Enhancing sustainable pavement materials: Assessing modifying additives in bitumen for improved environmental performance

KazdorNII JSC, 010000 Astana, Kazakhstan

^* Corresponding author: zhumamuratovmanarbek@gmail.com

Abstract

Bitumen is one of the main components in the construction and repair of highways in Kazakhstan, playing a crucial role in binding mineral components in asphalt concrete mixtures to create durable road surfaces. The country's diverse climate - from extreme heat in southern regions to severe cold in northern regions - places significant demands on the performance characteristics of road materials. To ensure durability, different grades of bitumen are used depending on the climatic zone: for hotter southern regions bitumen grades 70/100 and below are used, and for colder northern regions - 100/130. These differences reduce the risk of bitumen softening at high temperatures and cracking at low temperatures. However, bitumen is subject to aging, which reduces its elasticity, adhesion and resistance to deformation. To address this problem, modifying additives are increasingly being used to improve bitumen properties and extend the service life of asphalt pavements. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of modifying additive on bitumen characteristics after artificial aging, using the penetration method for evaluation.