ANSI/ASAE S289.

2 FEB1998 (R2009)
Concrete Slip-Form Canal Linings

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ANSI/ASAE S289.2 FEB1998 (R2009)
Revision approved February 1998; reaffirmed February 2009 as an American National Standard

Concrete Slip-Form Canal Linings

Developed by the ASAE Concrete Slip-Form Canal Linings Committee;
approved by the Soil and Water Division Steering Committee; adopted by
ASAE June 1965; revised editorially and reconfirmed February 1970;
reconfirmed December 1974; revised editorially February 1978;
reconfirmed December 1979, March 1981, March 1982, December 1983,
December 1984; revised April 1986; approved as an American National
Standard August 1988; reconfirmed December 1990, December 1991;
reaffirmed by ANSI September 1992; reaffirmed by ASAE December
1992, December 1993, December 1994, December 1995, December
1996; revised February 1998; revision approved by ANSI February 1998;
reaffirmed by ASAE February 2003, February 2004; reaffirmed by ANSI
March 2004; reaffirmed by ASABE and ANSI February 2009.
Keywords: Canal, Concrete, Irrigation, Linings
ASTM C33, Specifications for Concrete Aggregates
ASTM C39, Test for Compression Strength of Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens
ASTM C94, Specification for Ready-Mix Concrete
ASTM C150, Specification for Portland Cement
ASTM C172, Sampling Fresh Concrete
ASTM C260, Specifications for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
ASTM C309, Specifications for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds
for Curing Concrete
ASTM D1850, Specifications for Concrete Joint Sealer, Cold-Application
Type
Fed. Spec. SS-S-1401B, Sealing Compound, Hot Applied for Concrete
and Asphalt Pavements

1 Purpose and scope 3 General definitions

1.1 The growing demand for water in the world increases the need for 3.1 Concrete. A designed mixture of Portland cement, well graded
conserving the available water supply. In open conveyance systems, aggregate and water. Admixtures may be used to replace a portion of the
conservation of irrigation water and reduced maintenance costs through cement.
control of weeds and seepage losses can best be accomplished by
providing a dependable impervious lining. Non-reinforced concrete lining,
which has a high hydraulic efficiency, is a dependable means of water
control and seepage reduction in canals. The purpose of this Standard is 4 Basic concepts
to provide standards and specifications for the installation of concrete 4.1 Minimum thicknesses for concrete lining, table 1, are required.
slip-form canal linings in the interest of reducing costs and assuring These thicknesses are based on the assumption that concrete and
quality control. placement meet specifications in Annex A. Concrete shall be placed on
1.2 The use of continuous excavating, trimming and lining equipment is a moist, firm, unyielding subgrade, and shall be protected against
the most economical method for construction of concrete-lined, external hydrostatic pressure, uplift caused by expansive clays, and frost
trapezoidal canals. Available equipment permits construction to practical heave. Provisions for underdrainage to relieve uplift and to minimize frost
tolerances in alignment, grade and concrete thickness. The universal damage, treatment of foundations involving expansive clays, and
acceptance and use of standard trapezoidal canal sections will enable determining the design of the concrete mix are design considerations not
manufacturers to standardize excavating and lining equipment. This will included in this Standard.
permit a reduction in special engineering and equipment manufacturing 4.2 Lining thickness, alignment, and grade shall conform to the following
costs, will make replacement and service parts readily available, and will tolerances.
result in a net reduction in the cost of completed linings.
1.3 This standard is restricted to irrigation canals that have a bottom
width less than 1.8 m (72 in.), and a total depth of lined section not
greater than 2.1 m (84 in.). Linings for larger canals usually involve more
complex engineering and economic considerations; and they may require
special criteria and construction requirements for the canal section, as
well as for the lining.
1.4 The wide variance in design requirements by those involved in Table 1 Minimum required nominal thickness for slip-form concrete
designing irrigation works prohibits developing criteria for establishing linings1)
freeboard or foundation treatment. The scope is limited to establishing
standard dimensions and shape of the canal section.
Design velocity,2) m/s (ft/s) Minimum thickness, mm (in.)
2 Normative references
Warm climate3) Cold climate3)
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in
this text, constitute provisions of this Standard. At the time of publication,
Less than 2.7 (9.0) 38 (1.5) 50 (2.0)
the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject to revision,
2.7 3.6 (9.0 12.0) 50 (2.0) 63 (2.5)
and parties to agreements based on this Standard are encouraged to
3.6 4.5 (12.0 15.0) 63 (2.5) 75 (3.0)
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the
standards indicated below. Standards organizations maintain registers of 1)
Velocities in short chute sections shall not be considered design velocities.
currently valid standards. 2)
For canals that have a bottom width not greater than 1.8 m (72 in.), design
ACI 305, Placing and Curing for Hot Weather Concreting capacity not greater that 2.8 m3 /s (100 ft3 /s), and a maximum velocity of 4.5 m/s
ACI 306, Placing and Curing for Cold Weather Concreting (15 ft/s).
3)
ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete Warm = mean monthly midwinter temperature is 4.4 C (40 F) and above;
ASTM C31, Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field cold = mean monthly midwinter temperature is less than 4.4 C (40 F).

