GROUP REPORT

TOPIC:

BITUMEN

COURSE CODE BFC 10502

COURSE NAME CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS

STUDENT’S NAME 1. ARKAN HUSSEIN AL-RAWHANI  AF 170279

2. ABDULLAH KHALED AHMED  AF170003

3. ANIS SUHAILA BINTI ABDUL RAHMAN  AF 170102
4. AISHAH HUMAIRAH BINTI MUSTAPA  AF 170056
5. ADHHIYAH BT MAHMUD FUZI  AF170084
6. ASHYRA BINTI JAMIL  AF170086
SECTION S 01

LECTURER’S NAME  DR. DAVID YEOH ENG CHUAN

 DR. GOH WAN INN

SUBMISSION DATE 14TH DECEMBER 2017

PROJECT’S
MARK

1
2.TABLE OF CONTENTS

NO. CONTENTS PAGE

1 COVER PAGE 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

3 INTRODUCTION 3

4.1 MANUFACTURING OF BITUMEN

4.2 TYPES OF BITUMEN
4 4.3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BITUMEN 4
4.4 TEST FOR BITUMEN
4.5 APPLICATION OF BITUMEN

5 CONCLUSION 23

6 REFERENCE 25

7 APPENDICES 26

2
3.INTRODUCTION

Bituminous materials are largely and vastly used for road paving application,
primarily because of their extremely good and outstanding binding characteristics and
possess water proofing and relatively low cost. Bituminous materials consists of bitumen that
are usually in black colour or dark-coloured (solid, semi-solid, viscous) consists chiefly high
molecular weight hydrocarbons derived from distillation of petroleum or natural asphalt, has
adhesive properties, and is soluble in carbon disulphide.

Tars are residue from decomposition of an organic substances (petroleum, wood,

coal) by heating it in a closed container and collecting the volatile constituents. Thus, tars are
temperature sensitive than bitumen. Unlikely tar, bitumen will be dissolved in petroleum oils.
Often coal tar solutions are confused with bitumen, but they are two completely different
chemical products and should not be wrong.

Depending on the sources and characteristic of the crude oil and bitumen properties
that are needed, more than one processing method that can be used to produce bitumen with
different consistency and other desired traits. Various filtration process such as solvent
extraction, straight distillation process and so on are the process that can be used. Thus,
bitumen can be found in different forms such as cutback bitumen, bitumen emulsion,
bituminous primers and modified bitumen.

Performance-based specifications can be defined as limits and requirements

developed from extensive databases relating to performance-based tests through a robust
performance predictive model, which has been verified by correlation in place field
performance data. In the 4th Eurobitume Conference held in Madrid, the Spanish Shell
Laboratories Laboratory Amsterdem presented the Qualagon concept for performance-based
specifications. This concept consists of 9 tests covering 6 bitumen tests and 3 tests on
bituminous mixes that include three main performances that includes (cohesion – low
temperature ductility, adhesion – retain marshall stability, durability)

The background philosophy of quality polygon for performance emanates from the
fact that by proper choice of feedstock and processing conditions, the bitumen may be
produced with right balanced in properties such as a balance in molecular weight distribution,
a balance in chemical composition and a balance in physical properties.

3
4.1 MANUFACTURING OF BITUMEN

4.1.1 Distillation

i.Distillation

Bitumen is produced by fractional distillation (as shown in Figure 4.1.1) of crude oil.
Usually, distillation is done in two steps. First the crude oil is heated up to 300-350°C and
introduced into an atmospheric distillation column. Lighter fractions like naphtha, kerosene
and gas oil are separated from the crude oil at different heights in the column. The heaviest
fractions left at the bottom of the column are called heavy residue.

The long residue is heated up to 350-400°C and introduced into a vacuum distillation
column. By using reduced pressure it is possible to further distillate lighter products from the
residue because the equivalent temperature (temperature under atmospheric conditions) is
much higher. If second distillation were carried out under atmospheric conditions and by
increasing the temperature above 400°C, thermal decomposition/cracking of the heavy
residue would occur. The residue at the bottom of the column is called short residue and is
the feedstock for the manufacture of bitumen.

