The use of asphalt in hydraulic engineering

Asphalt products have been used in the Netherlands in hydraulic engineering for a long time on a large scale, especially after the great disaster in 1953 when a large part of western Holland was flooded by the sea. After the disaster a great number of dikes had to be repaired very quickly and this was possible with the use of asphalt as a revetment material. Asphalt could be placed much faster then the materials most commonly used in those days. Further more asphalt is, when desired, more watertight than clay which is also scarce. Except for bitumen no foreign construction materials are necessary.The guidelines have been composed by a group in which representatives of public offices, companies and research centres worked together. It was attempted to make the content as complete as possible. Experience and knowledge were gathered, investigations carried out and design models made. It is inevitable however, that there are some shortcomings. Therefore it is intended to adapt the guidelines from time to time and to update them with new information. Comments and reactions of the reader are therefore very welcome. The guidelines were written for Dutch purposes. This means that mostly applications to dikes, breakwaters and bed protections are considered. Other types as for instance reservoir and dam applications are only mentioned without specific details. Also, reference is made to Dutch standards and directives only. Despite these aspects these guidelines will certainly contribute to a better design, execution, management and maintenance for hydraulic asphalt constructions, not only in the Netherlands but also in other countries, the reason for the translation into the English language.