CRMB vs. PMB: Choose the Best Bitumen Type for Road Construction Projects

Constructing durable, flexible, and high-quality roads in India’s varied climatic conditions and their high traffic volumes can be challenging. As the demand for better road infrastructure rises, understanding about the right construction materials for road construction becomes crucial. 

In this blog, we will discuss some important factors to consider while paving high-quality roads, including using high-quality construction materials like modified bitumen (CRMB and PMB) and their advantages.

What Is Modified Bitumen?

Modified bitumen is a type of bitumen that is chemically altered or mixed with other substances like styrene, butadiene styrene, and atactic polypropylene to enhance its properties. Modified bitumen is known for its durability, flexibility, and improved resistance against temperature fluctuations. CRMB and PMB are two common types of Bitumen that are extensively used for road construction projects in different parts of India. Let’s understand them in detail.

What is Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen?

Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB) is a type of modified bitumen produced by combining naturally occurring bitumen with rubber for added advantages. CRMB makes an amazing asphalt binder and is widely used by road contractors in India to enhance the durability and quality of roads.

CRMB composition-

Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen is made by combining a pure form of bitumen with particles of recycled rubber tires to improve its performance and flexibility. Here is a detailed composition of CRMB-

• Bitumen- 40-98% (by weight)

• Crumb rubber- 0.5-25% (by weight)

• Optionally FCC spent catalyst -0.5-5% (by weight)

• Low-value polymers- 0.5-20% (by weight).

CRMB Uses For Road Construction In India-

Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen is widely appreciated and used in different parts of the country for its superior performance. Here are a few advantages that make CRMB a popular choice for road contractors-

Flexible Pavements-

CRMB is widely used to create pavements in regions with high temperatures such as Rajasthan due to its higher flexibility. Also, CRMB makes a perfect construction material for roads with heavy traffic volumes. Ajmer- Jaipur highway (NH-8) and roads constructed under PMGSY in Rajasthan stand testimony to the excellent durability and performance of CRMB under extreme hot and cold climatic conditions.

Also, CRMB’s better resistance to rutting and cracking makes it the right material for fixing cracks in the pavements, creating high demands amongst top bitumen suppliers in Ajmer (Rajasthan).

Superior Fatigue Resistance

With increased traffic loads in urban cities, roads suffer from fatigue cracking as a result of a large number of vehicles running on the roads. CRMB is known for its superior resistance to regular wear and tear by traffic. It enhances the fatigue life of roads by absorbing stresses more efficiently, thus increasing their durability and smoothness.

Enhanced Skid Resistance

Heavy rainfall during monsoons may leave roads wet and slippery, which may lead to an increase in the number of road accidents. The use of CRMB in regions with heavy rainfall comes in handy. Tiny rubber particles in CRMB increase the frictional properties of the road surface, leading to better grip for vehicles. This not only improves road safety but also contributes to smoother and more comfortable rides.

Environmentally Sustainable

India generates millions of used tires every year. CRMB provides a productive way to recycle waste rubber, preventing it from ending up in landfills or being burned. This makes it a green solution for sustainable road construction.

What is Polymer Modified Bitumen?

Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) is another type of modified bitumen that is made by combining naturally occurring bitumen with synthetic polymers. It makes a popular choice for road construction in regions with fluctuating temperatures like Haryana. PMB’s ability to withstand high traffic loads increases its demand amongst top bitumen traders in Haryana. Due to PMB’s high elasticity and durability, it has been used in constructing high-speed highways like NH-44 and local roads in Gurgaon and nearby areas. Let’s understand what makes Polymer Modified Bitumen a popular choice for road constructors and bitumen suppliers in Yamuna Nagar (Haryana).

Polymer Modified Bitumen Composition-

Polymer modified bitumen doesn’t have a single chemical formula and its composition can be modified using different types of polymers for versatile use. Some commonly used polymers used to produce high-quality PMB are- Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) and EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate).

Uses and Advantages of PMB For Road Construction in India

Improved durability of roads

PMB is known for its superior elasticity and durability to withstand pressure from heavy traffic volumes. It makes an exceptional choice for constructing roads and highways in North Indian regions with high-temperature fluctuations like Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

Superior resistance to deformation

In hot climates, roads tend to rut or deform under heavy traffic. PMB has a higher softening point, making it less susceptible to deformation and rutting in high temperatures, making it an ideal bitumen for rural roads in northern parts of India.

Better performance in cooler temperatures

In colder regions like Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab, roads are prone to cracking due to shrinkage in the winter season. The elastic properties of PMB help resist these thermal cracks, offering better flexibility than conventional bitumen.

CRMB vs PMB-Bitumen Cost Analysis

While both CRMB and PMB provide superior durability, elasticity, and smoothness to Indian roads, some road constructors choose CRMB while others choose PMB depending on the cost and individual requirements. Here is an insight on Bitumen cost analysis.

Initial Cost- When we talk about the initial cost, CRMB is typically cheaper than PMB making it a popular choice for use in remote and rural areas with hotter climates. While CRMB's cost is lower, its longer lifespan and reduced maintenance needs can lead to lower overall costs over the pavement's life cycle, making it a top choice for most road contractors and bitumen suppliers in Bikaner.

On the other hand, the use of PMB involves a high initial cost as compared to crumb rubber-modified bitumen. However, many road contractors and bitumen suppliers in Ambala like Classic Bitumen prioritize using PMB due to its higher susceptibility to fluctuating weather conditions. Its higher initial cost may be justified by its superior performance and potentially longer lifespan, especially in high-traffic or harsh climate conditions.

CRMB vs. PMB- which is better for your road construction project in India?

When planning a road construction project in India, particularly in the arid and semi-arid states of Rajasthan and Haryana, choosing the right type of bitumen may make a difference in the longevity and performance of the roads.

Recently, most road constructors have prioritized using either CRMB (Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen) or PMB (Polymer Modified Bitumen) depending on the climatic conditions, budget, and demand of the project. Here are a few salient points to help you pick the best bitumen type for your upcoming project-

For hotter and semi-arid regions

CRMB makes a popular choice for road contractors and bitumen suppliers in Jodhpur due to its high flexibility and ability to tolerate high heat. Besides, the low initial cost of CRMB makes it the best construction material for remote and semi-arid regions due to its low handling and transportation charges.

Also, bitumen suppliers in Jaipur suggest using CRMB for sustainable road construction in distant and remote areas of Rajasthan due to its enhanced elasticity and resistance to deformation.

For regions with fluctuating temperatures

Haryana and adjoining states experience the extremities of summers and winters, with moderate rainfall. These fluctuations in temperatures may lead to cracks in pavements and roads. Despite being expensive, PMB makes the correct road construction material due to its higher flexibility in Haryana and nearby areas. It is highly suitable for building roads and bridges where the traffic load is moderate and recycling goals are aligned with environmental policies.

Conclusion

Both CRMB and PMB come with a set of unique qualities, the choice between them should depend on the specific requirements of your project, climatic conditions, and long-term performance goals. While PMB edges out slightly over in overall performance, CRMB is still a popular choice for professionals looking for durable and high-performing modified bitumen for smaller-scale projects.

If you’re planning a road construction project in Rajasthan or Haryana, and need guidance on selecting the best material selection or cost optimization, consulting with expert bitumen suppliers like classic bitumen may make a difference in determining your success. For more information, click here.