Water absorption decreased by 35% and strength increased by almost 50%: scientists found a way to improve road asphalt properties
Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University developed modifying additives
Translated with AI from the Russian original.
Scientists from the Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University have found a way to increase the strength and durability of asphalt. The road bitumen modification technology using recycled industrial raw materials underwent laboratory testing and was piloted on a regional road section, according to the press service of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.
Scientific research was conducted in 2023–2025 with grant support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.
Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region Gauez Nurmukhambetov instructed relevant regional organizations to help implement the new technology.
Kazakhstani scientists used purified spent sealing liquid from thermal power plants and a substance derived from petrochemical production waste as modifying additives. The research results were evaluated by the independent accredited laboratory Stroyekspert.
It turned out that the water absorption of the modified asphalt concrete decreased by 35%, while strength after water saturation increased by almost 50% compared to control samples. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the material improved, as explained by the department’s press service.
Specialists then produced 40 tons of modified bitumen at a plant, which was used in the construction of a 200-meter section of the Karakoga – Petropavlovsk highway.
Head of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies Yulia Byzova stated that it is important for the scientists to bring the development into practice. In the future, they will assess the pavement quality on the experimental section and compare it with the characteristics of the control section of the road. This will determine the effectiveness of the new technology under real-world conditions.
