Bitumen VG30 is a high-quality viscosity grade bitumen that is specifically designed for hot climate zones and areas with heavy traffic loads. To begin with, the term “VG” refers to “Viscosity Grade,” while the number 30 shows that the viscosity falls within the 2400–3600 Poise range at 60°C. As a result, VG30 has become a preferred alternative to penetration-grade bitumen such as 60/70. In particular, it performs better in conditions where high temperatures and traffic pressure can damage road surfaces.
Furthermore, this grade of bitumen is produced using the air-blowing process of vacuum bottom, which is a residue from crude oil refining. Through this method, the product gains stable viscosity and resistance to temperature variations. Therefore, VG30 serves as a dependable binder for road construction, asphalt mixing, and infrastructure applications in hot and humid environments.
To clarify, the number “30” in VG30 refers to its viscosity classification, which influences how the bitumen performs under heat and pressure. As a result, this viscosity range helps VG30 bitumen retain the right thickness, resist flow, and maintain strong adhesion. In particular, it remains stable even at high temperatures, especially in environments where the temperature rises above 30°C. It also ensures uniform mixing and compaction during asphalt production, contributing to a smoother surface finish and long-lasting road performance.
Below are the standard properties and limits for Bitumen VG30:
| Property | Specification (VG30) |
|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity @ 60°C (Poise) | 2400 – 3600 |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 135°C (cSt) | ≥ 350 |
| Flash Point (°C) | ≥ 220 |
| Penetration @ 25°C (0.1 mm) | 50 – 70 |
| Softening Point (°C) | ≥ 47 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%) | ≥ 99 |
Bitumen VG30 is specifically formulated to perform under hot climates, high traffic, and challenging environmental conditions. Its applications include:
National highways and urban expressways
Runways and airport pavements
Heavy-duty industrial roads and truck lanes
Asphalt concrete and dense bituminous macadam (DBM)
Hot mix asphalt (HMA) plants
Pavement overlays and road maintenance projects
VG30 is especially recommended for regions with average temperatures exceeding 30°C, where standard penetration-grade bitumen may fail due to rutting or bleeding.
Choosing VG30 grade bitumen offers a range of technical and economic benefits:
High resistance to deformation in extreme heat
Better rutting performance compared to penetration-grade 60/70
Consistent viscosity during transport, mixing, and compaction
Improved fatigue resistance, ideal for roads with constant axle loads
Lower thermal susceptibility, making it suitable for year-round performance
Excellent adhesion to aggregates, enhancing overall pavement strength
Prolonged road life, reducing maintenance frequency and cost
These characteristics make VG30 an ideal binder for both new road projects and asphalt resurfacing works.
Compared to VG10 and VG20, VG30 bitumen offers significantly higher viscosity and temperature stability. While VG10 is suitable for cooler climates, VG30 is designed for hot and humid conditions, ensuring roads do not soften or bleed under heat. It is also stronger and more reliable than penetration-grade 60/70 bitumen, especially in tropical zones.
| Comparison | VG30 | 60/70 Penetration Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity | 2400–3600 Poise | Variable |
| Performance in heat | Excellent | Moderate |
| Rutting resistance | High | Moderate |
| Workability | High | Medium |
| Suitable regions | Hot & rainy climates | Mild to moderate climates |
To meet project-specific requirements, VG30 bitumen is available in various packaging formats:
New Steel Drums – 180–200 kg per drum (safely sealed and stackable)
Jumbo Bags – Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) available upon request
Bulk Delivery – For large infrastructure projects via bitumen tankers
All packaging follows international standards for safe handling, transport, and storage.
For optimal performance and longevity, VG30should be:
Stored in cool, dry, and shaded areas
Heated gradually to avoid thermal cracking
Handled using PPE (gloves, goggles, etc.) during application
Kept away from moisture and open flames
Sourcing VG30 from a certified supplier ensures you receive consistent quality, tested performance, and timely delivery. A trustworthy supplier will provide:
SGS/Intertek test reports on request
Flexible shipping terms (FOB, CIF, CFR)
Bulk availability and custom packaging
Technical support for mixing and compaction temperatures
Competitive pricing and international trade compliance
To begin with, Bitumen VG30 is the most widely used viscosity-grade bitumen for highway and heavy-duty road construction in hot weather regions. In addition, it offers strong resistance to heat, deformation, and heavy traffic pressure. As a result, it ensures durable pavement performance and reduces long-term maintenance costs. Whether you’re building a new highway or maintaining a municipal road, VG30 is the grade you can trust for strength, stability, and safety.
A: Bitumen VG30 is mainly used for road construction, asphalt paving, and high-traffic surfaces. Its balanced viscosity provides excellent binding and durability in both moderate and hot climates.
A: Bitumen VG30 has a higher viscosity than VG10 and VG20, making it more resistant to rutting and deformation under heavy loads. This makes it ideal for highways and industrial roads with intense traffic.
A: Bitumen VG30 offers a controlled viscosity range, strong adhesion, and high temperature resistance. These properties ensure long-lasting performance in flexible pavement construction (See full specifications).