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 binding agent produced from petroleum. Bitumen is known for being strongly adhesive and resistant to damage from water and oil spills. This makes bitumen the ideal binder for asphalt because asphalt is commonly used as a surface for roads, car parks and driveways.
Bitumen can be produced to different specifications depending on how it’s going to be used but in all cases, 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.
Bitumen can also be confused with tar, which is another binding agent that when mixed with aggregate, makes tarmac.
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.
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