The viscosity of the short residue depends on the origin of the crude oil, the
temperature of the long residue, the temperature and pressure in the vacuum column and the
residence time. Usually, the conditions are such that short residue is produced with a
Penetration between 100 and 300 dmm. The amount of short residue decreases and the
relative amount of asphaltenes increases with increasing viscosity of the short residue.

Bitumen manufactured from the short residue is called Vacuum Bottom. The
differences in properties between high and low penetration grade bitumen are mainly caused

4
by different amounts of molecule structures with strong interactions. Low penetration grade
bitumen contains more of these molecule structures.

A second distillation, at reduced pressure, may be used to remove additional amounts

of the more volatile products and create vacuum residues of the desired consistency. These
one-stage and two-stage distilled asphalt fractions are referred to as straight-run bitumen,
because the bitumen is separated from the crude oil while preserving its chemical properties.
Different crude oils contain different quantities of vacuum bottom and require specific
refining techniques to produce the desired straight-run bitumen. Oxidized bitumen from the
bottom of the reactor is sent to the separator, where bitumen vapors are separated which are
returned to reactor and then to storage Straight-run bitumen, constitutes oxidized bitumen, the
basic material that may be tailored for specific paving or industrial demands. Because
oxidized bitumen is a viscous, semisolid material, it is difficult to mix with other substances
at ambient temperatures. By heating it, the oxidized bitumen may be made more liquid and
can coat aggregates to produce hot-mix paving materials. Other methods to reduce oxidized
bitumen’s viscosity are to disperse particles of it in water (emulsified bitumen) or to dissolve
it in petroleum solvents (cutbacks bitumen). The volatility of the petroleum solvent
determines the speed with which the cutback bitumen cures. Bitumen may be modified by
exposure to air while the bitumen is at an elevated temperature. The resulting
dehydrogenation and polymerization yield a material known as blown or oxidized bitumen.
Blown bitumen display greater flexibility, less brittleness, and less susceptibility to changes
in weather. They are commonly used in roofing applications, as the process raises the
softening temperature of the asphalt and decreases the penetration rate.

ii. Propane Deasphalting

Bitumen is also produced by propane deasphalting and there are differences in the
properties of bitumen prepared by propane deasphalting and those prepared by vacuum
distillation from the same feed stock. Propane deasphalting also has the ability to reduce a
residuum even further and to produce a bituminous product with lower viscosity, higher
ductility, and higher temperature susceptibility than other bitumen, although such properties
might be anticipated to be very much crude oil dependent. Propane deasphalting is
conventionally applied to low-bitumen-content crude oils, which are generally different in
type and source from those processed by distillation of higher-yield crude oils.

5
iii. Air Blowing

The properties of bitumen can be modified by air blowing in batch and continuous
processes. On the other hand, the preparation of bitumen in liquid form by blending (cutting
back) bitumen with a petroleum distillate fraction is customary and is generally accomplished
in tanks equipped with coils for air agitation or with a mechanical stirrer or a vortex mixer.
Air is heated up to 150–250°C and introduced at the bottom of a blowing column. It then
migrates through the bitumen to the top of the column. The chemical reactions result in
bitumen with a different mixture of molecular structures. Catalysts can influence this process.

Blown bitumen has more and stronger molecular interactions than the original
bitumen and is therefore more cohesive. Blowing causes the softening point to increase and
the penetration to decrease. However, the increase in softening point is usually more than the
decrease in penetration. This means that blowing reduces the temperature susceptibility of
bitumen. The effectiveness of blowing depends largely on the original bitumen (i.e. the
original mixture of molecular structures). With respect to the composition, generally the
amount of saturates do not change, the amount of aromates decreases because some oxidized
aromates behave like resins, the amount of asphaltenes increases due to trans-formation of
some resins and the total amount of resins stays the same.

