Types of Construction Bitumen: Applications, Comparison & Best Types!

Different types of construction bitumen are used in the construction industry for insulation and to increase the durability of structures, depending on their specific properties. The uses of bitumen for construction include insulation, asphalt paving, and repairs. Common types of bitumen include bitumen 60/70 (soft bitumen), 25-85 bitumen (bitumeninous mixture), 15-90 bitumen (hard bitumen), blown bitumen (for roof insulation), and bitumen emulsion (for cold asphalt and quick repairs). Therefore, choosing the best types of bitumen for construction depends on the project’s needs.

What is Construction Bitumen?

Construction bitumen is a sticky, black, or dark brown hydrocarbon material. Different types of bitumen in construction are produced by refining crude oil.

Construction bitumen is a hydrocarbon material primarily composed of organic compounds, including carbon (80-85%), hydrogen (10-12%), and small amounts of oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. The color of this type of bitumen is dark brown or black. Because of its unique physical and chemical properties—such as high adhesion, waterproofing, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors—bitumen is essential in the construction industry. In this article from the IranETrade blog, a specialized source for inquiring bitumen prices and sales, we will introduce different types of construction bitumen and its applications.

Types of Construction Bitumen

Types of construction bitumen include soft bitumen, bituminous mixture, hard bitumen, blown bitumen, and bitumen emulsion.

Scientifically, bitumen is a viscoelastic material, meaning it has both viscous (sticky) and elastic (stretchable) properties. Based on these characteristics, different types of bitumen for construction are produced for various applications. For example, bitumen that is suitable for high temperatures (hot regions) should have a lower penetration grade, while softer, more flexible bitumen has typically more use in low-temperature environments. In the following sections, you will learn more about the types of bitumen for construction and their applications.

1. Construction Bitumen 60/70 (Soft Bitumen)

Construction bitumen 60/70 is a product produced in refineries with a medium penetration grade (60 to 70 tenths of a millimetre). However, due to its relative softness and flexibility, it is also known as soft bitumen. This bitumen is more fluid at ambient temperatures, which makes it easy to spread over surfaces. It also has good resistance to temperature changes and mechanical stresses. Furthermore, the primary applications of 60/70 bitumen include waterproofing (such as roofs and foundations), asphalt coatings in moderate climates, and structural sealing. Thanks to its balance between softness and durability, 60/70 bitumen is ideal for projects that require high adhesion and flexibility.

2. Construction Bitumen 25/85 (Bituminous Mixture)

Construction bitumen 25/85 is a type of modified bitumen that is produced by adding polymers such as SBS or APP to the base bitumen. Also known as a bituminous mixture, bitumen 25/85 has enhanced physical and chemical properties that allow it to perform effectively across a wide temperature range (-25 to 85°C). Furthermore, bitumen 25/85 remains stable at high temperatures without softening and does not crack at low temperatures. This trait makes this bitumen ideal for insulation applications in extreme weather conditions.

3. Construction Bitumen 15/90 (Hard Bitumen)

Construction bitumen 15/90, known as hard bitumen, has a low penetration grade (15 to 90 tenths of a millimetre) and a high resistance to heat and pressure. Therefore, because of its strength and high viscosity, bitumen 15/90 has many uses in roof insulation, waterproof coatings, and road asphalt in tropical regions.

4. Blown Bitumen

Blown bitumen is produced by passing air through hot bitumen, which increases its viscosity and softening point. This type of construction bitumen is harder and more heat-resistant. Therefore, it is suitable for applications such as advanced waterproof coatings, pipe insulation, and the production of bituminous sheets.

5. Bitumen Emulsion

Bitumen emulsion is a mixture of bitumen, water, and an emulsifying agent, which remains in liquid form at ambient temperatures. Since it does not require heating, construction bitumen emulsion is ideal for use in road construction, asphalt repairs, surface coatings, and soil stabilization. After application, the water evaporates and the bitumen adheres to the surface.

