Properties of asphaltic concrete of diaphragms and facings of rockfill dams

Abstract

1. A study of the strength and deformation properties of asphaltic concrete is necessary for analyzing the stress-strain state of dams with asphaltic concrete diaphragms. The properties of asphaltic concrete substantially depend not only on composition but also on temperature. The results obtained make possible an evaluation of the main deformation and strength properties of asphaltic concrete, diaphragms, and facings of dams in relation to composition and temperature at early design stages. 2. To obtain generalized indices of properties in relation to composition and temperature of asphaltic concrete, all experiments were conducted on the basis of the mathematical theory of design of experiments. Each experiment had threefold replication. 3. The experiments showed that the angle of internal friction for 7% bitumen in excess of 100% of the mineral part is practically independent of temperature. The strength of the material increases due to cohesion, which with a drop of temperature from 200 to 10 increases about fivefold. 4. Investigation of the deformation properties of asphaltic concrete showed that the modulus of volume changeE0 forσ=0.1 MPa varies by 4–7 times depending on the temperature.