When bitumen is strongly blown it becomes so cohesive that the adhesive properties
become so poor that it is not suited for asphalt applications anymore. Therefore, only semi-
blown bitumen is suited for asphalt applications. Semi-blown bitumen can have both
improved cohesion and improved adhesion.

iv. Visbreaking

Light products have a higher selling value than heavy products like bitumen.
Visbreaking is a way to break heavy products (e.g. the residue from crude oil distillation or
even very heavy crude oils) into lighter products. Hereto, the crude oil or residue is heated up
to 450 °C and kept at that temperature for 1 to 20 minutes. During this period a large amount
of molecular structures are broken into smaller structures. The product from the visbreaking
process (VB product) is further normally distilled.

6
4.2 TYPES OF BITUMEN

Bitumen can be found in different properties, specification and the uses are based on
the requirement of the industry. Bitumen is available in variety of grade types which are
penetration grade bitumen, oxidised bitumen, cut-back bitumen, bitumen emulsion and
polymer modified bitumen.

Penetration grade bitumen (as shown in Figure 4.2.1) is bitumen that is refined and
manufactured at different viscosities. Penetration test need to be carried out to characterise its
hardness. Thus, it was named by penetration bitumen. The range of penetration grade
bitumen for road bitumen is from 15 to 450. But the range that usually used is 25 to 200. By
fluxing the remaining bitumen with oils under partial control could bring the needed hardness
of the bitumen.

Figure 4.2.1 Penetration grade bitumen

The BS EN 1426 and BS EN 1427 distribute the penetration and softening point
values for the respective grades. This will be a big help in pinpointing the equiviscosity of the
bitumen grade and its hardness. Penetration values denote the grades, for instance, 40/60 as a
penetration value of 50 ± 10. The BS EN 13303 also contributes to the measure of loss on
heating with respective limits for all penetration bitumen grades. This is to certify that there
are no volatile components present. So, the setting and hardening of the bitumen during the
preparation is undergone do not get disturb. The BS EN 12592 provides the solubility values
to make sure there is less or no contaminant in the bitumen material. Penetration grade
bitumen advantages are this bitumen may provide a better interrelationship with a low
temperature asphalt binder properties than the viscosity test, which is performed at 60°C.
Besides, the test is quick and inexpensive, thus it can be used in the field. In contrast, there
are also its disadvantages. This bitumen’s shear rate is variable and high during the test. Since
asphalt binders typically behave as non-Newtonian fluid at 25° C, this will affect the test

7
results. The test also does not provide information with which to establish mixing and
compaction temperatures.

Other than that is cut-back bitumen (as shown in Figure 4.2.2) is bitumen that was
blended with more or less volatile hydrocarbon component. The viscosity of this bitumen has
been minimised by the addition of solvent which is normally obtained from petroleum. After
the application is done, the bitumen’s original viscosity is reclaimed. The solvent that had
been used in cutback bitumen is called the "cutter" or "flux".

Figure 4.2.2 Cut-back Bitumen

There are three types of solvents that have been used for the blending process which
are slow-curing, medium-curing or rapid-curing solvents. The rate for bitumen to cure when
get exposed to air can be determined by the choice of the solvents. A rapid-curing (RC)
solvent evaporated much faster than a medium-curing (MC) solvent. The setting time of
bitumen is influenced by the evaporation rate of the solvent. The proportion of solvent added
determines the viscosity of the cutback bitumen at which the higher the proportion of solvent,
the lower the viscosity of the cutback. Cutbacks are more workable than penetration grade
bitumen at which they are more easily reshaped. Only slight amount of heat are required to
liquefy cutback bitumen than penetration bitumen, thus make it much facile to be used at
lower temperatures. Cutback bitumen can be applied at lower temperatures compared to
penetration grades due to its lower bitumen solvents viscosity. However, cutback bitumen
does have its own weakness which it consumes non-renewable energy resources which are
fundamentally lost through evaporation.

