Asphalt vs Bitumen: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters for Road Construction Projects

In global road construction, the terms “asphalt” and “bitumen” are often confused. As a professional bitumen equipment manufacturer, [FEITENG] is here to clarify the difference and help contractors select the right materials and equipment for every project.

1. Asphalt vs Bitumen: Key Differences

🌍 Regional Terminology

• USA/Canada:
  
  → “Asphalt” = Asphalt concrete (bitumen + aggregates)
  
  → Example: “This highway uses asphalt pavement.”

• UK/Australia/India:
  
  → “Bitumen” = Raw petroleum binder
  
  → Example: “We need 10 tons of bitumen for surfacing.”

🔬 Material Composition

🌐 Market Usage

• USA: 90%+ roads use asphalt concrete

• Europe/Australia: Bitumen is dominant due to climate adaptability

2. Types of Bitumen & Equipment Recommendations

🔹 Common Bitumen Types

• Petroleum Bitumen (most used)
  
  → Byproduct of crude oil refining
  
  → Use storage tanks with heating coils to keep it flowable

• Natural Bitumen
  
  → Environmentally friendly, mined from natural deposits

• Coal Tar Pitch
  
  → Toxic fumes; less common and needs caution

🔧 Best Equipment by Use Case

• Preventive Maintenance: Asphalt recyclers to reuse old pavement

• Corrective Repair: Infrared heaters for potholes

• Emergency Work: Mobile hot mix plants for fast patching

3. China’s Bitumen Market: Opportunity for Global Buyers

• Booming Demand: China’s bitumen market grew at 12% CAGR (2020–2024)

• Supply Gap: High-end polymer-modified bitumen still relies on imports

🏗️ Supplier Insight:

FEITENG offers custom polymer-modified bitumen plants to support high-quality highway construction in growing markets.

FAQs

Q: Is bitumen the same as asphalt?

A: No. Bitumen is the binder; asphalt is the finished mix with stone and sand.

Q: Which is better in hot climates?

A: Polymer-modified bitumen performs better in high temperatures.

Partner with a Reliable Bitumen Equipment Manufacturer

[FEITENG] is a trusted supplier of bitumen melting machines, recycling plants, and asphalt storage tanks—serving clients in 30+ countries.

✅ Why Choose Us?

• 15+ years of global export experience

• CE & ISO 9001 certified machines

• Custom solutions for highways, airports, and rural roads

📩 [Get a Free Quote Today] – We’ll recommend the right solution for your project needs.