Applications of Different Types of Construction Bitumen

Different types of construction bitumen play a crucial role in enhancing the durability and performance of structures. They are selected based on physical and chemical properties such as penetration grade, flexibility, viscosity, softening point, and resistance to temperature changes. For example, pure bitumen is widely used for roof and foundation waterproofing due to its strong adhesion and high durability. On the other hand, oxidized bitumen is a popular choice because of its resistance to oxidation and temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, blown bitumen is good for increasing the hardness and softening point of asphalt. Bituminous mixture is also highly effective for insulation because it is flexible and resistant to different temperatures.

Price of Different Types of Construction Bitumen

The price of construction bitumen varies depending on its composition, production process, and applications. From simple, low-cost pure bitumen to advanced, high-priced bituminous mixtures, each type is made to meet the specific needs of the construction industry.

Price of Construction Bitumen 60/70 (Soft Bitumen)

Construction bitumen 60/70 has many applications for surface waterproofing and soft asphalt production due to its high flexibility and softness. It also has a relatively low price, because it has a simple production process and is made with cheaper raw materials.

Price of Construction Bitumen 25/85 (Bituminous Mixture)

Construction bitumen 25/85 is a combination of soft and hard bitumen, commonly used for medium-strength asphalt applications. Therefore, because of its material composition and more complex production process, the price of the bituminous mixture is relatively high.

Price of Construction Bitumen 15/90 (Hard Bitumen)

Construction bitumen 15/90 is primarily used in producing heavy-duty asphalt and high-traffic areas because it is hard and has high resistance. As a result, hard bitumen has a high price since it has a precise production process and requires high-quality raw materials.

Price of Blown Bitumen

Blown bitumen is produced by passing air through regular bitumen and has uses in creating roof insulation and bituminous sheets due to its high resistance to water and oxidation. Therefore, the price For this type of construction bitumen is higher because it has a specific and time-consuming production process.

Price of Bitumen Emulsion

Bitumen emulsion is produced in liquid form by mixing bitumen with water and is suitable for making cold asphalt and quick repairs. As a result, because of its use of water as a solvent and simple production process, this type of construction bitumen has a lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Types of Construction Bitumen

Construction bitumen is one of the essential materials in the construction industry, playing a crucial role in enhancing the durability and performance of buildings. Given the variety of bitumen types and their wide range of applications, understanding their properties, quality, and storage methods is important. In this section, we answer important questions about different types of bitumen for construction.

What is Construction Bitumen and What Are Its Main Uses?

Construction bitumen is a sticky, waterproof hydrocarbon material that is derived from crude oil or natural sources. Due to its unique properties such as high adhesion, water resistance, and flexibility, it has widespread applications in the construction industry. Some of the main uses of bitumen for construction include waterproofing (for roofs and foundations), asphalt coatings (for roads and parking lots), sealing (cracks and joints in concrete), and soil stabilization.

What is the Best Type of Bitumen for Insulation?

The best type of construction bitumen for insulation is modified bitumen. This bitumen is produced by adding polymers like SBS or APP to the base bitumen, offering high flexibility, excellent resistance to temperature changes, and great adhesion. It is ideal for insulating various surfaces such as roofs, walls, and foundations.

How Do I Determine the Quality of Construction Bitumen?

The quality of construction bitumen is determined by standard testing. The most important tests include penetration grade, softening point, viscosity, and ductility. Therefore, high-quality bitumen that is suitable for construction use, should have an appropriate penetration grade (indicating its hardness or softness), a high softening point (showing its resistance to temperature), and balanced viscosity (providing better adhesion).

How to Store and Maintain Construction Bitumen

Bitumen loses its quality when stored for long periods. But if you want to preserve its quality, follow these guidelines:

• Construction bitumen should be stored at a controlled temperature (typically between 150°C and 180°C) to prevent it from hardening or degrading.
• It should be kept in sealed, insulated containers to protect it from exposure to air, moisture, and contamination.
• Since bitumen is flammable, it must be stored away from heat sources and sparks.

reference

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