AC Bitumen

AC Bitumen, with a long history, dates back to ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Egyptians, who used it for waterproofing and adhesives.

With the rise of automobiles in the 19th century, the demand for durable, smooth roads led to the development of specialized bitumen grades. Over time, advances in refining and material science have shaped AC-grade bitumen into a product that meets the rigorous needs of modern infrastructure.

Biumen product

What is AC bitumen?

Asphalt cement, AC grade bitumen, is one of the most widely used types of viscosity-grade bitumen in road construction and infrastructure projects.

This classification system, established by the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO), divides viscosity grade bitumen into two main categories:

1. Asphalt Cement (AC) grade
2. Aged Residue (AR) grade.

These categories are defined by the properties of the asphalt binder, either in its original form or after it has been subjected to aging during the hot mix asphalt (HMA) production process.

The AC bitumen grading system specifies the properties of asphalt binder in its original, as-supplied state. This is critical because it determines the materials’ performance characteristics under expected temperature conditions and traffic loads.

The viscosity of AC grade bitumen is measured at 60°C which represents the maximum temperature the pavement might experience. This measurement is expressed in Poise (dyne-second/cm²), a standard unit in the viscosity grading system.

The AC-bitumen grading system reflects the absolute viscosity of the bitumen at 60°C. For instance, an AC-30 bitumen would have a viscosity of approximately 3000 Poise at this temperature. This grading helps ensure that the selected bitumen, is suitable for the climate and mechanical stresses it will encounter.

AC grade formula

AC Bitumen, commonly referred to by various names such as Asphalt Cement, Paving Grade Bitumen, Penetration Grade Bitumen, Performance Grade (PG) Bitumen, and Viscosity Grade Bitumen, reflects regional preferences and industry-specific standards.

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they may denote specific classifications influenced by testing methods or regional specifications.

For international trade and regulatory compliance, AC Bitumen is identified using standardized codes and classifications. These standardized codes and identifiers ensure that AC-grade bitumen meets international trade requirements and adheres to safety and regulatory standards.

HS Code

The Harmonized System (HS) Code for AC Grade Bitumen is 27132000, which categorizes it as petroleum bitumen. This code is widely recognized in international trade, simplifying customs procedures and ensuring consistent product classification across different countries.

Chemical Formula

Bitumen is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, which does not have a single fixed chemical formula. However, it is commonly represented as C₅₀H₇₆N₂O₄S to reflect the presence of key elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. These elements contribute to its unique properties, making it suitable for various industrial and construction applications.

CAS Number

The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Number for petroleum asphalt, including AC Grade Bitumen, is 8052-42-4. This number is a globally recognized identifier used in chemical inventories, safety data sheets, and regulatory documents to ensure precise identification of the substance.

AC bitumen types

Bitumen is classified into grades based on its physical properties, determined by specific grading systems. Understanding AC bitumen classifications and their implications allows engineers to choose the most appropriate bitumen for particular projects, ensuring durability and optimal performance over time.

Here in this chart, there are 4 types of AC bitumen.

Asphalt Grade	Viscosity (Poise)	Penetration (DMM)	Softening Point (°C)
AC-10	1000	85-100	43-51
AC-20	2000	60-80	47-55
AC-30	3000	40-60	51-59
AC-40	4000	30-50	55-63

AC 10 bitumen

AC 10 bitumen, or AC10 asphalt, is a grade of bitumen with low viscosity featuring relatively high penetration and ductility. It is primarily used in regions with colder climates or for roads experiencing lighter traffic.

The following are the specifications for AC 10 bitumen:

Specification	Test Method	Unit	Value
Viscosity at 60°C	ASTM D2171	Poise (10*Pa.s)	1000±200
Viscosity at 135°C	ASTM D2170	CST	Minimum 150
Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup)	ASTM D92	°C	Minimum 219
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	ASTM D2042	%WT	Minimum 99
Penetration, 100g, 5s, at 25°C	ASTM D5	0.1mm	Minimum 70
Thin-Film Oven Test (TFOT)
Viscosity at 60°C	ASTM D2171	Poise (10*Pa.s)	Maximum 5000
Ductility, 5 cm/min, at 25°C	ASTM D113	cm	Minimum 50

AC 20 bitumen

AC bitumen 20 is designed for moderate temperatures and traffic conditions. It is firmer than AC 10 but softer than AC 30.

