Bitumen vs Asphalt
What’s the Difference Between Asphalt and Bitumen?
Bitumen is a viscous liquid binder, while asphalt is a pre-mixed solid composite containing bitumen. Bitumen binds aggregates together when sprayed on roads. Asphalt is manufactured off-site as a mixture of bitumen, aggregates, and sand, then applied as a solid on roads for a smoother, more durable surface. The key distinction is that bitumen is a liquid adhesive, and asphalt is a solid composite.
Bitumen is often misused as a term when describing asphalt and can be confusing for many people. In the UK, most people will say bitumen when describing an aggregate mixture of bitumen, stones or gravel and sand. In Australia, we call the mixture asphalt.
What is bitumen?
Bitumen is a liquid binding agent derived from petroleum primarily used in road construction, infrastructure and driveway development. Valued for its resistance to water and oil damage, bitumen is the ideal binder for asphalt because asphalt is commonly used as a surface for roads, car parks and driveways.
There are two primary ways bitumen is used in driveway and road construction. The first method involves spraying liquid bitumen directly onto a surface and laying aggregate (stones and gravel) over the top. While this method is cost-effective, it typically results in a noisier road surface and some loose aggregate. This type of surface is more commonly found in suburban hill areas.
The second method incorporates bitumen into the asphalt production. In this process, as part of the creation of asphalt, stone aggregate is first heated and dried before liquid bitumen is added, creating a solid material known as asphalt. This produces a denser, quieter surface commonly used in metropolitan areas and highways.
Despite sometimes being confused with tar (used in tarmac), bitumen is a distinct product that can be manufactured to different specifications depending on its intended use, making it versatile for various applications including roads, car parks and driveways.
How is bitumen made?
Bitumen is created by distilling crude oil. This process removes the lighter liquid and leaves a thick sticky substance that, in the case of asphalt, will hold heavy aggregate like stones and gravel with sand.
While bitumen is mostly used in a mixture, it can also be used as a binder for roads. So you may sometimes hear the term “bitumen road”. This refers to a layer or layers of bitumen that is used in the road to adhere or seal other layers.
What is asphalt made of?
Asphalt consists of bitumen, aggregates, sand, and stones. Bitumen, derived from petroleum, binds together the other materials as an adhesive. The ingredients are heated, dried, and mixed at a plant into a composite called asphalt. This solid mixture is then applied on-site to construct durable road surfaces.
Should I use asphalt or bitumen?
If you’re looking to surface or resurface a driveway, car park, hardstand or commercial area, you need asphalt. Asphalt is a composite mixture that provides a durable and flexible surface for cars, heavy vehicles and machinery. Bitumen is only used by commercial suppliers as a binder or sealant for other products.
Why asphalt over bitumen?
- Bitumen typically lasts 10 years while asphalt can last 20-30 with proper maintenance.
- Asphalt is quieter, with bitumen potentially causing squeaking tire sounds.
- Asphalt is more fit for heavy-duty areas with larger equipment or frequent comings-and-goings.
Bitumen vs. Asphalt Price
Bitumen is typically about 50% cheaper than asphalt for initial installation costs but Asphalt offers higher cost-efficiency. As asphalt is highly durable with lower maintenance requirements, it can be a cheaper option for driveways over the long-term. To learn more about the comparison of asphalt and bitumen pricing you can view our article comparing driveway materials by square meter.
Is Asphalt or Bitumen More Common?
Asphalt is more common in general. Our experts estimate that 90% of the roads and carparks in Perth are asphalt. In outer-suburban areas such as Kalamunda, bitumen may make a more common appearance. An area such as Joondalup, is almost exclusively asphalt.
Asphalt is more common in Perth due to the consistent traffic and heavy vehicles moving in and around the suburbs. This level of wear and tear is best suited to the durability of asphalt.
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