Oxidised Bitumen (as shown in Figure 4.2.3) is the refined bitumen that through
further treatment by the introduction of processed air. This process gives us oxidised
bitumen. Soft bitumen is being instigated by the air that is under pressure into it by
maintaining the controlled temperature. Reaction of this introduced oxygen and bitumen
component forming the compounds of higher molecular weight. Thus, rise in asphaltenes and
maltenes content causing a harder mix. This is lessening the ductility and temperature

8
vulnerability of the mix. Normally, oxidised bitumen is applied in industrial practices. Both
softening point and penetration test become the references in designing and specifying this
bitumen. For instance, oxidised bitumen 85/40 has softening point of 85 ± 5°C and
penetration point of 40 ± 5 dmm. Oxidised bitumen also has to follow the solubility, loss on
heating and streak point criteria. Oxidised bitumen is utterly water resistant, highly flexible
and durable.

Figure 4.2.3 Oxidised Bitumen

Furthermore, it is chemically really stable. It is a very adaptable compound that is not

only chemically stable but also very durable compound apart from being completely water
resistant. It also has some conspicuous practical advantages that make it very sought after
compound in various applications. However, this modified bitumen has one disadvantage to
use in coating composition, which has tendency to provide solutions that tend to extend the
body on aging. These undesirable body characteristics more pronounced in some solvents
than in others. It is significantly unhealthy among the case of the additional volatile crude
solvents. The initial high body of modify bitumen solutions is of course undesirable, visible
of the subsequent low solid content of solutions having viscosities sufficiently low for
application by the while a substitute for slightly of the latter, with none substantial increase in
body of the answer.

Bitumen emulsion (as shown in Figure 4.2.4) is the products in which droplets of
bitumen preparation are scattered in an aqueous medium. An emulsifier is applied to stabilise
the mixture. Bitumen emulsion is mainly implemented in road surfacing applications. This
type of bitumen forms a two-phase system consisting of two immiscible liquids, bitumen and
water, stabilised by an emulsifier. One of them is dispersed as fine globules within the other
liquid. Bitumen emulsion is formed when discrete globules of bitumen disseminate in a
continual form of water. It is essential for laying purposes. Basically, emulsions with low
bitumen content and low viscosity are prone to settlement. This settlement can be minimised

9
by balancing the densities of two phases. To achieve this, addition of calcium chloride to the
aqueous phase is a main way.

Figure 4.2.4 Bitumen Emulsion

However, the coefficient of thermal expansion of bitumen and aqueous phase are not
the same. Only at a specific temperature can make their densities to be the same. The phase
behaviour's viscosity can be increased by introducing a yield value, thus settlement can be
eliminated. There are many advantages of bitumen emulsion, one of them are bitumen
emulsion provides environmentally friendly option as it is water based. Besides, it doesn’t
need additional heat while placing. It is also used in bituminous road construction,
maintenance and repair work. However, bitumen emulsions do have its flaw. The setting time
may differ due to temperature, wind and type of emulsion. In addition, not all single type of
bitumen emulsion can be applied for all works. It relies on the aggregate type setting time.

Lastly ,polymer modified bitumen (as shown in Figure 4.2.5) is the type of bitumen
achieved by the modification of strength and the rheological properties of the penetration
graded bitumen. The polymer used can be either plastic or rubber. These polymers differs the
strength and the viscoelastic properties of the bitumen. This is achieved by elastic response
increase, improvement in cohesive property, enhancement in fracture strength and providing
ductility. Some of the examples of rubber polymers used are styrene block copolymers,
synthetic rubbers, natural and recycled rubbers. Plastics which are thermoplastic polymers are
also used. It is normal bitumen with added polymer which gives its extra strength, high
cohesiveness and resistance to fatigue, stripping and deformations, making it a favourable
material for infrastructure. Polymer becomes more elastomeric when it is added to regular
bitumen which provides it with additional elasticity.

