Paving

Paving in Desert Conditions with Gilsonite

May 8, 2026 · 1 min read · Sun Gilsonite Technical Team

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Desert roads face extreme heat, wind-blown sand and large daily temperature swings.

Challenges

Granular gilsonite is easy to handle in hot, windy plant conditions and reduces dust compared with fine powder.

Gilsonite-modified mixes typically show better rut resistance and less bleeding during hot summers.

Issue	Solution
High day temperature	Pave early morning or evening
Wind	Protect mat edges, keep rollers close
Dusty aggregate	Wash or dry-screen, control filler
Long haul distances	Insulated trucks

Gilsonite-modified binder with higher softening point resists softening and rutting under extreme heat.

Seal cracks before sand fills them and prevents sealing.

Data sheet

Data sheet – Gilsonite Granular
Property	Typical value	Test method
Appearance	Black granules	Visual
Particle size	1 – 5 mm	Sieve
Softening point (R&B)	150 – 200 °C	ASTM D36
Ash content, max	8 %	ASTM D3174
Moisture, max	1 %	ASTM D95
Solubility in toluene, min	95 %	ASTM D2042
Specific gravity @ 25°C	1.04 – 1.10	ASTM D70
Typical dosage	Asphalt: 4–12 % by weight of binder.
Packing	25 kg PP bags palletized, or 1 MT jumbo bags; 20–22 MT per 20ft container.

Typical values. The final specification is confirmed in the COA of each shipment.