Bitumen, a thick, black, sticky substance derived from petroleum, is valued for its durability and versatility, making it indispensable for construction and infrastructure projects globally. How about penetration grade bitumen? What is this substance? This article explains this substance, its types, uses, and everything that is needed to know.

What is penetration grade bitumen?

Penetration grade bitumen (PG Bitumen), also known as paving-grade bitumen, is refined to different viscosities and characterized by its hardness at 25°C, determined through a penetration test. The penetration grades range from 15 to 450, with the most common being 25 to 200, achieved through controlled distillation and fluxing with oils to adjust hardness.

Specified by penetration and softening point tests, penetration-grade bitumen exhibits thermoplastic properties, softening at high temperatures and hardening at lower ones. This temperature-viscosity behavior influences its performance in adhesion, durability, and application.

Popular grades include 60/70, known for its balance of flexibility and durability, and 80/100, softer and suited for colder climates. In addition to road construction, penetration grade bitumen is used in waterproofing and various construction applications.

Penetration grade bitumen types

About penetration grade bitumen there is a question. What is the penetration of bitumen? Bitumen grades are primarily defined by needle penetration values (pen), which measure the depth to which a laboratory needle can penetrate the bitumen under controlled conditions.

Higher penetration values indicate softer bitumen, as the needle can penetrate deeper into the material, while lower values correspond to harder bitumen, where the needle penetrates less. For example, bitumen grade 60/70 has a penetration range between 60 (minimum) and 70 (maximum).

Among the common penetration grades, bitumen 85/100 is the softest, making it more suitable for colder climates, while bitumen 40/50 is the hardest, often used in warmer regions where greater durability is required.

These grades help determine the bitumen’s suitability for various applications, including road construction and waterproofing. Penetration, criteria like softening point, solubility, and resistance to hardening are also specified.

Popular PG Bitumen includes:

• 50/70
• 60/70
• 80/100
• 100/120

Bitumen quality standards vary by region indicating different types of penetration grade bitumen, with key organizations including CEN, DIN EN, AFNOR, BSI, ASTM, AASHTO, SABS, and Standards Australia. These standards ensure bitumen’s suitability for construction projects.

Below is the chart that shows the types of PG Bitumen based on ASTM D946-09 Grades (American standard specifications) and EN 12591-2009 Grades (European standard specifications).

Standard	Penetration Grades
ASTM D946-09	10/20, 30/40, 40/50, 60/70, 85/100, 120/150, 200/300
EN 12591-2009	20/30, 30/45, 35/50, 40/60, 50/70, 70/100, 100/150, 160/220

PG bitumen properties, specifications, and applications

Technical penetration grade bitumen specification includes additional critical properties to ensure optimal performance under varying conditions. These parameters collectively ensure that bitumen meets the durability, flexibility, and stability requirements for robust pavement structures under varying temperatures and traffic conditions.

Specifications and Properties

Specifications and Properties of PG bitumen include:

Penetration Values

Common PG Bitumen include 30/40, 40/50, 50/70, 60/70, 80/100, and 100/120. For example, grade 60/70 has penetration grade bitumen properties range of 60–70 dmm at 25°C.

Softening Point

This is the temperature at which bitumen softens sufficiently to flow. A higher softening point ensures better resistance to elevated temperatures.

Ductility
Ductility measures the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking. Higher ductility is advantageous in colder climates to minimize cracking.

Viscosity
Viscosity represents the flow resistance of bitumen. Higher viscosity enhances resistance to deformation, which is crucial during asphalt production and compaction.

Flash Point
The flash point is the temperature at which bitumen can ignite when exposed to an open flame. This parameter is essential for ensuring safe handling and processing.

Solubility
Solubility ensures that the penetration grade bitumen is nearly entirely soluble in organic solvents, confirming minimal impurities and consistent quality.

Water Content
Ideally, bitumen should be free of water to prevent foaming during the mixing process, which could compromise the mixture.

Loss on Heating
This property measures the weight loss when bitumen is heated under specific conditions. It provides insights into the material’s durability and aging properties.

Applications

PG bitumen is primarily used in road construction as the binder in asphalt mixtures. However, there are other penetration grade bitumen uses:

• Road Construction
• Airport Runways
• Waterproofing
• Pavement Maintenance
• Industrial Floors
• Bitumen Emulsions
• Parking Lots
• Railroad Maintenance
• Noise Reduction
• Rural Roads

PG bitumen is also used in producing polymer-modified bitumen, enhancing properties like elasticity and durability.

Penetration grade bitumen test

The penetration test checks how hard or soft PG Bitumen is by measuring how deep a needle goes into it. This helps classify bitumen based on its hardness or softness. Bitumen changes with temperature. It becomes more liquid in hot weather and more solid in cold weather.

Penetration grade bitumen is important for choosing the right type for different conditions. Softer bitumen (higher penetration) works better in cold climates, while harder bitumen (lower penetration) is suitable for hot climates or heavy traffic areas.

The softening point test finds the temperature at which PG Bitumen becomes too soft to support a small metal ball. At this point, all bitumen has similar softness and viscosity. This test, combined with calculations, can show how sensitive the bitumen is to temperature changes. A higher sensitivity value means the bitumen is more affected by temperature.

The test also shows how consistent the bitumen is. Higher penetration means it’s softer and less consistent, while lower penetration means it’s harder and more consistent.

The test measures how deep a needle penetrates bitumen in tenths of a millimeter (dmm) under specific conditions. A 100 g load for 5 seconds at 25°C.

For colder conditions, the test might use a 200 g load for 60 seconds at 5°C. For example, “200 pen” means the needle penetrates 200 dmm under standard conditions. While this test is mostly used for bitumen, other materials like tars and emulsions have different tests.

The main goals of the penetration test that is done by penetration grade bitumen producers are:

• Checking the consistency of bitumen.
• Deciding if the bitumen is suitable for different climates and construction uses.

Penetration grade bitumen price

The price of PG Bitumen (also known as asphalt) is influenced by several factors, which can fluctuate over time. These factors have direct effects on how easily to export penetration grade bitumen. Some of the main factors include:

1. Crude Oil Prices: Bitumen is a byproduct of crude oil refining, so price changes in oil directly affect bitumen.
2. Production Costs: Refining capacity, labor, and raw materials impact production costs.
3. Supply and Demand: Increased demand in construction raises prices; supply disruptions can cause spikes.
4. Geopolitical Events: Conflicts and sanctions can affect supply, driving up prices.
5. Environmental Regulations: Stricter regulations can increase production costs.
6. Seasonal Demand: Construction activity peaks in warmer months, leading to higher prices.
7. Transportation Costs: Fuel prices and logistical issues can increase overall costs.

Purchasing penetration grade bitumen

At Kiapetro, we are dedicated to offering high-quality penetration grade bitumen products that meet the unique requirements of our clients, whether they need a one-time order or recurring supplies. We prioritize delivering excellent value while maintaining superior quality.

We offer competitive pricing and exceptional quality, ensuring cost-effective solutions without sacrificing product excellence. Our streamlined and reliable delivery process ensures your orders arrive on time.

Additionally, we provide flexible payment options, with multiple payment stages to suit our clients’ needs. Specializing in PG and VG grades and more, we provide a wide selection of tailored solutions. All our products adhere to international standards, ensuring reliable performance and consistency.

FAQ

1. What is the penetration limit of bitumen?

o 200

2. How to define the grade of bitumen?

Based on its hardness

3. What is the hardest grade of bitumen?

45-50