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
h
igh 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.