Bitumen is a sticky, black, and highly viscous substance found in various kinds of deposits, such as oil sands and pitch lakes, or obtained through crude oil distillation. This hydrocarbon composition is often in a liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum.
How is Bitumen Obtained?
In petroleum refineries, bitumen is acquired through the distillation process. During this procedure, the lighter components of crude oil rise to the top, while the heavy ones sink to the bottom.
The operator then removes the lighter components, such as gas, gasoline, and diesel from the crude oil. The residual fraction at the bottom is called bitumen, the material used in road constructions and bituminous coating waterproofing.
Properties of Bitumen
Bitumen has viscoelastic and thermoplastic properties, meaning that it behaves differently depending on the temperature and loading time. This material acts as a viscous material when used at high temperatures or during long loading times. On the other hand, bitumen performs like an elastic solid at low temperatures or during fast loading modes.
It also has a highly adhesive nature, which allows it to combine with aggregates easier. This makes bitumen a crucial material when it comes to the construction of asphalt pavements and lengthening the service time of a road.
Lastly, bitumen is an environment-friendly material. It is a by-product of crude oil’s distillation process. This means that manufacturing bitumen does not need any additional materials, thus lessening waste products.
Applications of Bitumen
Bitumen can be used as-is or mixed with other substances depending on application areas. It can be combined with polymers to improve its performance and used as different forms of product.
Most of the time, bitumen is used as a binder in asphalt for the construction of roads, parking lots, runways, and footpaths. It is also used for waterproofing roofs, roads, and other surfaces.
Bitumen Waterproofing
Aside from being used as an aggregate mix, bitumen is essential in waterproofing applications. Its viscoelastic and thermoplastic properties, highly adhesive nature, and fairly low melting point allow the material to effectively protect various surfaces from water.
How is Bitumen Applied as a Waterproofing Material?
Bitumen is often one of the primary components of waterproofing materials, including sealants, mastics, adhesives, and coating. It can also be sprayed directly on finished asphalt. This provides the surface with a protective layer against water.
Why is Bitumen Waterproofing Important?
Applying bituminous coating on roads can help prolong their lifespan and offer greater usability. Additionally, there will be less need for maintenance work.
This is possible because bitumen prevents water seepage on the pavement’s layers.
Achieving this helps preserve the structural integrity of the road’s surface, which is the key to avoiding cracks, deformations, and potholes.
Spraying bituminous waterproofing coating on roads will then improve the safety of drivers, cyclists, and other motorists. Additionally, it will ensure the longevity of the road and asphalt, saving you time, money, and effort in the long run.
Bitumen is a practical material that can be applied in a variety of ways, depending on your needs. It is also an environment-friendly product that helps you lessen your carbon footprint whenever you use it on your road construction or waterproofing projects.
For more information on bitumen waterproofing, talk to our experts at Rua Seguridad. We look forward to hearing from you!