10
 Figure 4.2.5 Polymer Modified Bitumen

The polymer that is added is styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) acts as a binder
modification agent. The main objective of SBS polymer modified bitumen is to provide extra
life to pavement, roads and construction designs. Polymer modified bitumen exhibit higher
rigidity, increase resistance to deformations, increase resistance to cracks and stripping, better
water resistance properties and high durability. Although polymers improve bitumen
properties to some extent, it costly prices, low ageing resistance and deficient storage stability
of polymer modified bitumen.

11
4.3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BITUMEN

Have we asked ourselves why we need this material or what the benefits and drawbacks
about it. Let's delve deeper into the material and get more information about the pros and
cons.

Figure 4.3.1 Bitumen

THE ADVANTAGES OF BITUMEN

i. Economy
One major advantage of bitumen is economy resurfacing an asphalt pavement creates
a road that’s smooth, durable, safe, and quiet and just as good as a new one. In addition,
bitumen pavement gives the best return on investment of any paving materials.Moreover,
Lower roadside noise levels of asphalt wearing course can save money in avoiding or
reducing indirect noise reducing systems such as sound barriers, special windows or any
other noise protection system.

An additional advantage of Asphalt and bitumen is 100% re-usable and the most
recycled and re-used construction product. Reclaimed asphalt contains a lot of bitumen,
and reheating and reusing it is very achievable. Therefore, reclaimed asphalt is a valuable
raw material when the bitumen - the most expensive component of asphalt can be reused
and enhanced to reach similar performance levels as new material. For these reasons
reusing reclaimed asphalt produces considerable savings, especially if the transportation
distances of the reclaimed old asphalt are reasonably short.

12
 ii. Safety

Racing cars and motorcycles require a durable, predictable and smooth surface.
Asphalt and bitumen are the only surface that is suitable for the rigorous requirements of the
pinnacle of motorsport. The circuit designers must take into account not only the extreme
performance of the cars, but also the safety of drivers, riders and spectators. The excellent
friction properties of asphalt also provide grip for the extreme cornering angles experienced
during motorcycle racing, a lesser surface than asphalt would cause them to slip as if they
were riding on soap.

The best visibility during rainy conditions. Porous Asphalt allows rainwater to drain
through the pavement surface, reducing the amount of splash and spray kicked up by
vehicles, and is providing the best visibility during raining conditions.Asphalt pavements are
flexible, this means that they are better able to accommodate variations in temperature
without sudden failures. Asphalt pavements can be built without the need for joints which
move due to thermal expansion and contraction. Without such joints there is no chance for
dangerous “blow-ups” to occur.

Asphalt is not only used for its adhesive and waterproofing properties, it is also often
used to protect the environment from hazardous materials. Landfill sites need to stop leachate
(water containing soluble hazardous materials) from contaminating groundwater. Asphalt
concrete is an excellent waterproofing material and well established in hydraulic engineering
for many decades. Because of its unique properties asphalt concrete is routinely used for
lining the landfill sites

iii. Comfort
Quiet pavement technologies include Porous asphalt, Double-layered porous asphalt,
and fine graded surfaces. Noise reductions of 3 to 6 decibels are common.
We can color the bitumen and asphalt nicely textured by adding some special materials to
produce attractive designs and form so, they look like e.g. block-paving. They have a perfect
evenness and look attractive.

13
 Figure 4.3.2 Shell Bitumen

iv. Sustainability
Bituminous asphalt pavements with intrinsic viscos-elastic properties can be re-used several
times at the highest performance level, even in new asphalt roads having the same
performance level.Hot Mix Asphalt protects the environment by providing impermeable caps
for abandoned landfills and deposits of hazardous materials.Asphalt pavements require about
20% less energy to produce and construct than other pavements.

