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Concrete roads are becoming highly popular in India due to their inherent properties. However, it is an astonishing fact that many countries, where these roads have been popular for a long time, are shifted to bitumen roads. Why is this contradiction? Well, there are various reasons behind it. Concrete and Bitumen (or Asphalt) are two comparable mediums that have merits and demerits. There are certain strong points and some weak points. It depends on the applicability, usability, economic feasibility, and geographic condition of the road. Modern roads in India use a hybrid technique to take advantage of the difference between concrete and bitumen roads. In this technique, the uppermost layer of the road is made from bitumen and the base is constructed using concrete blocks. Let’s understand the merits of concrete roads before knowing the Difference between concrete and bitumen roads. Concrete roads · They are durable and maintenance free. It is estimated that good quality concrete can sustain for fifty years. Also, there is no need of patching or repairs due to wear and tear. These roads are greatly sturdy and can sustain well against extreme weather conditions. · They bring incredible fuel efficiency. Since they get less affected by the heavy loads of fully-loaded truck, the upper layer doesn’t get deformed. Vehicles maintain good speed, and there is a significant saving of fuel. Hence, they are ‘green highways’. Bitumen Roads · Construction of bitumen roads is cost-friendly. Due to less construction time and requirement of unskilled labors it is cheaper than concrete. · It is easy to maintain these roads. Bitumen is a recyclable component. Constructing a new layer is trouble-free. · Bitumen roads increase road safety. They are skid-resistant. With a better traction, there are fewer chances of accidents. · It is easy to carry in remote areas. There is no need of carrying huge machines like the concrete mixer. Speedy construction is possible using Bitumen. Which technique is the best? Since there are advantages and disadvantages of both concrete and bitumen roads, specific requirement decides which one to be selected? Concrete roads can be a feasible option in areas where weather conditions are adverse. In rural areas where the traffic load is not high, bitumen roads are the best. They are economical as well. For constructing high-speed super highways, concrete is the best solution. However, they are not skid-resistant and they become excessively hot during summers. Concrete and bitumen are the two main raw materials used for the construction of roads in India. Usually the bitumen manufacturing plant consists of large scale machineries, equipments and huge plants.
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