Bitumen Asphalt: Differences, Uses & Applications

Bitumen Asphalt is a commonly searched phrase used by buyers, contractors, road engineers, and construction companies looking for information about the relationship between bitumen and asphalt.

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they are technically different.

Bitumen is the dark, viscous binder that holds mineral aggregates together. Asphalt is generally the finished paving mixture made by combining bitumen with aggregates and, where required, mineral filler or other components.

In simple terms:

Bitumen = Binder
Asphalt = Aggregate + Bitumen Binder

This distinction is important for road construction, asphalt plants, infrastructure procurement, and commercial bitumen purchasing.

A contractor constructing an asphalt road normally does not simply pour pure bitumen onto the road surface. Instead, the correct paving-grade bitumen is combined with carefully selected and graded aggregates to produce an asphalt mixture designed for traffic, climate, pavement structure, and project specifications.

Quick Answer: What Is the Difference Between Bitumen and Asphalt?

Bitumen is the binding material used in asphalt, while asphalt is the finished mixture of bitumen and mineral aggregates used for roads, highways, driveways, parking areas, and other pavements.

Terminology can vary between countries. In some markets, particularly in everyday North American usage, “asphalt” may also be used loosely when referring to the binder. For technical procurement, however, the exact material and specification should always be stated.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Bitumen?
2. What Is Asphalt?
3. Bitumen vs Asphalt
4. How Bitumen Is Used in Asphalt
5. Main Types of Bitumen for Asphalt
6. Penetration Grade Bitumen
7. Performance Grade Bitumen
8. Viscosity Grade Bitumen
9. How Asphalt Is Produced
10. Bitumen Asphalt for Road Construction
11. Bitumen Asphalt for Highways
12. Bitumen Asphalt for Driveways
13. Bitumen Asphalt for Parking Areas
14. Asphalt Pavement Layers
15. Bitumen Emulsion and Asphalt
16. Benefits of Asphalt Pavements
17. Common Asphalt Problems
18. How to Select Bitumen for Asphalt
19. Bitumen Asphalt Price Factors
20. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Bitumen?

Bitumen is a dark, highly viscous petroleum-derived material widely used as a binder and waterproofing material.

In road construction, its main function is to bind mineral aggregates together.

Bitumen contributes important properties to asphalt mixtures, including:

• Adhesion
• Cohesion
• Flexibility
• Water resistance
• Workability
• Pavement durability

Different grades are available for different climates, traffic conditions, and pavement specifications.

Common paving categories include:

• Penetration Grade Bitumen
• Performance Grade Bitumen
• Viscosity Grade Bitumen

Other bituminous products such as emulsions and cutbacks serve specialized road-construction and maintenance functions.

What Is Asphalt?

Asphalt is generally a paving material made from mineral aggregate combined with bituminous binder.

A typical asphalt mixture contains:

• Coarse aggregate
• Fine aggregate
• Mineral filler where required
• Bitumen binder

Depending on the application, the mixture may also include additives or modified binder.

The aggregate forms most of the structural skeleton of the asphalt mixture.

The bitumen coats the aggregate particles and holds them together.

Asphalt is commonly used for:

• Highways
• Roads
• Streets
• Driveways
• Parking areas
• Airport pavements where specified
• Industrial yards
• Bridge surfacing
• Access roads

Bitumen vs Asphalt

The difference can be summarized simply.

The distinction becomes especially important when purchasing material.

If a buyer says, “We need asphalt,” they may require a finished asphalt mixture.

If they say, “We need Bitumen 60/70,” they are requesting the binder used to manufacture asphalt.

How Is Bitumen Used in Asphalt?

In asphalt production, bitumen is heated to a suitable working condition so that it can coat the mineral aggregates effectively.

The process generally follows:

Selected Aggregates
↓
Heating / Preparation
↓
Bitumen Binder Added
↓
Controlled Mixing
↓
Asphalt Mixture Produced
↓
Transport to Site
↓
Paving
↓
Compaction

The exact production temperatures and binder content depend on the grade, mixture design, plant, aggregates, and project specification.

Excessive heating should be avoided because it can accelerate binder aging and create safety issues.

Main Types of Bitumen for Asphalt

Several binder grading systems are used internationally.

Penetration Grade Bitumen

Penetration grading classifies conventional bitumen according to penetration characteristics under specified test conditions.

Common examples include:

• 30/40
• 40/50
• 50/70
• 60/70
• 80/100
• 85/100
• 100/120

The appropriate grade depends on project requirements.

Performance Grade Bitumen

Performance Grade, or PG Bitumen, classifies asphalt binder according to performance-related temperature conditions.

Examples can include various PG 52, PG 58, PG 64, PG 70, and PG 76 grades depending on specification.

A PG binder can be modified or unmodified.

PG should not automatically be treated as synonymous with polymer-modified bitumen.

Viscosity Grade Bitumen

Viscosity grading evaluates binder according to viscosity-related properties.

Common examples include:

• VG10
• VG20
• VG30
• VG40

Different regions may favor different grading systems.

