LABOR

1. Cement Concrete Lining

Hand placing of cement concrete is usually adopted particularly for smaller canal sections. The
cement concrete shall be dumped and spread on the bed and side slopes of the canal, usually in panels of
not more than 3m wide, with suitable joints in between.

When the lining is hand placed, attention has to be paid to the concrete mix. The concrete must
not be very fluid to avoid it creeping downward from the sides. On steep side slopes, formwork is
necessary to hold the concrete in place until it sets.

Mechanical placing of cement concrete for laying C.C. lining is usually adopted on large sized
projects in developed countries, by using slip-form machines supported on rails placed along both terms
of the canal.

2. Shotcrete Lining

In this type of lining, cement mortar is applied by pneumatic pressure. Shotcrete is of immense
use for smaller jobs, because of the lighter equipment and small crew required to carry out the work.

3. Brick, Stone or Boulder Masonry, Precast Concrete Lining

Bricks or concrete tiles can be laid by ordinary masons, and specially skilled labor, as required for
cast-in-situ CC lining, is not required.

Lining of stone masonry can be applied in areas where suitable materials, such as stone are
available. In boulder lining, the construction of this type is relatively slow, the transporting cost of the
material is very high therefore, the cost of labor is the major expense so, it cannot be recommended for
all cases.

This type is more suitable for main canals under scouring action or in locations where there is
movement of gravel along the bed.
 Canal lining with prefabricated cement concrete slabs is more suitable at places where cheap
labor, aggregates, and transport are easily available. This type of lining is preferred over cast-in-situ
concrete lining because of better control over mixing, moulding, and curing which can be achieved in a
controlled casting yard.

Large amounts of cement are required for mortar and plastering. The construction of this type of
lining requires more labor than other methods, thus it tends to be limited to where labor is abundant and
the material cost is relatively low.

4. Clay lining

If a sufficient volume of clay is available near the irrigation scheme, a clay lining could be
considered. Lining canals with clay is rather labor intensive, and so the costs of labor should be taken into
account when comparing costs and benefits.

5. Soil-cement Lining

It is suitable for areas where good sandy soils are available within or in the vicinity of the project
area.

6. Plastic Lining

Plastic lining is easy to install.