Behavioral Characteristics of Cement Concrete Pavements in South Kazakhstan: Climatic Changes and Optimal Construction Method

Abstract

The present paper describes experiments and research outcomes concerning the construction of cement concrete pavements in South Kazakhstan, taking into account significant climate changes. The study has identified  potential problems in the construction of cement concrete pavements in the region, where there was no experience of their construction until  the mid-2000s. In order to develop an optimal solution, the technical factors that characterize the process of arranging these coatings using sliding molds are analyzed and quantitatively normalized. These factors include the optimal amount of mortar for curing concrete, the optimal joint cutting time, the interval and effective width of expansion joints to prevent the formation  of cracks in concrete at an early age. The effectiveness of the use of polyethylene film to prevent the formation of contraction cracks and maintain the required mode of hardening of the cement concrete pavement is shown. The main cause of damage  to the expansion joints along the length of the day coverage of coatings in the conditions of South Kazakhstan has been established. Recommendations have been developed for the installation of cement-concrete pavement and expansion joints during the construction of roads in this region. The accumulated data on climatic factors and methods of work with the use of polyethylene film have made it possible to create an optimal method for the construction of cement concrete pavements,  which will improve the quality of roads in South Kazakhstan.