Below are the specifications for Bitumen AC 20:

Specification	Test Method	Unit	Value
Viscosity at 60°C	ASTM D2171	Poise (10*Pa.s)	2000±400
Viscosity at 135°C	ASTM D2170	CST	Minimum 210
Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup)	ASTM D92	°C	Minimum 232
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	ASTM D2042	%WT	Minimum 99
Penetration, 100g, 5s, at 25°C	ASTM D5	0.1mm	Minimum 40
Thin-Film Oven Test (TFOT)
Viscosity at 60°C	ASTM D2171	Poise (10*Pa.s)	Maximum 10000
Ductility, 5 cm/min, at 25°C	ASTM D113	cm	Minimum 20

AC 30 bitumen

AC 30 Bitumen is a hard variant of AC bitumen, characterized by high viscosity and low penetration. It is particularly suited for high-temperature regions with heavy traffic.

Here are the specifications for Bitumen AC 30:

Specification	Test Method	Unit	Value
Viscosity at 60°C	ASTM D2171	Poise (10*Pa.s)	3000±600
Viscosity at 135°C	ASTM D2170	CST	Minimum 250
Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup)	ASTM D92	°C	Minimum 232
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	ASTM D2042	%WT	Minimum 99
Penetration, 100g, 5s, at 25°C	ASTM D5	0.1mm	Minimum 30
Thin-Film Oven Test (TFOT)
Viscosity at 60°C	ASTM D2171	Poise (10*Pa.s)	Maximum 15000
Ductility, 5 cm/min, at 25°C	ASTM D113	cm	Minimum 15

AC 40 bitumen

Bitumen AC 40 is a very hard grade of AC bitumen designed for extremely high-temperature areas and heavy traffic conditions. It has a very high viscosity and very low penetration value, making it ideal for roads that experience heavy loads or high ambient temperatures.

Here are the typical specifications for Bitumen AC 40:

Specification	Test Method	Unit	Value
Viscosity at 60°C	ASTM D2171	Poise (10*Pa.s)	4000±800
Viscosity at 135°C	ASTM D2170	CST	Minimum 300
Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup)	ASTM D92	°C	Minimum 240
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	ASTM D2042	%WT	Minimum 99
Penetration, 100g, 5s, at 25°C	ASTM D5	0.1mm	Minimum 25
Thin-Film Oven Test (TFOT)
Viscosity at 60°C	ASTM D2171	Poise (10*Pa.s)	Maximum 20000
Ductility, 5 cm/min, at 25°C	ASTM D113	cm	Minimum 10

AC bitumen ratio

The “Bitumen AC Ratio” refers to the percentage of Asphalt Cement (AC) in bituminous mixtures which is crucial for road construction and other applications where bitumen binds aggregate.

AC bitumen mixtures like hot mix asphalt (HMA) influence their performance. The ratio is usually expressed as a percentage of the total mixture, typically between 4% and 7%, depending on the specific application or type of pavement.

AC bitumen uses and benefits

AC Bitumen is a popular choice in road construction due to its exceptional properties, making it ideal for various paving applications. Its widespread use can be attributed to the following advantages:

• Durability: Ensures long-lasting pavements that withstand heavy traffic and environmental stress.
• Flexibility: Accommodates minor movements and settlements without cracking.
• Adhesion: Excellent bonding with aggregates, maintaining pavement integrity.
• Waterproofing: Forms an impermeable layer, protecting underlying layers from moisture damage.
• Recyclability: Allows for milling and reusing old asphalt pavements, promoting sustainability and cost savings.
• Noise Reduction: Generates less tire noise compared to other surfaces, improving road comfort.

Bitumen AC price

The Bitumen AC cost is influenced by crude oil prices, supply and demand, transportation, and product quality. Prices vary based on regional needs and logistics. Buyers should evaluate suppliers, consider bulk discounts, track market trends, and explore fixed-price contracts.

Regarding transportation, AC Bitumen is packaged in tankers, steel drums, polymer bags, or Bitutainers for international shipping. Proper transportation with insulated tankers and heated storage tanks ensures quality, while safety regulations, including fire suppression and spill prevention, ensure secure handling.

Why Kiapetro?

At Kiapetro, we specialize in providing high-quality AC bitumen products designed to meet our client’s diverse needs, whether for one-time projects or regular supply requirements.

Prioritizing competitive pricing, exceptional quality, and reliable delivery, ensuring cost-effective solutions, and not compromising performance is our specialty. With flexible payment options and a commitment to international standards, we guarantee consistent and reliable performance for every project.

FAQ

1. Is AC bitumen eco-friendly?

It is safe if used properly and purchased by a reliable supplier.

2. Can AC-bitumen be recycled?

Yes, it can be recycled and reused.

3. How to store AC-bitumen?

Store AC-bitumen in a cool, dry place, sealed to maintain consistency.