ASABE STANDARDS 2009 ANSIASAE S289.2 FEB1998 R2009 1

 Figure 1(a) Standard trapezoidal canal section.

Item Tolerance where:

a is underneath bottom width, using sharp corners;
Departure from established alignment 50 mm (2 in.) on tangents b is inside bottom width [typically 300, 450, 600, 900, 1200, 1500,
100 mm (4 in.) on curves and 1800 mm (12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 in.)];
d = t [cot (90 - / 2)];
Departure from established profile grade 0.03 m (0.1 ft) t is lining thickness.
Reduction in lining thickness 10% of specified thickness
5.2 The eleven standard sections displayed provide a desirable overlap
Available excavating and lining equipment will permit construction of in carrying capacity which permits adequate flexibility in selecting a
linings within the above tolerances. Abrupt deviations from design grade section for optimum economy in materials and other construction costs.
or horizontal alignment shall not be permitted. Local experience may Flow capacities for various concrete lined sections are shown figures 2a,
indicate that in severe cold climates, minimum thickness shown in table 2b, 2c, and 2d.
1 must be increased.
4.3 Standard subgrade dimensions shall be maintained to meet the
design dimensions of the lined ditch, figure 1a. Any deviations from 6 Safety
standard lining thickness shall be made by modifying the inside 6.1 Many types of safety devices are used on lined canals. Safety
dimensions of the lining. Modifications made in this manner can be more devices should be installed on all canals deeper than 0.76 m (2.5 ft).
economically accomplished than by changing subgrade dimensions. These safety devices are separated into two groups:
4.4 Contraction joints shall be provided to control cracking caused by 6.1.1 Those which limit access or deter people or animals from getting
shrinkage and temperature change. Transverse grooves shall be into the canal. These devices are generally fences, guard rails, warning
uniformly spaced at intervals of 2.5 to 4.5 m (8 to 15 ft) as a function of signs, pipe safety barriers, covers or bridges. Access devices for wildlife
canal width and lining thickness. Where depth of section exceeds 1.2 m use for drinking may be effective in keeping animals such as deer out of
(4 ft), provide longitudinal grooves on each side as shown in figure 1a. canals.
The groove dimensions specified will provide adequate space for placing
common mastic sealing compounds.
4.5 Standard canal sections are based on subgrade dimensions to
Table 2 Dimensions of standard slip-form trapezoidal canal sections
provide standardized excavation and slip-form equipment to permit
economical construction. Side-slope (Z) b c e Min e Max R
4.6 Moisture content of the subgrade prior to placement of concrete shall
be sufficient to prevent water migration from the concrete mix to the mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in.
subgrade soil throughout the curing process. 1:1 300 12 100 4 400 15 750 30 230 9
1:1 450 18 100 4 400 15 750 30 230 9
1:1 600 24 100 4 400 15 750 30 230 9
5 Standard cross sections 1.25:1 300 12 100 4 450 18 900 36 300 12
5.1 The recommended standard cross sections, as shown in table 2, 1.25:1 450 18 100 4 450 18 900 36 300 12
consist of three sections with 1:1 side slopes, three sections with 1.25:1 1.25:1 600 24 100 4 450 18 900 36 300 12
side slopes, and five sections with 1.5:1 side slopes. The dimensional 1.5:1 600 24 150 6 600 24 1200 48 460 18
details of these standard sections are shown in figure 1a, and table 2. 1.5:1 900 36 150 6 700 27 1400 54 460 18
The underneath bottom width (a), shown in figure 1a , is a function of 1.5:1 1200 48 150 6 800 33 1700 66 460 18
lining thickness and determined as shown in figure 1b. Minimum 1.5:1 1200 60 150 6 900 36 1800 72 460 18
recommended thickness is presented in table 1. 1.5:1 1200 72 150 6 1000 42 2100 84 460 18
ab2d

2 ANSIASAE S289.2 FEB1998 R2009 ASABE STANDARDS 2009

 Figure 1(b) Corner detail of section.

