Bitumen treatment (asphalt)

Technical information

Applications

• Roads and highways: asphalt mixtures are widely used because they can support heavy and frequent traffic.
• Parking areas: commercial and residential lots use bituminous surfaces for their strength and flexibility.
• Airports: runways and taxiways often use asphalt because of its durability and ability to carry heavy loads.
• Residential areas: driveways, paths and pedestrian surfaces use asphalt for a clean appearance and practical maintenance.

Benefits

• Durability: asphalt surfaces provide strong resistance to traffic loads and weather, supporting long pavement life.
• Flexibility: bitumen allows the surface to accommodate some ground movement without the brittleness of more rigid materials.
• Repairability: cracks and potholes can often be repaired locally, reducing the need to replace the entire surface.
• Economy: construction and maintenance can be cost-effective, and reclaimed asphalt can be recycled in many applications.