Geomembranes for Canal Lining – Rehabilitation of a Hydropower Channel

Over a number of decades the geosynthetics industry has developed a wide range of materials that are used for multiple canal applications to reduce seepage. Their performance compared with traditional solutions using mineral layers has been demonstrated. The choice of the appropriate material is related to different scenarios: • New canal lining or refurbishment • Surface conditions (roughness) • Covered or uncovered application • Weather conditions during installation and operation • Cost of installation/system White surfaced geomembranes manufactured with LLDPE were chosen for the refurbishment of the “Schütt” hydropower channel in Austria taking the above into account.