Advantages of natural bitumen and gilsonite
In various scientific researches, the advantages of using Gilsonite in asphalt paving have been investigated. One of these studies is a study conducted by the Pavement Excellence Center at the Nevada School of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2015.
This study has shown that the use of natural bitumen in asphalt paving greatly increases the durability and life of asphalt. This effect is due to the use of modified natural binders in Gilsonite. Naturally, the result of this study can be effective in reducing the costs of asphalt road maintenance.
Advantages of natural bitumen in asphalt pavement
The use of Gilsonite in asphalt production is very important. In the following, we have mentioned some of the advantages of natural bitumen in asphalt paving:
Tensile strength: Natural gilsonite significantly increases strength and tensile strength in wet environments as well as normal environments.
Compressive strength: In this context, the presence of modified binders in Gilsonite improves the compressive strength of asphalt pavement.
Rutting resistance: Modified binders also prevent asphalt from rutting. Research has shown that in 90% of cases, the addition of natural bitumen can lead to an increase in asphalt life up to ten times.
Fatigue resistance: The typical lifetime of asphalt pavement can be increased from 1.5 to 5 times if binders modified by natural gilsonite are used.
Reducing costs with asphalt paving
Natural bitumen increases the viscosity of asphalt. For this reason, unlike other asphalts, it makes the road resistant to fatigue and deformation, even at high temperatures. There are many operational reports that report an increase of at least two times the life of asphalt if natural bitumen is used.
In terms of reducing the price of natural Gilsonite, it has a direct effect of nearly 20%. This material allows the base and binder layers to be 20% thinner while maintaining proper performance, and less primary raw materials are needed for road construction. However, the main reason for the cost-effectiveness of this method is more related to increasing the life of asphalt.
The possibility of recycling asphalt
The use of natural gilsonite plays an effective role in asphalt recycling. The use of this recycled material makes old asphalt possible and makes recycled asphalt as resistant as new asphalt. This is despite the fact that the recycling of normal asphalt does not have the same result as new asphalt, and the pavement made in this case is vulnerable to cracking.
Gilsonite's unique properties, including high strength and fatigue resistance, reduced temperature sensitivity, high resistance to deformation, increased resistance to water erosion (washed water), reduced pavement thickness, and being compatible with the environment make the use of this material. To be economical in road construction. Gilsonite can be added directly to asphalt at the mixing plant, hot and without additional equipment.
In simple words, in a situation where a road with natural bitumen lasts only 10 years; Asphalt road paved with natural gilsonite; It can last up to 25 years.
Gilsonite is more economical than modified polymer
Modified polymer additives can improve binder performance under certain harsh conditions. However, the cost of SBS polymers is more than twice that of Gilsonite. A more economical solution is to combine Gilsonite with SBS polymers to achieve the desired grade.
Resistance to rutting
Gilsonite increases the viscosity of asphalt, and as a result, unlike other modifiers or asphalt with high modulus based on RAP, it makes roads resistant to deformation and fatigue even at high temperatures.
Natural Bitumen in Asphalt Pavement:
- Enhanced Durability: Natural bitumen, also known as natural asphalt or rock asphalt, offers excellent durability properties. It has a high resistance to deformation and can withstand heavy traffic loads and harsh environmental conditions, resulting in long-lasting asphalt pavements.
- Superior Flexibility: Natural bitumen exhibits superior flexibility compared to other types of binders. This flexibility allows the asphalt pavement to accommodate temperature-induced expansion and contraction without cracking or significant damage. It helps in maintaining the integrity and smoothness of the road surface over time.
- Self-healing Properties: One of the unique advantages of natural bitumen is its self-healing ability. When small cracks or fissures occur in the pavement due to traffic or aging, the natural bitumen has the capability to reseal these cracks through a process called "self-healing." This property helps in preventing water infiltration, reducing the potential for further pavement deterioration.
- Thermal Stability: Natural bitumen possesses excellent thermal stability, enabling it to maintain its properties over a wide temperature range. It can withstand high temperatures during hot weather conditions without significant softening or rutting, as well as endure low temperatures without becoming brittle or susceptible to cracking.
- Environmental Benefits: Natural bitumen is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for asphalt pavement. It is a naturally occurring material that requires minimal processing, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its production. Additionally, the use of natural bitumen can contribute to the conservation of non-renewable resources.
- Cost-effectiveness: Natural bitumen can offer cost advantages in certain regions where it is readily available. Its use as a binder in asphalt pavement can provide cost savings compared to other binder options, making it an economically viable choice for road construction projects.
Overall, the advantages of natural bitumen in asphalt pavement include enhanced durability, superior flexibility, self-healing properties, thermal stability, environmental benefits, and potential cost-effectiveness. These properties make natural bitumen a favorable option for creating long-lasting and sustainable asphalt pavements.
ATDM CO is a reputable manufacturer and exporter of Bitumen 60 70 and Bitumen 80/100. We specialize in offering high-quality bitumen products in various packaging options, including drums, bags, and bulk quantities. Our product line consists of three distinct quality grades: premium, second, and third types. Each grade is produced with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing advanced facilities and processes.
Our diverse range of options is designed to cater to the specific needs and volume requirements of our customers. Whether you require a smaller quantity for a specific project or a larger bulk order, we have the flexibility to accommodate your demands.
At ATDM CO, we prioritize product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Our bitumen 60/70 is manufactured to meet international standards, ensuring optimal performance and durability in various applications. Currently, we have supplies in three countries of the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Panama and Singapore are available. We take pride in delivering exceptional products that meet the diverse needs of our valued customers, both domestically and internationally.