Bitumen has been at the heart of road construction for more than a century. Despite innovations in materials science and growing interest in sustainable alternatives, bitumen remains the most widely used binder for road surfacing worldwide. In fact, over 85 percent of all bitumen produced today is used for road-related applications, including highways, city streets, airfields, and rural infrastructure.
Its durability, adhesive strength, and water resistance make it uniquely well-suited for withstanding the stresses of modern transport. Whether in traditional asphalt mixes or advanced bituminous surface treatments, bitumen continues to shape the way roads are designed, maintained, and repaired.
This blog explores the primary uses of bitumen in road construction, examines why it remains so widely adopted, and considers how packaging, transport, and storage play a vital role in supporting high-performance bituminous road surfaces.
What Is Bitumen and Why Is It Used in Roads?
Bitumen is a black, viscous, semi-solid form of petroleum, typically used as a binder in asphalt mixes. It is the component that holds aggregate particles together, forming a flexible and waterproof road surface capable of withstanding high traffic volumes, extreme temperatures, and dynamic loads.
When combined with crushed stone and sand, bitumen forms what is commonly known as asphalt concrete. This mixture is laid hot and compacted to create road surfaces that are smooth, resilient, and resistant to both cracking and deformation. Bituminous materials are ideal for forming layered, load-bearing pavements that last for years under constant stress.
The ability of bitumen to act as both a binder and a waterproofing agent makes it particularly effective in climates where freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, or UV exposure would otherwise damage road surfaces.
Primary Applications of Bitumen in Road Construction
Surface Layer (Wearing Course)
The top layer of most roads is made with a bitumen-bound asphalt mix that provides a durable and smooth driving surface. This layer is designed to resist skidding, minimise noise, and protect the underlying structure from water ingress.
Base and Binder Courses
Bitumen is also used in the intermediate layers of the road. These binder courses provide structural strength and distribute traffic loads down to the sub-base. The flexibility of bitumen helps absorb the stress from vehicle movements, especially in areas with frequent temperature changes or heavy-duty usage.
Waterproofing and Crack Sealing
Beyond new construction, bitumen is frequently used in road maintenance. Bituminous emulsions are applied to seal cracks, restore surface integrity, and prevent water from penetrating the lower layers. This extends the road’s lifespan and reduces the frequency of major repairs.
Specialty Surfaces
Bitumen is also used in specialised surfacing solutions such as chip seals, slurry seals, and surface dressings. These treatments are often used on rural roads, driveways, and low-volume traffic routes where cost-effective maintenance is a priority.
Road Construction Process Using Bitumen
Once the appropriate type of bitumen has been selected for a road construction project, the process of laying the bitumen begins. The road construction process involves several steps, including preparing the roadbed, placing the base course and binder course, and finishing with the surface course. Here is an overview of the road construction process using bitumen:
1. Preparation of the Roadbed
The first step in the road construction process is preparing the roadbed. This involves removing the topsoil and any other debris, levelling the ground, and compacting the soil. The goal is to create a stable foundation that will support the weight of the road.
2. Placing the Base Course
Once the roadbed is prepared, the base course is placed. The base course is made up of coarse aggregates, such as gravel, crushed stone, or sand, mixed with a bituminous binder. The base course provides a stable foundation for the road and helps to distribute the weight of the traffic.
3. Placing the Binder Course
After the base course is placed, the binder course is added. The binder course is made up of smaller aggregates, mixed with a bituminous binder. The binder course provides a smooth and stable surface for the road and helps to protect the base course from water damage.
4. Finishing with the Surface Course
The final step in the road construction process is adding the surface course. The surface course is made up of smaller aggregates, mixed with a bituminous binder, and is the layer that comes in direct contact with the traffic. The surface course provides a smooth and durable driving surface, protecting the road from wear and tear.
Why Bitumen Is Still the Preferred Choice for Roads
The continued dominance of bitumen in road surfacing is not coincidental. Its chemical and physical properties make it highly adaptable to varied climates, traffic conditions, and construction methods. It offers a balance of strength and flexibility that few other binders can match.
According to Grand View Research, the global bitumen market continues to grow, driven primarily by demand for road construction and highway expansion projects. This trend is expected to continue in both developed and emerging economies as governments invest in transport infrastructure renewal.
Bitumen is also recyclable. Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) allows bitumen from old roads to be reused, reducing the need for virgin materials and lowering environmental impact. This aspect reinforces its position as a practical and relatively sustainable solution for large-scale infrastructure work.
To learn more about how TEC supports this shift, visit our guide to sustainable bitumen containers.
The Importance of Reliable Bitumen Transport and Storage
The quality of road bitumen at the point of application depends heavily on how it is handled, stored, and transported. Improper storage can degrade its performance characteristics, while delays or contamination in transit can disrupt large-scale road projects.
At TEC Container Solutions, we specialise in engineering packaging and transport systems that preserve bitumen quality under all conditions. Our Shipper Bitutainers™ and MEST storage units are designed for global multimodal logistics and long-term site storage. Both systems provide high-performance insulation, safe heating options, and compliant handling, making them ideal for road contractors working across variable geographies and climates.
Whether you are transporting bitumen across continents or storing it on-site in sub-zero or desert conditions, our solutions help protect material integrity and reduce heating costs. Learn more about our bulk storage capabilities and how they support modern infrastructure projects.
Different road construction projects call for different container types. TEC offers a complete range of solutions tailored to the operational needs of each stage in the bitumen supply chain:
The Shipper Bitutainer™ is our most versatile container for high-volume, international transport, compatible with both ISO and intermodal shipping platforms.
The MEST (Mobile Electric Storage Tank) provides on-site heated storage and is ideal for infrastructure sites with irregular delivery schedules.
The Storage Bitutainer is designed for depot-based operations requiring continuous heating and long-term bitumen retention.
If you’re unsure which container best suits your bitumen transport strategy, our comparison of bitumen tank trailers versus Bitutainers™ can help clarify the key differences.
Shipper Bitutainer™
Shipper Bitutainer™
MEST Bitutainer™
Bitumen Storage Solution
MEST Bitutainer™
Bitumen Storage Solution
Bitutainer™ Storage
Facility
Bitutainer™ Storage
Facility
Bitumen continues to serve as the cornerstone of road construction around the world. From highways and motorways to airport runways and local road networks, its combination of strength, flexibility, and water resistance make it irreplaceable in modern infrastructure.
But the success of every bitumen-based project depends on more than just the mix design. Ensuring consistent quality from refinery to road surface requires a robust approach to transport, storage, and container selection.
TEC Container Solutions is proud to support the global bitumen supply chain with systems engineered for performance, safety, and sustainability. To speak with a member of our team about your next road construction project, or to learn more about our product range, get in touch here.