Asphalt roads reduce the count of potholes and likely accidents. Like many people, if you have confidence in concrete material for paving roads, you have probably never considered the bitumen.
Bitumen is one of the ingredients in the asphalt mixture which serves as a crucial remedy to many road problems. Be it cracks, frequent repairs, or slippery accidents during the rainy season, this construction material fixes it all.
In this blog, you will realise everything about bitumen paving, including its appropriate uses, benefits, and process of application. So, whether you are a road builder, a contractor, or a construction professional, continue reading it till the end to make the right decision.
What is Bitumen Paving?
Bitumen is a road construction material which lays evenly over public roads, driveways, or parking lots. It is an incidental product which derives during the making of petrol or diesel, yet serves as a powerful fuel for the roads.
Bitumen looks dark black, has thick consistency, and stickiness. It cannot be used as a standalone material for paving roads. Rather, it mixes with asphalt aggregates (sand, crushed stone, gravel) in equal ratio to put them together on roads. Simply, it is a glue which binds asphalt aggregates, and is the main substance in the asphalt roads.
Where to Apply Bitumen?
Bitumen paving is a process of making asphalt roads in areas demanding flexible, quick installation, and affordable expressways. You must consider bitumen surfacing on:
The Right Time of Paving Bitumen on Roads
Bitumen is a semi-solid or liquid matter which bonds only at moderate temperature. You must pre-heat it to ensure its temperature is neither too cold nor too warm before application. Here are some weather considerations to remember before using bitumen asphalt for roads.
A dry and warm season is always the best time to pave asphalt. However, you must ensure the weather is moderate and not excessively high. This prevents bitumen from spreading and puddling during the process.
It is best to avoid winters as the bitumen paving fails to adhere strongly in cool temperatures. This is against the nature of bitumen which requires some heat to apply it appropriately.
These seasons are also a favourable time to apply, however you must avoid using bitumen before or even after rain. Too windy weather is also a complete disaster as dried bitumen fails to stick on the ground and in the smooth flow.
Benefits of Paving Bitumen
Here are some benefits of paving bitumen roads for the utmost safety.
Asphalt paving takes at most 2-3 days to settle and become stronger for driving vehicles. If you need to pave roads without causing major disruption or road blockage for high-traffic areas, then bitumen paving is the best option.
Bitumen has flexible properties which contracts during winter or expands during summer. While it demands the right temperature for even and smooth application, it never cracks or shifts thereafter. You can safely use bitumen paving to fight against road cracks in extreme weather conditions.
Rough roads generally create noise when you are driving any vehicle. However, asphalt paving is beneficial as it creates a textured surface and is quieter when driving vehicles over it.
Concrete or other road construction materials is porous in nature. These types of substances fill water to their underlying surfaces, creating pre-mature damage. Textured asphalt surfaces, however, prevent slips and accidents especially in the rainy season.
Asphalt pavements are economical due to the easy availability of raw materials, simpler application process, and long-term maintenance.
Bitumen Paving: Application Process
Here is a step-by-step process of paving bitumen from start to finish.
You must plan to clear the land to remove any vegetation, old paving, and other irregularities.
Excavating the land is the second step in the process to dig the ground for the construction work and remove underlying soil. This is a requirement for building roads at a necessary depth.
You must also reuse the removed soil or use another good quality soil to level the excavated land. Grading and compacting the surface basically shapes and levels the ground for even application of asphalt mixture.
Once the sand on the ground settles well, it is time to apply the base layer. You can use stone or gravel as a foundation to support the asphalt structure.
Bitumen paving requires heating at right temperatures for easier mixing with aggregates. You must ensure that it is neither too thick or fluid.
Moreover, you must also pick the right type of aggregates based on their strength and texture to suit the project needs. Keep in mind to mix the equal ratio of bitumen and asphalt aggregates to get an even and smooth finish.
The last step in the process is to apply the asphalt. You must layer it over 2-3 times, compact it well enough in its hot temperature for precise smoothness, and allow it to cool down.
However, you must avoid people from accessing the paved surface until it is cured fully. You must also check for any imperfections. Also, you can even sealcoat the area for additional protection.
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, bitumen paving is a healthy fuel resource for roads in residential and commercial areas. It is convenient, safe, and cost-effective to use bitumen for asphalt road works.
However, you must keep in mind that bitumen infuses carbon vapours during its heating. So you must ensure to hire a contractor following effective safety protocols for their workers. Consider Roadseal Civil as your civil contractor for high-quality, safe, and timely asphalt paving for your site. Call their representative today to learn more.
