Researchers conducted a unique scientific experiment to find out how anti-icing chemical reagents affect the durability of different types of asphalt concrete. The results confirmed that the usual winter road safety measures can significantly reduce the durability of road pavements.

For the tests, the experts made samples of two types of asphalt concrete mixtures from local materials: one using fine-granular asphalt concrete mixture from dense rocks (type A) and the other based on gravel (type B). Both types were exposed to NaCl solution, which is widely used for de-icing of roads.

The research was carried out with 20% concentration of sodium chloride (table salt) solution according to GOST 33389-2015. The samples were manufactured according to ST RK 1218-2003. The experiment was conducted under extreme conditions: the samples were frozen for 4 hours at -20 °C, then thawed and again placed in salt solution. The cycles were repeated from 5 to 25 times, simulating winter road conditions.

The results were impressive: the strength of Type B asphalt concrete dropped by 60% immediately, compared to only 18.4% for Type A.

"The study showed that asphalt concrete with a denser structure and gravel from rocks has better durability. Meanwhile, the thickness of the bituminous film also plays a key role in protecting the pavement. In this experience, it was important for us to learn and scientifically establish the rapidity of the destructive effect on common materials used in the repair and construction of our roads,“ said Dinmukhambet Alizhanov Dinmukhambet, a researcher at KazdorNII, a doctoral student.

The specialist reminded that traditional anti-icing reagents, melting ice, create an aggressive environment that corrodes the bituminous coating of asphalt. Combined with the impact of moisture, temperature fluctuations and traffic loads, this leads to accelerated destruction of roads. What's next? Experts suggest supplementing the current road construction standards with a methodology for assessing the impact of anti-icing agents on asphalt concrete. This will help to increase the durability of road pavements and reduce repair costs.

To fully analyze the impact of anti-icing materials, prolonged studies using different types of asphalt concrete and concentrations of NaCl solutions are to be conducted.

It is also worth adding that to address the problem of early destruction of roads, a group of experts from the Kazakhstan Road Research Institute presented an alternative anti-icing agent in 2023. The unique compound does not contain salt, does not harm the environment and health, and, most importantly, retains its effectiveness in deeper frosts, preventing the re-formation of ice.

At the moment, the author's development is undergoing the second phase of practical tests on pilot sections of the republican highways and at the same time is being prepared for mass production within the framework of the project of commercialization of the results of scientific activity.