14
 THE DISADVANTAGES OF BITUMEN

i. Environmental Issues

The main disadvantage of bitumen is created from petroleum. In this process,

hydrocarbons are released, which in turn lead to pollution. The most
commonly used bitumen for roadways and parking lots is known as coal tar.
Cutback bitumen emit a higher amount of hydrocarbons than emulsion
asphalts.

Figure 4.3.2 Air Pollution

ii. Care and Sealing

Asphalt and bitumen pavement require more maintenance than concrete,

according to the website Home Addition Plus. Every three to five years,
asphalt pavement must be resealed to prevent cracking. Sealers must be
applied and then the surface left alone for two to three days before cars can
drive on the surface. Resealing the asphalt surface every three to five years
will cost money and time.
Figure 4.3.3 Crack Road

iii. Health risk

Bitumen with impurities can cause pollution to soil, hence ground water
by their melting. These may have hydrocarbons in small amounts. It is
highly sensitive to heat and has a negative health risk. When heated gases
and vapors are harmful to health and the environment, for example:
Carbon monoxide: - It is a gas that has no smell or color and does not
result in irritation of the skin, but the absorption of red blood cells is faster
than the absorption of oxygen when the spread of a number of them in the
air accelerated body to replace them instead of oxygen and this causes
tissue damage and death in some cases.
Figure 4.3.4 Soil Pollution

15
4.4 TEST FOR BITUMEN

I. Penetration Test

In penetration test or “pen” test, it is used to measure the hardness of bitumen. The lower
penetration indicate the greater hardness. During the test, a container containing bitumen is
set at standard temperature, 25℃. Then, a needle of specified dimensions is allowed to
penetrate a sample of bitumen, under a known load for a known time. The needle is let to
bear on the surface of bitumen for 5 seconds under a load of 100g. The penetration
measurement is 0.01mm showing the distance that the needle penetrates under specified
conditions of temperature, load and load duration. After specified conditioning at the test
temperature, three individual measurements of penetration are taken. The average of
measurements recorded in nearest integer. On the basis of this test, bitumen are classified into
five standard grades of penetration from hardest to softest. The lower the value of
penetration, the harder the bitumen.

Figure 4.4.1 Penetration Test

16
 II. Softening Point Test

This test commonly used to determine the consistency of a penetration grade or oxidized
bitumen and it is a fair indicator of melting properties of bitumen. Bitumens with high
softening point melt at higher temperature and have better rutting resistance. This situation is
called as failure by rutting. In this test, a small steel ball is placed on a sample of bitumen
contained in a brass ring and then it is suspended in a bath that contains water or glycerine.
For bitumen with softening point of 80℃ and below, the water bath is used whereas bath
with glycerine is used for bitumen with softening point that higher than 80℃. Softening point
temperature is defined as the temperature indicated by thermometer at the instant the bitumen
surrounding the ball touches the bottom plate 25mm below the ring. The bath temperature is
raised at 5℃ per minute before the bitumen will softens and deforms slowly with the ball
through the ring. This softening test is performed twice and the average of two measures
temperatures is reported to the nearest 0.2℃ for softening points that below or equal to 80℃
and 0.5℃ for softening points above 80℃.

Figure 4.4.2 Softening Point Test

17
III. Viscosity Test

Viscosity is a ratio between the applied sheer stress and the rate of shear strain. There are
rheometers and three types of viscometers to take measurements that are the cup viscometer,
capillary viscometer and rotational viscometer. Dynamic shear rheometers used to
characterize the visco-elastic behaviour of bitumens. To measure using cup viscometer, a
metal cup is filled with the material at a standard volume of material to flow out through the
orifice in the bottom of the cup. For capillary viscometers, it has narrow and wide glass tubes
which bitumen flows and it provided with two or marks to indicate a particular volume or
flow. To measure the value of kinematic viscosity, it was determined by the timing flow of
bitumen through a glass capillary viscometer at given temperature. When the viscometer is
calibrated, the product of the flow time and the viscometer calibration factor gives the
kinematic viscosity. For rotational viscometers, it are used to determine the viscosity of
bitumens at application temperatures. Rotational viscometers are based on the concept that
the torque required to rotate an object in a fluid at a certain speed is a function of the
viscosity of the fluid and consist of a thermostatically controlled chamber containing a
sample of hot bitumen.

