What is a primary use of bitumen?

Bitumen is primarily used for surfacing roads due to its excellent waterproofing properties and durability. It is a viscous, semi-solid form of petroleum that, when heated, becomes flexible and can be spread to create smooth, resilient road surfaces. The binding properties of bitumen also help in holding together the aggregates (like gravel and stones) that make up asphalt, a common material for road construction. The ability to withstand heavy traffic loads and resist the effects of weather further enhances its suitability for this purpose. While bitumen does have applications in insulation and other industries, its most significant and widespread application remains in road surfacing.