Comprehensive Utilization of Limestone Crushing Screenings in Road Construction: Practice Analysis, Digital Modeling, and Implementation Prospects in Kazakhstan

Abstract

The article examines the comprehensive utilization of limestone crushing screenings in road construction in Kazakhstan. The study aims to summarize international and domestic experience, identify technological and regulatory limitations, and determine prospects for implementing resource-efficient solutions. The methodology includes comparative analysis of standards, assessment of physical-mechanical and chemical-mineralogical properties of raw materials, and digital modeling of material balance, energy consumption, and strength of cementitious composites. It was established that multi-product processing can increase the raw material utilization coefficient to 0.97–0.99, reduce specific energy consumption by 25–30%, and produce mineral powder, limestone flour, and microfiller for cementitious composites. The study demonstrates opportunities to reduce clinker content, carbon footprint, and technogenic material disposal. Large-scale implementation is constrained by the lack of unified regulatory requirements. A phased roadmap is proposed, including laboratory verification, regulatory adaptation, pilot-scale testing, and scaling in Kazakhstan’s road sector.