Figure 4.4.3 Viscocity Test

IV. Flash and Fire Test

This test used to determine the flash point and the fire point of asphaltic bitumen. Flash point
means the lowest temperature at which the application of test flame causes the vapours from
material to momentarily catch fire in the form of flash under specified conditions of the test.
Fire point defined as the lowest temperature at which the application of test flame causes the
material to ignite and burn at least for 5 seconds under specified conditions of test.

18
 Figure 4.4.4 Flash and Fire Test

To conduct flash point test, firstly the bitumen should be soften between 75℃ and
100℃ then stir thoroughly to remove air bubbles and water. Next, fill the bitumen into the
cup until it reach filling mark then put in on the bath to be stirred with high or low range
thermometer. After that, light the test flame and supply heat to record the temperature neither
less than 5℃ nor more than 6℃ per minute. Open flash point is taken as that temperature
produces a flash at any point on the surface of bitumen. Fire point is continued after flash
point and heating process also continued at such a rate that the increase in temperature
recorded by thermometer still 5℃ or 6℃ per minute. Fire point is considered when the
temperature on the thermometer at which the test flame causes bitumen to ignite and burn for
at least 5 seconds.

19
4.5 APPLICATIONS OF BITUMEN

We will discuss at this point the applications of bitumen in all our lives at the civil level of
society and the individual. There are a lot of applications we will try to conclude the most
important and which have a great impact in our daily lives. Most of these applications are
largely related to civil engineering. Bitumen plays an important role in many everyday
applications above and beyond asphalt streets and roofing. Bitumen’s waterproofing and
adhesive properties, durability and resistance to heavy loads make it the ideal material for use
in all-weather environments. Where strength and weatherproofing are essential requirements,
bitumen is a prime contributor to the performance of a vast range of products. Bitumen
membranes are also extensively used as sound-deadening panels in the automobile market.

i. Road Construction

Bitumen is particularly utilized as a part of street development, for instance with hot asphalt
fixing machines, to overlay asphalt and repair road damage. They are additionally utilized as
a part of basic innovation and seal for solid surfaces and asphalt. Pressure hoses are often
used with both hot and cold recycling. They keep the bitumen at 180 ° C so the flow is still
free. In cold recycling the old road surface is grinded, and at the same time a new base layer
is installed, all in one step with recycled grinded material. Hot bitumen is needed to process
to achieve a homogeneous surface while using the material that has been removed. These
supply lines are heated so that the materials remain flow-free.
An overall bitumen mix is used in the construction of flexible pavement to serve the
following needs, Structural Strength, Surface Drainage, Surface Friction

Figure 4.5.1 Example of street development

20
The bitumen as a raw material in flexible road construction and bitumen as a mix (composing
other materials i.e. aggregates/ pozzolans) serves certain advantages, that prompt to use
bitumen widely in road construction.

ii. Building and Hydraulic Engineering

When you make a decision that you will start building your home, one of the most
important points to think about is the insulation that you should use. Traditionally used to
weatherproof low slope roofs, bituminous membranes are finding new uses in the movement
towards carbon-neutral buildings. These membranes can be used to support roof gardens or
eco-roofing, in both commercial and residential developments.

It is proven by experiment that the warm bitumen of the bases and foundations is
more effective than the first things. The first thing is the strength of adhesion and the degree
of thickness. It has the ability to stick to your name plate, even if for one time, it has a warm
asphalt. It has the characteristic to expel all the artificial and microscopic objects. Gases and
evaporation of hydrocarbons and these forms of its geological composition.

