Impact of compacted curb-zone deposits on edge degradation of asphalt concrete pavement and road structure durability

Abstract

The article quantifies the impact of accumulated compacted curb-zone deposits on edge degradation of asphalt concrete pavement and road structure durability. Secondary analysis of field data from eight urban road sections in Almaty (winter 2024-2025) combined with mathematical modeling shows that a stationary deposit mass of 160-360 g/m² within the 0-0.5 m curb strip creates a stagnation zone of de-icing brines that accelerates binder stripping, frost heave, and curb stone corrosion. A model linking deposit mass, chloride concentration at the pavement edge, and edge degradation rate was developed; the edge service life decreases from 10 to 4.1 years without cleaning. Mechanized curb-zone cleaning with a specialized attachment module restores the edge resource to 9.3 years, provides prevented damage of 2.45 million tenge per km per year and a benefit–cost ratio above 5. The results form a technical-economic basis for introducing specialized attachment equipment and updating maintenance standards for the curb zone.