Bitumen, as you must know, is a binding substance for layering asphalt aggregates. But do you know it is not a specific construction material? Rather, there are many types of bitumen based on its manufacturing processes, properties, and applications.ย
If you are looking for more information on the bitumen road, you should first understand the different types of bitumen. Because it is highly likely to overlook choosing the right grade and rely on your contractor. And to prevent future road issues, understanding everything about bitumen types is the key.ย
In this blog, you will walk through the different types of bitumen, including penetration grade, viscosity, modified, cutback, emulsified, hard bitumen, and bitumen for colder regions. You will also learn their properties, benefits, and their applications. So, keep reading it till the end to make one right choice.ย ย ย
1. Penetration Grade Bitumen
Penetration grade bitumen is one of the most common types of bitumen for road construction. You must gather information about its grade with a penetration grade test. It involves using a needle into a bitumen at a specific temperature for a fixed time to see how deep it can reach. The depth of penetration indicates softness and hardness.ย
Interestingly, the test determines the grade like 60/70, 80/100, or 120/150. First numbers represent penetration value at 25 degrees celsius. Second numbers indicate bitumen grade.ย
The higher penetration value means softness of the bitumen. This type is most often used for low-traffic road construction in colder regions. In contrast, bitumen road grades like 60/70 is a good number for hot climates with heavy traffic volume.ย
2. Viscosity Grade Bitumen
If you need a bitumen road which does not change its shape upon layering on the surface, then you must consider viscosity grade bitumen. This is important for moderate to hot climates where you must apply a hot and stable binder.ย
Viscosity means stability. And you must determine its grade amongst the available VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, and VG-40. The higher values represent better strength and resistance to deformation.ย
When it comes to using it, you must choose a specific grade as per the road traffic, environmental conditions, and desired road performance. Generally, this type of bitumen road material is famous for highways, industrial roads, construction sites, commercial driveways, etc.ย
3. Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is one of the best alternatives to penetration grade bitumen. Primarily because this contains additives like styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) or styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), or polyethylene.
This changes the standard properties of a bitumen, making it more flexible, durable, and suitable for high-stress environments. The fact that penetration grade becomes brittle after a certain point, using modified bitumen makes all the more sense.ย
If you are looking for the best version of bitumen for industrial roads, highways, expressways, or airport runways, then this type has superior strength. Besides using it for bitumen road construction, you can use them for sealing chips, dressing surfaces, and in combination with hot mix asphalt. It does not crack, age, or cause rutting under high temperatures.ย
4. Cutback Bitumen
Adding solvents like kerosene or naphtha to a bitumen makes it more flexible to resist environmental changes. This is useful for roads in colder regions which experience freezing temperatures to moderately warm climates.ย
Cutback bitumen is available in different grades, such as rapid curing (RC), medium curing (MC), and slow curing (SC). The grade of the cutback bitumen depends on the evaporation rate of the solvent and its curing time.
Applying this type of a bitumen road is usually safe for prime coat applications to bond the base layer to the surface layer. Also, you can mix it with cold asphalt mixes for low-volume roads, rural roads, and patch repairs.
5. Emulsified Bitumen
Emulsified bitumen is another common substance for road construction. Generally, oil in bitumen and water do not blend together and separate from one another. With the help of an emulsifier, bitumen and water mix well and reduce the environmental impact.ย
If you need to construct roads evenly at ambient temperatures without compromising the eco-friendliness, emulsified bitumen is a good choice.ย
Surface dressing, slurry seals, and cold-mix paving are some of its common applications. Moreover, an emulsified bitumen road is beneficial for layering surfaces requiring the best road repairs and resealing works.
6. Hard Bitumen
If you are constructing a road for commercial driveways, industries, or highways under hot climate, then hard bitumen is a strong candidate. Since it has thickness to handle extreme hot temperatures, it is a healthy medium for roads in desert-like conditions.ย
The best way to use this type of bitumen for road paving in extreme warm weather is to mix it well to even spread the substance.ย
7. Bitumen for Cold Regions
In cold climates, roads become weak and prone to excessive cracks. For these circumstances, using special additions in a bitumen is a good practice.ย
This is typically known as bitumen for cold regions. When you are constructing a bitumen road with this substance, you will never have to worry about durability in low temperatures. Areas that experience extreme cold and heavy snowfall are more likely to benefit from this type of bitumen layering.ย
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, every type of bitumen carries a special purpose for the type of environment, traffic loads, and desired road strength.ย
Paving roads with asphalt materials demands much-needed strength, durability, and support to resist climate changes and frequent vehicle movements. Whether you choose penetration grade bitumen or advanced polymer-modified bitumen for high-performance roads, the goal should be to find the right contractor.ย
Trust Roadseal Contractors for their best experience & reputation in paving a bitumen road. You must also choose them for their efficient asphalt, concrete, and other road construction practices.