Bitumen 60/70 for Asphalt

Bitumen 60/70 is one of the most widely recognized conventional paving binders.

It can be used in asphalt production where the pavement specification, climate, and mix design call for this grade.

Applications can include selected:

• Roads
• Highways
• Urban streets
• Industrial pavements
• Asphalt surfacing

However, 60/70 should not automatically be used for every road.

Traffic, climate, pavement temperature, aggregate characteristics, and local specifications should determine the binder selection.

How Is Asphalt Produced?

Modern asphalt is generally produced in an asphalt mixing plant.

The process includes carefully controlling:

• Aggregate grading
• Aggregate temperature
• Binder quantity
• Mixing time
• Final mixture temperature
• Moisture
• Filler content

The asphalt mixture must achieve sufficient uniformity so that aggregates are properly coated with bitumen.

After production, the asphalt is transported to the paving site.

Paving equipment distributes the mix across the prepared surface before rollers compact it to the required density.

Bitumen Asphalt for Road Construction

Road construction is the largest application associated with asphalt and paving bitumen.

A complete flexible pavement may contain several layers.

A simplified structure is:

Subgrade
↓
Sub-base
↓
Base Course
↓
Asphalt Binder Course
↓
Asphalt Wearing Course

Not every road uses exactly this structure, but it demonstrates an important principle:

The asphalt surface is only one part of the pavement.

Even high-quality bitumen cannot compensate for a poorly prepared subgrade, weak base, inadequate drainage, or insufficient compaction.

Bitumen Asphalt for Highways

Highways experience repeated traffic loading and can be exposed to wide temperature ranges.

Binder selection can therefore be more demanding.

Relevant considerations include:

• Heavy trucks
• Axle loading
• High pavement temperatures
• Low-temperature cracking risk
• Traffic speed
• Intersections
• Climatic conditions
• Asphalt mixture design

For more demanding conditions, a Performance Grade or polymer-modified binder may be specified.

The binder should always match the road-design requirements.

Bitumen Asphalt for Driveways

Residential and commercial driveways are also commonly constructed using asphalt.

A properly designed asphalt driveway includes more than a black surface layer.

Typical components include:

• Prepared soil/subgrade
• Compacted aggregate base
• Asphalt mixture
• Correct drainage
• Compaction
• Edge support where required

A driveway should not be constructed simply by pouring liquid bitumen over the soil or loose gravel.

The bitumen needs to function as part of an engineered paving system.

Bitumen Asphalt for Parking Areas

Asphalt is widely used for parking areas because it can provide a smooth and relatively flexible paving surface.

Applications include:

• Commercial parking
• Industrial yards
• Shopping areas
• Office developments
• Institutional facilities

Parking facilities can experience slow-moving and stationary vehicle loads.

Heavy trucks and buses can create additional stresses.

Binder grade and pavement thickness should therefore reflect the expected traffic.

Asphalt Pavement Layers

Understanding pavement layers helps explain why bitumen alone does not determine pavement quality.

Subgrade

The natural or prepared soil supporting the pavement.

Sub-base

A granular layer that can help distribute loads and improve drainage.

Base Course

Provides significant structural support.

Binder Course

An asphalt layer designed to contribute structure and connect pavement layers.

Wearing Course

The upper surface exposed directly to traffic and weather.

The asphalt mixture used in each layer may have different aggregate grading or binder requirements.

Bitumen Emulsion and Asphalt

Bitumen Emulsion is important in asphalt pavement construction and maintenance, but it is different from ordinary hot paving binder.

In an emulsion, bitumen droplets are dispersed in water using an emulsifying system.

Common applications include:

• Tack coat
• Surface treatment
• Slurry seal
• Micro-surfacing
• Fog seal
• Selected cold mixtures
• Pavement maintenance

For example, a tack coat may be sprayed between an existing asphalt layer and a new asphalt course to promote bonding.

Cutback Bitumen and Asphalt

Cutback Bitumen is produced by reducing bitumen viscosity with suitable volatile petroleum components.

Traditional applications can include selected:

• Prime coats
• Surface treatments
• Maintenance work

Use depends on local regulations and project specifications.

Because cutbacks can contain volatile components, fire, worker-safety, and environmental requirements should be considered carefully.

SBS Modified Bitumen in Asphalt

For demanding pavements, SBS Modified Bitumen can be used to modify binder characteristics.

SBS stands for Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene.

Suitable SBS-modified binders may provide improvements in:

• Elastic response
• High-temperature behavior
• Flexibility
• Resistance to selected deformation mechanisms

They may be considered for:

• Heavy traffic
• Highways
• Intersections
• Truck routes
• High-stress pavements

Actual pavement performance still depends on the complete mixture and pavement design.

Benefits of Bitumen Asphalt Pavements

Flexible Behavior

Asphalt forms a flexible pavement system capable of responding to traffic and temperature stresses.

Smooth Surface

Properly placed and compacted asphalt provides a consistent riding surface.

Strong Aggregate Binding

Bitumen provides cohesion and bonds aggregates together.

Water Resistance

The binder contributes water-resistant characteristics to the pavement mixture.

