Abstract: As an important composition of asphalt concrete, asphalt in terms of quality and content has great influence on the performance of core wall. The effect of Karamay asphalt of different grades (50 #, 70 #, 90 #, 110 #, and 160 #) on the performance of asphalt concrete is studied through bending test of small beam. Results reveal that the strain corresponding to flexural strength of asphalt concrete increases with the increase of asphalt grade, which suggest that increasing asphalt grade is conducive to improving the deformation resistance of asphalt concrete but is unfavorable to the bending strength and modulus. This effect weakens with the increase of asphalt grade. Therefore we recommend to selecting high grade asphalt as a priority when strength meets requirements. The research results offer reference for the selection of asphalt grade in asphalt concrete core wall.

Key words: different grades of asphalt, asphalt concrete core wall, bending test of small beam, flexural strength, strain