The Kazakhstan Road Research Institute (KazdorNII) is testing the technology of "warm asphalt" on highways of national importance. This innovation promises to expand the possibilities of road construction in the cold season, which is especially important for northern Kazakhstan.

According to road construction standards, the temperature of the asphalt concrete mix during laying should be at least 125-130 degrees, and asphalt can only be laid at an air temperature of + 5 degrees and above. However, scientists have developed a complex additive that allows you to cook the mixture at 90 degrees and stack it at temperatures up to -10 degrees. This decision is especially relevant for the northern regions of the republic, where the construction season is limited to 3-4 months.

The essence of the development is to create a "warm asphalt concrete mixture": special additives reduce the temperature threshold of preparation and laying of the material, while preserving all the physical and mechanical properties of the coating. The use of this mixture can significantly reduce energy consumption at the stages of preparation and compaction of asphalt, reducing costs and environmental impact.

The Institute's specialists also emphasize that the complex additive helps to improve the adhesion between binders and mineral materials. This allows not only to reduce the cooking temperature, but also to ensure high strength and wear resistance of the coating.

Laboratory tests of KazdorNIA in Almaty confirmed that the physical and mechanical properties of the warm asphalt concrete mixture correspond to the indicators of standard hot asphalt concrete. Moreover, the new mixture demonstrates increased water resistance and retains strength at low temperatures, which makes it more resistant to harsh climatic conditions. The possibility of laying at 90 degrees without loss of compaction coefficient will be an important advantage for road works in the cold season.

The Institute tested the technology on sections of the Kurty-Burylbaytal highway of national importance. If successfully tested, this technology will extend the road laying season, accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure projects, reduce energy costs and reduce carbon emissions associated with heating asphalt concrete.

The use of warm asphalt also opens up prospects for better road repairs in cities and remote areas, where sudden temperature changes negatively affect the durability of the coating.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/transport/press/news/details/877293