Gilsonite Asphalt for Hot-Climate Roads

In the Middle East, North Africa and other hot regions, pavement temperatures can exceed 70°C in summer. Standard bitumen softens and roads rut quickly. Gilsonite helps.

The problem

High pavement temperature + heavy trucks = rutting, shoving and bleeding.

Gilsonite solution

Gilsonite raises binder softening point and stiffness, allowing the pavement to carry heavy loads in extreme heat.

Typical approach

• Base bitumen 60/70
• 6–10% gilsonite by weight of binder
• Target softening point of 60–70°C for the modified binder

Added benefits

• Better resistance to bleeding
• Improved aggregate adhesion in dusty conditions
• Easy to add at the plant with dry process

Local supply

Sun Gilsonite ships asphalt modifier gilsonite and granular gilsonite to contractors across the region by truck and container.

Specification ideas for hot regions

Field experience

Contractors in hot regions often report fewer summer ruts and less bleeding when using gilsonite-modified binder in heavy-traffic sections.

See also improving rutting resistance.