When planning and designing modern roadways, asphalt and cement serve as complementary materials. Each offers distinct advantages depending on traffic loads, climate conditions, and lifecycle considerations.  

 

The comparison of asphalt versus cement is not about which material is superior but about selecting the right solution for specific infrastructure requirements. Traditionally, asphalt provides flexibility, cost efficiency, and rapid installation, making it suitable for urban streets and highways requiring frequent maintenance. Cement, used in concrete roadways, offers long-term structural durability, ideal for heavy-load routes and regions subject to extreme weather.  

 

A thorough understanding of both materials' history, performance characteristics, and applications can support informed decision making in roadway engineering and infrastructure planning. 

 

How Asphalt and Cement have Evolved as Roadway Materials 

Asphalt has one of the longest histories of any building material. Ancient civilizations, including the Babylonians and Sumerians, used natural asphalt, or bitumen, as a waterproofing agent and sealant as early as 625 BC. By the 19th century, European engineers began experimenting with asphalt blends to create smoother, more durable road surfaces.  

 

The first modern asphalt road was laid in Paris in 1854, and by the late 1800s, the method spread to the United States. With the rise of the automobile in the early 20th century, asphalt became a primary paving material because it delivered quiet, flexible surfaces that could be easily repaired and maintained as traffic demands grew. 

 

Cement was not used in roadway development until much later. Portland cement was invented in the early 1800s and produced by burning limestone and clay. Cement became the primary binding component in concrete, which is manufactured by mixing cement with aggregate and water to create a solid surface.  

 

This development allowed for concrete roadways that could endure extreme stress. In 1891, the first U.S. concrete streets appeared in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Cement's strength made it ideal for long-term infrastructure like highways, bridges, and industrial routes. Today, concrete is used in just 2% of U.S. roads but comprises 20% of interstate highways.  

 

Performance Characteristics: Advantages and Limitations of Asphalt and Cement 

Choosing between asphalt and cement in roadway development requires consideration of each material's mechanical properties, lifecycle costs, and environmental impacts. Both have proven performance records, yet their suitability varies based on project goals, climate, and traffic conditions. The following comparison outlines the key strengths and limitations of each. 

 

Advantages of Asphalt for Roadways 

  • Cost-Effective Construction: Asphalt pavements can involve lower upfront costs, making them an efficient choice for managing large-scale resurfacing or rehabilitation programs. 
  • Faster Laydown: Asphalt can be laid and opened to traffic within hours, which reduces road closures and minimizes public disruption. 
  • Recyclability: Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the world. In the United States alone, 100 million tons are reused annually, significantly reducing demand for virgin materials. 
  • Quiet Ride: The flexible surface reduces tire noise and provides a smooth driving experience for urban settings. 

 

Limitations of Asphalt for Roadways 

  • Frequent Maintenance: Asphalt pavements may require periodic resurfacing and sealing to maintain performance particularly in regions with extremes in temperature. 
  • Shorter Lifespan: Typical service life ranges from 15 to 25 years, depending on the asphalt mix used, traffic volume, and environmental conditions. 
  • Thermal Sensitivity: Asphalt's dark surface absorbs heat and can contribute to the urban heat island effect and softening under extreme temperatures. 

 

Advantages of Cement or Concrete for Roadways 

  • Fuel Efficiency: Analysis by the European Concrete Paving Association has shown 2% fuel savings for vehicles driving on rigid concrete pavements compared to asphalt surfaces. 
  • High Reflectivity: Concrete's lighter color can enhance visibility and reduce surface temperatures to mitigate heat buildup. 

 

Limitations of Cement or Concrete for Roadways 

  • Higher Initial Cost: Construction and material costs are generally higher than asphalt and can require a larger upfront investment. 
  • Longer Curing Time: Concrete requires days to achieve full strength, leading to extended lane closures and higher traffic management costs. 
  • Cracking and Repairs: Rigid pavements can be susceptible to cracking due to temperature fluctuations and subgrade movement. 

 

Market Trends for Asphalt vs. Cement Roadways 

In the United States, asphalt is predominantly used for roadway construction and accounts for 94% of 2.8 million miles of paved roads. Its lower cost, recyclability, and speed of application have made it the preferred choice for everything from local streets to interstate highways. Cement or concrete represents 6% of the country's paved road network, concentrated in high-traffic corridors and industrial routes where long-term durability offsets higher initial costs. 

 

Globally, material selection reflects both economic and environmental priorities. The global asphalt market is valued at USD 4.68 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% through 2033. This growth is expected to be largely driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructure rehabilitation in Asia and North America.  

 

The cement concrete pavement market, valued at USD 67.3 billion in 2024, is also expanding, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. This is attributed to demands for materials that can withstand climate conditions and long-haul transport conditions. 

 

Environmental considerations are also guiding decision making. Cement production is responsible for 8% of the world's carbon emissions. While old concrete can be broken down into material that can be used in other projects, new cement-based projects infrequently incorporate recycled materials. In contrast, asphalt roadway production offers more opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In one study, emissions were reduced between 18-36% by switching to warm mix asphalt technology and reduced an additional 12% by incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement.  

 

Recent Developments and Policy Perspectives on Roadway Development 

The conversation around asphalt vs. cement is also taking place in political and infrastructure circles. In August 2025, President Donald Trump called attention to the importance of asphalt in American infrastructure during remarks covered by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA). He highlighted asphalt's cost effectiveness, repairability, and quick installation in the context of U.S. roadways in need of infrastructure renewal. 

 

A report from the American Highway Users Alliance notes every $1 invested in highways and bridges yields approximately $5.40 in economic returns. The emphasis on domestic materials and job creation has also renewed focus on the U.S. asphalt industry, which supports more than 400,000 jobs nationwide. These developments reflect a broader recognition that roadway material selection is a decision that impacts economic, environmental, and social issues. 

 

 

Optimizing Roadways for Performance with Asphalt 

While cement has long been valued for its durability, modern asphalt has evolved to meet the demands of high-traffic and extreme-weather roads. With advances in asphalt mix design, engineers can now optimize performance across multiple criteria such as rutting resistance and cracking. One key approach is Balanced Mix Design (BMD), which helps ensure asphalt roadway achieve the optimal balance between flexibility and strength, enhancing both lifespan and ride quality. 

 

Beyond mix optimization, innovative additives play an important role in improving asphalt performance. Sripath has developed specialized asphalt paving products, or bitumen additives, to reduce susceptibility to cracking, improve compaction, and maintain pavement integrity under heavy loads and fluctuating temperatures. 

 

By combining advanced mix designs with proprietary additives, modern asphalt can rival the longevity of cement pavements while retaining the benefits of cost efficiency, recyclability, and rapid installation. 

 

These innovations demonstrate that asphalt is a flexible alternative to cement that is also highly capable of meeting the rigorous challenges of contemporary infrastructure. Selecting the right asphalt additives and mix design strategies can allow producers to deliver durable and sustainable roadways. 

 

 

To learn more about asphalt additives that produce high-performing roadways, contact info@sripath.com. Â