Studying the effect of changing some factors influencing the stability of the bituminous concrete facing used in tightening dams under Syrian circumstances

Asphalt concrete was used for the first time in Syria as a tightening material for dam Sourani. It was used in this dam as a surface facing on the front slope. Use of asphaltic concrete under climatic conditions prevailing in Syria, particularly high temperatures, is discussed in the paper. To achieve this goal, a number of bituminous concrete mixes, designed using the same constituent components in Sourani dam, were experimentally tested and analyzed. To determine the effect of the expected maximum temperatures for Sourani dam, a program depending on Energy balance was developed. Possible methods of reducing the effect of the high temperature in order to increase the stability of the asphalt surface facing are analyzed. In this context, the facing was plastered by a light-color, which led to a decrease in the temperature of the asphalt surface facing by about 20 degrees Celsius. The facing was also plastered by placing a concrete layer above it, which led to a decrease in the temperature of the asphalt surface facing by about 25 degrees Celsius.