The integrity of road surfaces is the main indicator that allows for safe operation and comfortable movement along the roadway. However, due to constant loads, frequent precipitation, temperature fluctuations and other external negative influences, the foundations of road surfaces are subject to destruction, cracking and the appearance of deformation seams. In order to prevent significant destruction of the roadway, the resulting defects should be eliminated in a timely manner. For this purpose, special compositions of bitumen road mastics are used, which make it possible to quickly eliminate any cracks and efficiently seal the seams.
General provisions on bitumen road mastics
Road mastic is a high-quality bitumen-based compound that can be enriched with various rubber fillers, polymer additives, thermoplastics or adhesive additives. Depending on the main component, bitumen road mastics are divided into:

• bitumen-rubber mastics, for example, RBV mastic, which is used when heated to an acceptable temperature;
• bitumen-polymer mastics, which contain polymer components in their composition, allowing the waterproofing material to acquire optimal performance characteristics. One of the most popular compositions of such mastic is - hot mastic MBBP;
• The bitumen composition based on the emulsified component is MBGE mastic, which is intended for "cold" road waterproofing.

The production of bitumen mastics for waterproofing roadways is regulated by GOST 30740-2000, GOST 32870-2014 and the provisions of GOST 32872-2014.
For what purposes is the composition used?
The bitumen composition of road mastics defines the main purpose of its application - waterproofing of roadways by eliminating seams and cracks on their bases. In addition, the scope of application of the road structure includes:

• providing waterproofing of reinforced concrete and airfield slabs during their installation;
• elimination of defects on the surfaces of monolithic and prefabricated coatings;
• removal of voids, cracks and seams during the construction of bridge structures;
• isolation of other industrial and civil facilities;
• anti-corrosion treatment of surfaces, containers and pipes of various types and purposes.

Advantages and disadvantages of bitumen mastic compositions for road works
Road waterproofing with bitumen mastics has a number of operational advantages, including:

• high sealing quality;
• the ability to create a sealing coating that can withstand constant loads, as well as resistant to deformation, destruction and corrosion;
• weather resistance and temperature fluctuations, while maintaining initial operational characteristics;
• high penetrating power (for hot mastic formulations), which allows the composition to fully seal the lowest layers of the roadway.;
• high adhesion to asphalt and other road surfaces;
• the ability to provide reliable protection from moisture;
• the ability to protect the roadway from premature aging;
• oxidation resistance;
• the ability to create a seamless coating that gives the treated area a decorative appearance;
• climatic versatility of application, due to which the composition can be applied in any region.

In addition to the operational advantages, waterproofing the pavement with hot-applied bitumen mastics has a small disadvantage, which is that it takes more time to prepare the composition for installation. Since the brands of bitumen road mastics are intended for hot laying, they should be heated to an acceptable temperature, which is usually in the range from +160°C to +180°C. Only after the composition has acquired optimal fluidity, it is applied to the work area. However, "hot" road mastics are endowed with a higher level of adhesion and penetration.