In this episode, we’re diving into the ultimate showdown: Bitumen Stabilised Material (BSM) versus Granular Materials. Join us as we explore the strengths and weaknesses of these two pavement options and uncover the superior benefits of BSM.
BSM, known for its granular nature, offers a unique balance between strength and flexibility, with increased cohesion and moisture resistance.
This dynamic combination allows BSM to efficiently distribute loads and adapt to varying traffic conditions, ensuring a durable and resilient pavement structure.
This extreme exaggeration visualises the resilience of BSM.
Granular materials, while commonly used, have exceptional load-spreading capacity, but limitations in terms of deformation resistance and resistance to moisture damage.
As granular layers are moisture sensitive, maintenance becomes high cost and resource intensive.
Additionally, the production of new aggregates will have a negative impact on the environment and sustainability of pavement construction processes.
Due to these and many other factors, BSM emerges as a more sustainable and reliable alternative.
Environmental sustainability is a critical consideration when it comes to road construction. BSM’s ability to incorporate recycled materials and reduce the need for virgin aggregates contributes to a greener approach to road construction.
This enables us to utilise the huge network of existing pavements, that have been designed and constructed with suitable granular and stabilised materials, including the recycling and re-use of existing Surfacing layers.