6.1.2 Those which are escape devices in the event a person or animal
enters the canal. These devices are generally safety nets, deflectors in
conjunction with exit devices, safety racks, safety ladders or safety steps.
Specifically designed flatter side slopes, ramps, steps or cleats allow
animals to exit the canal. Step width should not be less than 0.91 m (3
ft), with step run length not to exceed 0.30 m (12 in.), and step height not
to exceed 0.46 m (18 in.). Steps can be inset into the sloping bank to
prevent snagging of floating debris.
6.1.2.1 Where steps are used, there should be a step at the elevation of
the normal water line with one step below and not less than one step
above the normal water line. Safety steps and ladders should be marked
with bright yellow paint for a width of 1.52 m (5 ft), with the steps in the
center of the painted area.
6.1.2.2 Spacing of the safety steps should not exceed 230 m (750 ft),
with one set of steps on alternating sides of the canal. A safety device
should be within 15 m (50 ft) of each road or pedestrian crossing, or
within 15 m (50 ft) upstream of canal-to-pipeline transitions such as
culverts and siphons. Stepped siphon inlets can be effective when canals
are operating near capacity.
6.1.2.3 Floating deflectors with safety ramps are one of the best means
of providing safe exit of large animals that are floating or swimming down
stream in a canal. If there is a concern with the safety of small reptiles,
then the surface of the lining on the banks should be roughened with a
broom. A combination of both access prevention and escape devices is
generally more satisfactory than when used individually.

Figure 2(a) Lined ditch flow capacities: b = 0.3 0.6, Z = 1 : 1 & Z = 1.25 : 1 (Reprinted with permission of ASCE from Hart, W.E, B.P. Thoreson, and S.A.
Musil. Flow in trapezoidal channels. J. Img. Drain. Eng. 118(6):1992.)

ASABE STANDARDS 2009 ANSIASAE S289.2 FEB1998 R2009 3

Figure 2(b) Lined ditch flow capacities: b = 0.6 1.8, Z = 1.5 : 1 (Reprinted with permission of ASCE from Hart, W.E, B.P. Thoreson, and S.A. Musil. Flow
in trapezoidal channels. J. Imig. Drain. Eng. 118(6):1992.)

Figure 2(c) Lined ditch flow capacities: b = 1.0 2.0, Z = 1 : 1 & Z = 1.25 : 1 (Reprinted with permission of ASCE from Hart, W.E, B.P. Thoreson, and S.A.
Musil. Flow in trapezoidal channels. J. Img. Drain. Eng. 118(6):1992.)

4 ANSIASAE S289.2 FEB1998 R2009 ASABE STANDARDS 2009

Figure 2(d) Lined ditch flow capacities: b = 2.0 6.0, Z = 1.5 : 1 (Reprinted with permission of ASCE from Hart, W.E, B.P. Thoreson, and S.A. Musil. Flow
in trapezoidal channels. J. Img. Drain. Eng. 118(6):1992.)

Annex A A2 Applicable specifications

(normative) A2.1 The latest issue of the cited standards and references listed in
clause 2 of this standard shall govern except where superseded by
particular requirements of this specification.
Concrete specifications for concrete slip-form canal
linings A3 Concrete mix
A3.1 The cement used shall be Portland cement, type I, IA, II, IIA, or V
as specified for the job. On sites where the sulfate concentration is more
A1 Scope than 0.1%, special sulfate resistant cements shall be used as presented
A1.1 This specification covers materials used, and the manufacture, in table A1. When used, pozzolan shall not replace more than 15% of the
delivery, inspection, testing, and curing of concrete for use in slip-form cement by absolute volume. The cement content shall not be less than
lining of irrigation canals. 6.5 bags/m3 (5.0 bags/yd3 ) when the maximum amount of fly ash is used
as a cement substitute.
A3.2 Aggregates shall conform to ASTM C33 except that locally
available aggregate materials may be used if they are well-graded, clean
Table A1 Types of cement required for concrete exposed to sulfate attack and durable. Maximum size of aggregates shall not exceed one-third of
the specified lining thickness.
Water-soluble sulfate A3.3 Mixing water for concrete shall be clean and free of acids, alkalis,
(SO4) in soil, oils, sulfates and other harmful materials.
Sulfate exposure (percent by weight) Sulfate (SO4 ) Cement type
in water, ppm A3.4 Each classification of concrete shall be furnished in accordance
with table A2.
Negligible 0.00 - 0.10 0 - 150 I-V
Moderate 1) 0.10 - 0.20 150 - 1500 II, IP (MS), IS (MS)
A4 Verification of mix design
Severe 0.20 - 2.00 1500 - 10,000 V
A4.1 Any concrete mix being used on a canal lining job shall be subject
Very severe over 2.00 over 10,000 V plus pozzolan 2)
to sampling and testing to determine compliance with the 28-day strength
requirement prescribed in this specification. If the test shows the average
1) 28-day compressive strength of three specimens was less than required,
Sea water
2)
Pozzolan that has been determined by test or service record to improve sulfate
the job shall not be accepted as meeting this specification.
resistance when used in concrete containing Type V cement. A4.2 Concrete mix requirements shall be in accordance with table A2.

