Kazakhstan develops asphalt with enhanced temperature resistance

Researchers at M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University have developed a technology for producing road surfacing materials using industrial waste. The new asphalt mix has already been tested on a section of a public road in North Kazakhstan Region, El.kz reports citing the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The development is based on a bitumen modification technology. The researchers proposed incorporating purified waste sealing fluid from combined heat and power plants, together with a specialised additive derived from petrochemical industry waste.

Testing demonstrated that the water absorption rate of asphalt concrete produced using the modified composition was 35% lower than that of conventional samples. This means that the material absorbs less moisture, which can contribute to the deterioration of road surfaces when it freezes.

The strength of the asphalt concrete after water saturation increased by almost 50%. The researchers also recorded improvements in the material’s thermal resistance.

To assess the technology under real-world conditions, 40 tonnes of modified bitumen were produced at an asphalt concrete plant. The material was subsequently used in the construction of a pilot section of the Karakoga–Petropavlovsk highway.

The experimental road section is 200 metres long. Laboratory analysis of the samples confirmed that the asphalt concrete meets applicable regulatory requirements. However, definitive conclusions regarding the material’s long-term durability will only be possible following seasonal performance testing.

Specialists will monitor the condition of the road after the winter and spring seasons. They will assess whether cracks, rutting or other forms of pavement deterioration have developed and compare the findings with those from a control section.

The technology also provides an opportunity to reuse industrial waste that would otherwise require disposal.

According to the researchers’ estimates, processing 10,000 tonnes of bitumen could involve the use of up to 10 tonnes of secondary raw materials.

Further deployment of the technology will depend on the monitoring results and the acquisition of the necessary regulatory approvals. If its effectiveness is confirmed through testing, the technology could be adopted for the construction and rehabilitation of Kazakhstan’s road infrastructure.