Characteristics of Asphalts Bitumen

In France, bitumen belong to a category of products called hydrocarbon binders . They are defined and classified in the French Standard, NF T 65000. The hydrocarbon binders comprise  

The term bitumen is used in France to designate petroleum products, as in Great Britain and Germany. In the United States on the other hand, the equivalent material is designated by the expression asphalt-cement . In France, asphalt is a mastic, a mixture of bitumen and powdered minerals, poured in place. This mixture can be either natural or reconstituted by an industriai process. Asphait (French meaning) is utilized on roads, particularly in urban centers as well as for sidewalk surfacing. 

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