CAO Yan, HAO Jutao, WANG Zhengxing, LU Yihui

Abstract: Along with the increasing height of asphalt concrete core, the problem that of whether hydraulic fracture can occur or not under high hydraulic pressure has aroused the recognition of engineers. Some existing experimental studise indicate that the hydraulic fracturing of asphalt concrete is generally not considered becaues the porosity of asphalt concrete is very small and the asphalt does not transfer water pressure. However, in practical projects, dilatation can lead to relatively large porosity of asphalt concrete. Whether this may cause hydraulic fracturing of not is not clear. In this paper, a hydraulic facturing model test with increased porosity of asphalt concrete is carried out, which aims at some real projects. The test shows that, with the combined effect of the increased porosity and local tensile stress, hydraulic fracturing may occur, which also proves the necessity of this test.

Keywords: asphalt concrete; high hydraulic pressure; hydraulic fracture; dilatancy: porosity

(Journal of China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Vol. 16, No. 3, 2018)