Submitted to The Arizona Highway Department Phoenix, Arizona for Research Project - Arizona HPR-1-14(167) / The research has been directed toward obtaining information on some of the physical properties of various asphalt- rubber (A-R) mixes as related to waterproof membrane applications. In particular, three rubber particle size distributions and three asphalt-rubber spread quantities were investigated. Laboratory testing utilized for physical property determination included thin film permeability, water absorption (ASTM D570-72), Water Vapor Transmission (ASTM E96-72, procedure BW), ductility (ASTM D113-74), Tensile-Toughness, viscosity and slope stability. The results of the study showed that the A-R as an integral membrane is relatively impermeable. The addition of the rubber does not affect the permeability of an otherwise homogeneous asphalt film. Physical property values of asphalt that are increased when rubber is added include water absorption, slope stability, toughness and viscosity. Those that exhibit lower physical property values include ductility and slope/flow characteristics. Installation of experimental field plots provided additional positive information on the waterproofing characteristics of the A-R and also helped develop field procedures on A-R application to a prepared subgrade.

From the Proceedings of the 1972 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - May 5-6, 1972, Prescott, Arizona / The need for increased control of seepage from both natural and artificial small ponds and lakes has become more apparent with the increased frequency of their construction and use on the farm, ranch, and in recreational urban use. Seepage control methods are also becoming more numerous. Unfortunately, comparisons as to effectiveness, longevity and costs are not readily available. This paper investigates some control techniques being used in this region and evaluated them according to the above criteria. Emphasis was on the use of available physiochemical methods other than rubber membranes and concrete liners. Examples of the types of controls in use include plastic, soil compaction aids, hydrophobic chemicals and monovalent cation applications, such as sodium chloride. Some examples of the use of these methods in Arizona are shown and the results of some field comparison tests conducted using 8 x 8 square foot double -ringed infiltrometers presented. Recommendations are made of additional research that should be undertaken to improve the technology of the control of seepage losses.

From the Proceedings of the 1978 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - April 14-15, 1978, Flagstaff, Arizona / Pond seepage losses are a particularly serious problem in the semiarid southwest where runoff-carried calcium normally causes well-dispersed clay particles to aggregate and increase the porosity of stock pond sediments. Reported are the results of laboratory and field tests carried out by the USDA Water Conservation Laboratory in Phoenix, Arizona to determine the success of sodium carbonate (soda ash) as a soil sealant and to establish criteria for its use. Following tests two leaky ponds on Walnut Gulch, Arizona were treated with soda ash broadcast over the dry pond surfaces to the spillway elevation at a rate of 3365 Kg/ha and mixed with the pond sediment to a depth of 10 cm with a disc. Seepage losses were compared following the summer rainy season, and generally represent 20 day periods in September or October when the summer monsoon rains have ended. The late season seepage loss for the after treatment period each year from 1968 through 1974 was reduced about 50% and the treatment on one pond seems to have lasted much longer than anticipated, thus increasing the value of the treatment. A pretreatment laboratory seepage test is suggested to better determine the likelihood of treatment success.