,
durability, environmental impact, and
effectiveness at preventing seepage.
Methodology: Material Testing &
Hydraulic Analysis
Hydraulic Analysis:
Permeability Tests: Test Durability Tests: Assess
Study water flow,
selected materials for the longevity of the
velocity, and pressures
their ability to prevent materials in different
to determine the
water seepage. weather conditions.
optimal lining material.
Lining Design
• A composite lining solution:
• Bentonite Clay Base: To prevent water
seepage.
• Geotextile Layer: For reinforcement
and erosion control.
• Biopolymer Sealant: For added
protection and durability against
environmental factors.
Field
Implementation
• Field Implementation:
• Install the proposed eco-friendly lining
system in a test section of the canal.
• Monitor seepage rates before and after
lining installation.
• Collect data on the durability,
environmental impact, and cost-
effectiveness of the design.
Expected Outcomes
• Expected Outcomes:
• Seepage Reduction: Expected to reduce water losses
by at least 70%.
• Cost-Effective: Use of natural and locally available
materials will lower costs.
• Environmentally Sustainable: Reduces the use of
non-renewable materials and promotes water
conservation.
• Improved Irrigation Efficiency: Increased water
availability for agriculture.