Fast Construction

Asphalt pavement can often be placed and opened according to relatively efficient construction schedules when compared with some alternative pavement systems.

Repairability

Localized asphalt pavement areas can often be milled, patched, or resurfaced.

Wide Application Range

Asphalt can be designed for local streets, highways, driveways, industrial yards, and other pavement applications.

Common Asphalt Pavement Problems

Rutting

Permanent wheel-path deformation may develop because of traffic, high temperatures, weak layers, poor mix design, or inadequate compaction.

Cracking

Cracking can result from aging, fatigue, thermal movement, structural weakness, or reflection from underlying layers.

Potholes

Water penetration, traffic, and pavement deterioration can contribute to pothole development.

Bleeding

Excess binder at the pavement surface can result in a smooth or sticky appearance under certain conditions.

Ravelling

Loss of aggregate particles may occur when cohesion or aggregate retention deteriorates.

Settlement

Weak subgrade or base materials can cause uneven pavement.

These problems demonstrate that selecting good bitumen is important—but it is only one part of pavement performance.

Bitumen Asphalt vs Concrete

Asphalt and concrete are two major pavement technologies.

Neither pavement type is universally better.

Selection depends on traffic, climate, design, cost, materials, construction capacity, and maintenance strategy.

Is Asphalt the Same as Tar?

No.

This is a common misconception.

Modern asphalt paving generally uses petroleum bitumen as the binder.

Tar—particularly coal tar—is a different material produced through different processes.

Historically, tar was used in certain road applications, but the terms “tarmac,” “tar road,” and “asphalt” are often mixed in everyday speech.

For technical procurement:

Bitumen ≠ Coal Tar

and

Modern Asphalt ≠ simply Tar

Bitumen Asphalt Price

There is no single universal Bitumen Asphalt Price.

If the buyer needs raw bitumen binder, pricing can depend on:

• Grade
• Quantity
• Packaging
• Origin
• Crude-oil market conditions
• Freight
• Currency
• Destination

If the buyer needs finished asphalt pavement, additional costs include:

• Aggregate
• Asphalt plant operation
• Binder
• Transportation
• Site preparation
• Paving equipment
• Labor
• Compaction
• Pavement thickness

Therefore:

Bitumen price per MT ≠ asphalt paving price per ton or square meter.

The two should not be confused.

How to Select Bitumen for Asphalt

Professional buyers should start with the road specification rather than price alone.

Consider:

Climate

High and low pavement temperatures influence binder selection.

Traffic

Heavy truck traffic places greater demands on pavement.

Asphalt Mix

Aggregate grading and mixture type affect binder requirements.

Grade System

Determine whether the specification requires:

• Penetration Grade
• Performance Grade
• Viscosity Grade
• Modified binder

Quantity

Asphalt plants may require large bulk quantities.

Storage

Hot paving bitumen usually requires suitable heated storage and pumping systems.

Technical Documentation

Professional procurement should include relevant TDS, testing, and specification data.

Bitumen Asphalt and SHM Trade Global

SHM Trade Global operates as a Global Importer, Supplier & Exporter of Bitumen Products & Industrial Materials.

Relevant bitumen categories include:

• Penetration Grade Bitumen
• Performance Grade Bitumen
• Viscosity Grade Bitumen
• Oxidized Bitumen
• Cutback Bitumen
• Coat Bitumen
• Emulsion Bitumen

For asphalt-production requirements, buyers should specify:

• Required bitumen grade
• Project specification
• Quantity
• Packaging or bulk requirement
• Destination
• Application

SHM Trade Global’s role is the supply and international trade of bitumen products and industrial materials rather than asphalt-road paving installation.

For commercial enquiries:

📧 info@shmtradeglobal.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Bitumen Asphalt

What is Bitumen Asphalt?

The phrase Bitumen Asphalt generally refers to the relationship between bitumen binder and asphalt paving material. Bitumen binds mineral aggregates together to produce asphalt.

Is bitumen the same as asphalt?

Not technically. Bitumen is the binder, while asphalt is generally the paving mixture containing aggregates and bitumen.

What percentage of asphalt is bitumen?

The exact binder content depends on the asphalt mix design, aggregate gradation, pavement application, and project specification. A universal percentage should not be assumed.

Which bitumen is used for asphalt roads?

Penetration Grade, Performance Grade, Viscosity Grade, and selected modified binders can all be used depending on climate, traffic, mix design, and project specifications.

Is Bitumen 60/70 used in asphalt?

Yes. Bitumen 60/70 is a recognized paving-grade binder used in asphalt applications where the project specification requires it.

Is asphalt made from tar?

Modern asphalt pavement generally uses petroleum bitumen as the binder rather than coal tar.

What is the difference between bitumen and asphalt concrete?

Bitumen is the binder. Asphalt concrete is a mixture of graded aggregates, bitumen binder, and other specified components.

Does SHM Trade Global supply bitumen for asphalt production?

SHM Trade Global operates as an importer, supplier, and exporter of bitumen products and industrial materials. Buyers should provide the required grade, specification, quantity, packaging, and destination for current commercial enquiries.