How is bitumen blending performed for optimal performance?

Bitumen blending is performed by carefully mixing base bitumen with modifiers or additives to achieve desired properties. The process involves heating the bitumen to a workable temperature and then adding modifiers such as polymers, crumb rubber, or other agents. The blending must ensure uniform dispersion of additives, often using high-shear mixers, to optimize performance characteristics like viscosity, elasticity, and temperature susceptibility for specific applications.