Canal liners can be made of concrete, clay, geomembranes, or a combination of materials. The specific material chosen will depend on the needs of the project, the canal's purpose, and the project's location. While concrete is a common option for its durability and longevity, it is also very expensive, and may be susceptible to cracking and erosion if put in contact with corrosive chemicals.
Sometimes, clay is used as a canal liner. However, this is the most permeable option out of the common canal liner solutions, and is often affected by weed growth, seepage, and allowing chemicals or waste from the canal to soak into the surrounding groundwater. In comparison, geomembranes, especially RPEs, are long-lasting, chemically resistant, flexible, and light-weight solutions that prevent seepage in canals of any size.
