A Mathematical Model of Road Pavement Strength Considering Thermophysical Property Variations

Assel Yesbolat; Saniya Kiyalbay; Dauren Yessentay

doi:10.48084/etasr.17798

Authors

Assel Yesbolat L.B. Goncharov Kazakh Automobile and Road Institute, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Saniya Kiyalbay L.B. Goncharov Kazakh Automobile and Road Institute, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Dauren Yessentay L.B. Goncharov Kazakh Automobile and Road Institute, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 35381-35387 | June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.17798

Received: 27 January 2026 | Revised: 19 March 2026 | Accepted: 1 April 2026 | Online: 6 June 2026

Corresponding author: Dauren Yessentay

Abstract

Asphalt concrete pavements are highly sensitive to variations in temperature, moisture, and material density. These variations significantly affect the pavements' mechanical performance during service. This study presents a theoretical model that assesses how thermophysical factors influence the reduction of asphalt concrete's compressive strength. The model uses a gradient-search approach to evaluate strength behavior under combined changes in density, moisture content, and temperature during heating and freezing. The input parameters were obtained from laboratory experiments carried out under controlled conditions. Asphalt concrete specimens were tested within a temperature range of −20 °C to 60 °C. During the experiments, the density of the specimens ranged from a maximum practical value of 0.99 t/m³ to a critical value of 0.87 t/m³, which is associated with structural degradation; the moisture content was maintained within defined limits. The proposed methodology determines the minimum compressive strength resulting from the combined influence of the studied factors. These results can be used to evaluate the performance and durability of asphalt concrete pavements under different environmental conditions.

Keywords:

asphalt concrete, strength, thermophysical factors, temperature, gradient-based modeling

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