​Bitumen

Viscosity Grade​​​​​​​

Viscosity is a crucial property of Bitumen, closely related to its consistency and flowability. It refers to the resistance of a fluid to flow or deformation under an applied force. In the context of Bitumen, viscosity measures its resistance to flow at a specific temperature and shear rate.

This characteristic is vital as it determines Bitumen’s ability to be pumped, mixed, and applied in various industrial applications, including road construction, waterproofing, and roofing. Notably, Bitumen's viscosity is highly temperature-dependent, with higher temperatures generally resulting in lower viscosity.

Typically, Bitumen viscosity is measured using a viscometer, which applies a specific shear rate to the Bitumen sample and measures the resulting resistance to flow. Methods for measuring Bitumen viscosity include the Brookfield viscometer, kinematic viscosity, and dynamic viscosity.

Viscosity grading is a common method for classifying Bitumen based on its viscosity at 60°C, with grades ranging from AC 2.5 to AC 30. Lower viscosity grades indicate more fluid or flowable Bitumen, suitable for different applications.

In summary, viscosity measures a fluid’s resistance to flow or deformation under an applied force. For Bitumen, it is an essential property determining its pumpability, mixability, and applicability in various industrial uses. Measured using a viscometer, Bitumen viscosity is strongly dependent on temperature. Viscosity grading classifies Bitumen based on its viscosity at 60°C.

Penetration Grade​​​​​​​

The penetration grade is a widely recognized classification system for Bitumen, a crucial component in road construction and waterproofing. This system determines the Bitumen's consistency by measuring the depth in tenths of a millimeter that a standard needle penetrates a Bitumen sample under specific conditions of time, temperature, and load.

The penetration test involves applying a standard load of 100 grams to a needle with a diameter of 1/10th of a millimeter for 5 seconds at a temperature of 25°C. The depth of penetration, measured in tenths of a millimeter, represents the Bitumen's penetration value.

According to ASTM D5-18 standards, penetration grade Bitumen is classified based on this value, ranging from very hard to very soft grades. The grades span from 10 to 500 penetration. Bitumen with a higher penetration grade is softer and more workable, making it ideal for warmer climates, while Bitumen with a lower penetration grade is harder and better suited for colder climates.

Penetration grade is a critical characteristic of Bitumen, serving as the basis for selecting the appropriate Bitumen for specific applications. It determines properties such as stiffness, adhesion, durability, and resistance to deformation under varying climatic conditions.

Bitumen

Bitumen is known as the most important component of road pavement and asphalt, and if this bitumen does not have proper quality and performance, it will have a direct effect on the quality of asphalt. Recently, instead of producing viscosity-grade bitumen and penetration-grade bitumen, bitumen PG is used in asphalt production.
In bitumen PG, its functional characteristics have different characteristics against cracking and deformation due to cold and heat, and fatigue and predicting the hardening of the bitumen at the production site and in the factory, It is taken into consideration when preparing asphalt. Also, in bitumen PG, the amount of traffic and the passage of time, and the speed of loading on the road are considered.​​​​​​​

Bitumen
​​​​​​​35/50

Bitumen
​​​​​​​50/70

Bitumen
85/100

Bitumen
​​​​​​​40/50

Bitumen
100/150

Bitumen
120/150

Bitumen
60/70

Bitumen
70/100

Bitumen
160/220

Bitumen
200/300

Bitumen
VG20

Bitumen
VG30

Bitumen
VG10

Bitumen
VG40