Design canal linings with confident thickness guidance. Compare uplift and surcharge effects across different panels. Download reports and share results with your team easily.
Enter project values. Use conservative uplift and joint spacing when conditions are uncertain.
| Case | h (m) | L (m) | Cu | qs (kPa) | MR (MPa) | FS | tmin (mm) | Recommended t (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1.5 | 4.0 | 0.6 | 0 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 75 | 120 |
| B | 2.0 | 4.5 | 0.7 | 5 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 90 | 150 |
| C | 1.2 | 3.5 | 0.4 | 0 | 4.0 | 2.5 | 75 | 95 |
Thickness is controlled by bending between joints under uplift and surface actions. The calculator converts water depth and uplift coefficient into pressure, then into a strip moment. Higher depth, higher Cu, and longer panel span raise moment rapidly. Because moment scales with L squared, a modest increase in joint spacing can demand a noticeably thicker lining.
Uplift coefficient represents how much hydrostatic pressure develops beneath the slab. Well drained subgrade, relief drains, or permeable bedding typically reduce Cu, while clogged filters and high groundwater increase it. Use conservative values where seepage paths are uncertain. If surcharge is present, add it explicitly because it increases design pressure directly, independent of depth.
The panel span is the clear distance between contraction joints or construction joints that allow movement. Smaller spans reduce bending demands and help manage shrinkage cracking. Larger spans may be practical, but they require thicker sections or stronger concrete. If you plan saw-cut joints, ensure the spacing used here matches the actual layout on drawings and in the field.
Flexural capacity is represented by modulus of rupture, then reduced by a safety factor to define allowable stress. Increasing MR improves capacity, but relying on high strength without curing control can be risky. Safety factor accounts for variability in material, support, and loading. If you need crack control rather than ultimate safety, consider specifying reinforcement and tighter joints.
The recommended thickness is the larger of calculated demand and your minimum constructability limit, rounded to a practical step. Report the input set with the downloaded files to preserve assumptions. If results are not OK, reduce span, improve drainage to lower Cu, reduce surcharge, or select a stronger mix. For preliminary budgeting, compare multiple scenarios and choose the thickness that balances durability, cost, and construction tolerance for the team. Always confirm requirements against local design standards.
It estimates how much hydrostatic pressure develops beneath the lining. Use lower values for good drainage and relief, and higher values where groundwater or seepage can build pressure.
Bending moment increases with the square of the span. A small increase in spacing can create a much larger moment, requiring more thickness to keep flexural stress within limits.
Yes, if no maintenance vehicles or external loads act on the lining. Add a reasonable surcharge when access roads, equipment, or temporary stacking can load the canal edge or bed.
Use a value consistent with your specified mix and quality control. Typical concrete values often fall around 3.5 to 5.5 MPa, but project specifications should govern.
Even if bending demand is small, thin linings can be hard to place, cure, and protect. Minimum thickness also supports durability, abrasion resistance, and tolerance for minor subgrade irregularities.
Reduce panel span, lower uplift by improving drainage, reduce surcharge, increase concrete flexural strength, or raise the minimum thickness. Re-run scenarios and document the chosen assumptions.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.