Viscocity grade over penetration grade several key issues are addressed, like:
- Performance at high temperatures by adopting a viscosity-graded bitumen specification (based on viscocity at 60 °C), in place of the current penetration-graded specification (based on penetration at 25 °C)
- Issues relating to compaction, which the tender asphalt mixtures create as push and shove under the roller wheels, have also addressed by having a requirement of minimum viscosity at 135°C, it will be helpful in minimizing the tender mix problems in the field.
- Adoption of viscosity-graded paving bitumen specifications will also reduce the number of total tests to 7 Without compromising the quality of bitumen and also no new tests are required in implementing this specification.
Viscosity grades Bitumen are categorized according to Viscosity (degree of fluidity) grading.
The higher the grade, the stiffer the Bitumen. In Viscosity Grade, Viscosity tests are conducted at 60°C and 135°C, which represents the temperature of road surface during summer and mixing temperature respectively.
The penetration at 25°C, which is annual average pavement temperature, has been also retained in Specifications.
Main Uses of VG Bitumen
Roads & highways – durable binder for flexible pavements.
Airport runways – stability under heavy traffic and high temperatures.
Industrial pavements & floors – withstands stress and load.
Waterproofing & roofing – protects structures against water penetration.
Asphalt mixes & sealants – ensures long service life.
Viscosity Grade Bitumen Specification (ASTM D3381-09)
| Property | Units | AC-10 | AC-20 | AC-30 | AC-40 | Test Methods |
|---|
| Viscosity, 140°F (60°C) | P | 1000±200 | 2000±400 | 3000±600 | 4000±800 | ASTM D-2171 |
|---|
| Viscosity, 275°F (135°C), Min | cSt | 150 | 210 | 250 | 300 | ASTM D-2171 |
|---|
| Penetration, 77°F (25°C), 100g, 5sec, Min | 0.1MM | 70 | 40 | 30 | 20 | ASTM D-5 |
|---|
| Flash point, Cleveland open cup, Min | °C | 219 | 232 | 232 | 232 | ASTM D-92 |
|---|
| Solubility in trichloroethylene, Min | %Wt | 99 | 99 | 99 | 99 | ASTM D-2042 |
|---|
Tests on residue from thin-film oven test: |
|---|
| – Viscosity, 140°F (60°C), Max | P | 5,000 | 10,000 | 15,000 | 20,000 | ASTM D-2171 |
|---|
| – Ductility, 77°F (25°C), 5cm/min, Min | CM | 50 | 20 | 15 | 10 | ASTM D-113 |
|---|
Contact Us
Contact Peak Universal Business Team today to learn more about our Viscosity Bitumen and how it can enhance your next project.
With Peak Universal Business, you get superior quality, reliability, and unparalleled customer service.