Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov. 7
By Daniar Mukhtarov - Trend: Kazakhstan is to introduce new technology in the construction of roads and bridges, Kazakh Minister of Transport and Communications, Askar Zhumagaliev told journalists on November 6.
"Experimental work for the application of a new road surface was carried out in three regions of the country, the north, south and west to replace outdated technology and extend the road's life for two or three years. Starting next year, the technology is planned to be used in a test mode on the roads with a concrete coating to protect the road bed from moisture and increase the friction coefficient," the minister said.
According to Zhumagaliev, an experimental construction of monolithic concrete bridges is being conducted as part of the reconstruction of the Western Europe-Western China highway. These bridges are being constructed in line with the technology used in the construction of the Moscow-Kazan highway.
Zhumagaliev said that this technology reduces the time and construction costs by 30 per cent.
"The new technology is planned to be used in the construction of bridges on the Almaty-Khorgos highway. During the erection of the bridges, it is also planned to use polyurethane supporting parts increasing the service life twofold to 20 years and polymer asphalt concrete," the minister added.
Zhumagaliev also said that at present the Transport and Communications Ministry is developing the regulatory framework for the application of warm asphalt mixes resulting in a 25 per cent reduction in energy costs with overall construction becoming five per cent cheaper.
The minister also said that a scientific research institute has developed light construction of the pavements which reduces the costs of the local network road construction. He added that local low-strength stone materials are being used for the pavements and adding organic and non-organic binders including production waste.
"These technologies allow us to reduce construction costs by 30-50 per cent," the minister said.
According to Zhumagaliev, today KazdorNII JSC conducts the monitoring of 40 experimental sites with the implementation of innovative materials and technology. According to the research results, the possibility of implementing new materials and technology will be defined during the construction of highways in Kazakhstan.