ASABE STANDARDS 2009 ANSIASAE S289.2 FEB1998 R2009 5

 Table A2 Concrete mix requirements

Class of concrete Required compressive strength at 28 day Maximum aggregate size Typical cement content1)
(per ASTM Standard C33) (Slump-permitted, slip-form operation)
Mpa psi mm in. bags/m3 bags/yd3

Normal
For mild exposure 17.3 2,500 19 0.75 6.5 5.0
averaging 20 or less 20.7 3,000 19 0.75 7.0 5.5
freeze-thaw cycles/yr. 24.2 3,500 19 0.75 8.0 6.0

Air-entrained
For average exposure averaging 20.7 3,000 19 0.75 7.5 5.75
20 80 freeze-thaw cycles/yr.

For severe exposure averaging more 24.2 3,500 19 0.75 8.5 6.5
than 80 freeze-thaw cycles/yr.

1)
For concrete containing type V, sulfate resistant Portland cement, increase the cement requirement 20%.

A5 Tolerance in slump
A5.1 Concrete used in canal linings shall be proportioned so it can be
consolidated thoroughly and have a low enough slump to permit the
material to stay in place on the side slopes.
As a guide, slump should not exceed 75 mm (3.5 in.). In practice, this is
about the maximum slump newly placed concrete will stay on a 1:1
slope.
A6 Air-entrained concrete
A6.1 Air-entrainment increases freeze-thaw durability and reduces the
permeability of concrete. Air-entrainment is highly recommended for most
exposure conditions and is required when lining is placed in cold
climates. Air-entrained concrete shall contain 4% to 7% air, by volume.
Air may be obtained by using an air-entraining Portland cement meeting
requirements of ASTM C150 or a specified admixture.
A7 Admixtures
A7.1 The admixture used to achieve the desired air content shall
conform to the specification of ASTM 260 when air-entrained concrete is
specified.
A8 Measuring materials
A8.1 For ready-mixed concrete, cement, aggregates, water, and
admixtures shall be measured and combined strictly in accordance with
specifications of ASTM C94.
A9 Mixing and delivery
A9.1 Ready-mixed concrete shall be mixed and delivered to the site in
accordance with the specifications of ASTM C94.
A9.2 No water shall be added on the job unless authorized by the
responsible technician or engineer. The amount of water added shall be
recorded on all copies of the delivery ticket. If water is permitted to be
added to mixed concrete upon arrival at the job, an additional mixing of
20 revolutions of the drum shall be required.
A9.3 Concrete delivered and placed during hot weather shall be at a
temperature between 24 C (75 F) and 39 C (100 F), or at a
temperature not to exceed that specified by the responsible technician or
engineer. Prevailing and expected climatic conditions during and after
placement of concrete must be considered. Under extreme conditions of
high ambient temperatures, exposure to direct rays of sun, low humidity
and wind, extra precautions must be followed to obtain the quality
specified. Under these conditions, placement may be restricted to late
afternoon, evening or night.
Concrete delivered and placed in outdoor temperatures less than 5 C
(40 F) shall arrive at the work site with temperature greater than 13 C
(55 F) but not higher than 23 C (75 F). The concrete temperature
shall be maintained above 13 C (55 F) for 5 days. All snow, ice, frost
and frozen subgrade material shall be removed from any surface on
which concrete is to be placed.
A10 Tests
A10.1 Cylinders for strength tests shall be made in accordance with
ASTM C31. During the first 24 h, all test specimens shall be covered and
kept at air temperatures between 15.6 C (60 F) and 26.7 C
(80 F). At the end of 24 h, specimens shall be carefully transported to
testing laboratory where molds shall be removed, and cylinders shall be
cured in a moist condition at 22 to 24 C (70.4 to 76.4 F) until time of
test.
A10.2 A strength test for any class of concrete shall consist of four
standard cylinders made from a composite sample secured from a single
load of concrete in accordance with ASTM C172, with one cylinder tested
at 7 days and three cylinders tested at 28 days. The test results at 28
days shall be the average of the strength of three specimens determined
in accordance with ASTM C39, except that if one specimen shows
manifest evidence of improper sampling, molding or testing, it shall be
disregarded.
A10.3 Strength tests shall be made for each of the following conditions:
each days pour; each class of concrete; each change of concrete
supplier; each change in source of materials for concrete mix; change in
mix proportions or mix specifications; for each 76 m3 (100 yd3 ) of
concrete or fraction thereof; or as frequently as deemed necessary by the
responsible technician or engineer.
A10.4 To conform to the requirements of this specification, the average
of all of the strength tests representing each class of concrete shall be
equal to or greater than the specified strength and not more than one test
in 10 (if less than 10 tests are made per job, substitute per job for in
10) shall have an average value of less than 85% of specified strength.
No one test shall have a value less than 70% of design strength.
A10.5 A record shall be made of the delivery ticket number for the
particular load of concrete tested, and the exact location in the work at
which each load represented by a strength test is deposited.
A11 Delivery tickets
A11.1 Duplicate delivery tickets shall be furnished with each load of
concrete delivered to the job: One for the contractor, and one for the
responsible technician or engineer. Delivery tickets shall provide the
following information:

