Channel lining may be desirable or necessary to minimize maintenance, resist the erosive forces of flowing water, improve hydraulic efficiency, and/or limit the channel size for right-of-way or safety considerations. The considerations of flow volumes, topography, and soil conditions may dictate the channel lining material to be used. Wherever possible, highway drainage channel design should make use of native, natural materials such as grass, crushed rock, and earth. Other types of materials for reasons of hydraulics, economics, safety, aesthetics, and environment may be considered.

The following section contains a short discussion on channel linings. For comprehensive descriptions, advantages, and disadvantages of different types of channel linings, refer to the FHWA Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 15 ( ).