Figure 4.5.2 Use of Bitumen in building and hydraulic engineering

These components prevent the approach of small insects known to exist in such places
cool or warm and most important of all it has adhesion with the soil dedicated for burial
purposes of the rules where Shape with the soil layer is almost thick, leading to downright
mind and effective moisture.

What is more being that, bitumen can be used to waterproof dams, reservoirs, landfill
sites and flood protection basins, dyke protection, ditch linings, drainage gutters, structures,
Embankment protection, jetties, levee protection, mattresses for levee & bank protection,

21
 membrane linings, waterproofing, reservoir linings, revetments, Sewage lagoons, oxidation
ponds. Bitumen gain certain unique properties that are inbuilt in it during its manufacture.

iii. Agriculture

Modern farms rely on bitumen and products using refined

bitumen for a number of vital applications. Bitumen
paving provides flooring in barns, barnyards and feed
platforms while tanks, vats and other concrete structures
can be waterproofed with a bitumen solution. We can also
use for trees paints and fence post coating

Figure 4.5.3 Bitumen in Agriculture

iv. Industry

Bitumen is everywhere – even in places where you

wouldn’t expect to find it such as Conduit insulation,
lamination Insulating boards, Paint compositions, Papers,
Pipe wrapping, Insulating felts, Panelboards etc.… It’s in a
variety of grease and lubricant products for different
applications. It’s in corrosion-resistant paints and printing
inks.

Figure 4.5.4 Bitumen in Industry

v. Sport and Leisure

Bitumen is in the asphalt that paves perfectly smooth

cycle paths and rugged, high-grip hiking trails, and
much more. It is used to waterproof swimming pools
and in numerous applications in event locations, from
a huge stadium to a local playground. It’s in the
rubberized surface of running tracks and the
waterproofing solutions used to treat outdoor Figure 4.5.4 Bitumen in Sport and
clothing. In tennis courts and other sports surfaces. Leisure

22
5. CONCLUSION

Bitumen is an important material which is a black sticky mixture of hydrocarbons

obtained naturally or as remains from petroleum distillation. It is used for road surfacing and
roofing. Natural bitumen is the thickest form of petroleum there is, carbon is contributed
about 83%, and 10% hydrogen and lesser amounts of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and other
elements.

It is clear that bitumen is considered as an essential material in construction of asphalt

roads (as it is shown in figure 5.1), runways, and platforms, but there are other uses for
bitumen in our life such as:

 Water proofing to prevent water leaking.

 As a mastic material used for flooring the factories.
 Canal covering to prevent disintegration.
 Damp-proof coat for masonry.
 Tank foundation.

Figure 5.1 Construction of Asphalt

History of Bitumen

Bitumen existed in natural around the world and was used for construction water
proofing long before refining was invented. For instance, the first known uses of bitumen was
located in Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization located in modern Iraq.

In this ancient times, bitumen was taken directly from natural fields or lakes. It was
mainly used for water proofing or ship caulking. It said that (without bitumen, Noah’s ark
would never have floated).

Traces of early uses of bitumen has been found in every continent around the world.
All ancient civilizations used natural bitumen for various applications such as (adhesives,

23
mortars, and water proofing).Bitumen has used by the ancient Egyptians to embalm
mummies. Interestingly, bitumen has also used in sculptures at all times of history turning a
construction materials into a work of art.

The first use of bitumen as a construction material for road pavement appeared in
Europe in the 1830s, simultaneously in France and England and then bitumen became widely
used for pavement and roofs.One of the earliest uses in France was the laying of about 30,000
square yards at the plaza de la Concorde in 1835.The first British patents for the use of
bitumen in world constructions were issued in the 1830s. This technology was later
introduced in the United States in the1870s, it has continuously improved ever since.

24
6. REFERENCE

25
7. APPENDICES

Picture 7.1 The members of Group 1

Figure 5.2 Example of Bitumen as a work of Art

26