Page 33 - Unit 2: Pavement Material

Civil Engineering Department | DCC3113 : Highway & Traffic Engineering

Bitumen Bitumen or Asphalt

Asphalt or bitumen is a dark brown to black, highly viscous, hydrocarbon produced from
petroleum distillation residue. This distillation can occur naturally, resulting in asphalt lakes or
occur in petroleum refinery using crude oil. The primary use (70%) of asphalt/bitumen is in
road construction, where it is used as the glue or binder mixed with aggregate particles to
create asphalt concrete. Its other main uses are for bituminous waterproofing products,
including production of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs.

Bituminous binders preparations most commonly used are:

• Penetration bitumen : Grade of bitumen is determined by Penetration and Viscosity Test .

• Cut-back bitumen : Bitumen (60-85%) + light solvent (kerosene, gasoline, and
naphthalene)

• Bitumen emulsion : Bitumen (55-70%) + water, either penetration bitumen or cutback
bitumen.

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Prepared by : SITI ZURAIFA BINTI MD SAH, zuraifa@pmu.edu.my