6 ANSIASAE S289.2 FEB1998 R2009 ASABE STANDARDS 2009

A11.1.1 Date A13 Control joints
A11.1.2 Name of ready-mix concrete plant A13.1 Contraction and construction joints shall be provided at the
A11.1.3 Job location locations and to the dimensions as shown in figure 1a.
A11.1.4 Contractor A13.2 A cold applied sealer conforming to ASTM D1850 or a hot-poured
A11.1.5 Type (standard or air-entrained) and brand name of cement sealer meeting Federal Specification SS-S-1401B or other suitable
materials approved for this application shall be used. CAUTION: Do not
A11.1.6 Class and specified cement content in bags per m3 (yd3 ) of overheat hot-pour type sealers.
concrete
A11.1.7 Truck number
A11.1.8 Time dispatched A14 Curing
A11.1.9 Amount of concrete in load in m3 (yd3 ) A14.1 A pigmented concrete curing compound shall be applied to the
A11.1.10 Admixtures in concrete, if any concrete surface within 20 minutes after placing or finishing the concrete.
The sealing compound shall be applied in a manner that will ensure a
A11.1.11 Maximum size of aggregate
continuous, uniform membrane over the surface. Coverage shall not
A11.1.12 Water added at job, if any exceed 3.7 m2/ L (150 ft2/gal).
A11.1.13 Weather conditions; approximate temperature, relative humid- A14.2 Curing compounds shall conform to specifications of ASTM C309.
ity and wind velocity
A14.3 In lieu of applying a curing compound, water-curing in the lined
A11.1.14 Location of load placement canal for a minimum of 5 days shall be acceptable. Water curing shall be
continuous and provided to all exposed concrete surfaces. Care shall be
A12 Inspection and testing taken to prevent damage to fresh concrete
A12.1 All required sampling, preparing specimens, and testing shall be A14.4 Concrete placement and curing shall be in accordance with ACI
performed by an independent laboratory or a person acceptable to the 305 and ACI 306.
responsible technician or engineer. The cost of all tests shall be paid for
as mutually agreed.

Annex B USDA-NRCS, National Handbook of Conservation Practices

(informative) USDA-NRCS, National Engineering Handbook, Section 20, Specifica-
Bibliography tions for Construction Contracts
USDI-Bureau of Reclamation, REC-ERC-71-36, Reducing Hazards to
The following documents are cited as reference sources used in the
People and Animals on Reclamation Canals, Sept. 1971
development of this Standard:
Portland Cement Association, Design and Control of Concrete Mixes

ASABE STANDARDS 2009 ANSIASAE S289.2 FEB1998 R2009 7