Effect of Temperatures on the Dynamic Properties of Asphaltic Core for an Earth Dam

Asphaltic concrete has been used as impervious core in embankment dams because it can be built quickly and efficiently even in areas with high precipitation in contrast to embankment dam with clay or till cores. In this study, a series of resonant column tests were conducted on asphaltic concrete samples to investigate the effects of temperature on dynamic properties for different confining pressures. Samples were tested at the temperatures of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 22°C. Technique used to conduct temperature controlled testing in resonant column test is presented. Resonant column testing at each temperature was performed at three confining pressure of 50, 150, and 350 kPa. Effect of confining pressure variation on dynamic properties of asphaltic concrete samples is negligible. However, shear modulus and shear wave velocity change significantly as a function of temperature; For instance, as the temperature increases from 0 to 22°C, the shear modulus and shear wave velocity decrease approximately 25% and 13%, respectively.