Bitumen 60/70 Role in Asphalt: A Complete Guide

Bitumen 60/70 Role in Asphalt: A Complete Guide

Bitumen 60/70 plays a vital role in the construction of strong and flexible asphalt pavements. As one of the most commonly used penetration grade bitumens, it offers the right balance of hardness and plasticity. Therefore, it performs well in regions with moderate climates. Moreover, its consistent performance makes it a reliable choice for road building, airport runways, and other asphalt applications.

In this article, we’ll explore the exact bitumen 60/70 role in asphalt, how it affects road quality, and why Basekim is your trusted supplier for premium-grade bitumen.

Why using Bitumen 60/70 is important?

Bitumen 60/70 is a penetration grade bitumen, meaning its hardness is tested by how far a needle penetrates it at standard conditions. The “60/70” range refers to its penetration value, measured in tenths of a millimeter. So, a value of 60–70 indicates medium hardness.

This type of bitumen results from the distillation of crude oil. It is thermoplastic, which means it becomes soft when heated and hardens again when cooled. Because of this property, contractors can easily mix and lay it in various temperatures. Also, Bitumen 60/70 adheres well to aggregates, which boosts the overall strength of asphalt mixtures.

Bitumen 60/70 Role in Asphalt

Bitumen acts like a glue in asphalt. It binds crushed stones (aggregates) into a smooth, durable layer. More specifically, here’s how bitumen 60/70 role in asphalt makes a difference:

1. Binder for Aggregates

Bitumen 60/70 holds all the aggregates together. Without it, the mix would fall apart. In fact, it provides cohesion, ensuring that the asphalt surface remains intact even under pressure from traffic. Furthermore, its balanced viscosity allows it to flow well during mixing but remain firm during use.

2. Load Distribution

The flexible nature of bitumen 60/70 helps distribute loads across the asphalt surface. When vehicles pass, the bitumen absorbs and spreads the force. Consequently, the road experiences less cracking or rutting.

3. Water Resistance

Water is one of the biggest enemies of roads. Yet, bitumen 60/70 acts as a waterproofing agent. Since it repels water, it keeps the base and sub-base layers dry. That means longer road life and lower maintenance costs.

4. Thermal Flexibility

Another important bitumen 60/70 role in asphalt is its ability to adapt to temperature changes. While very soft grades may deform in heat, very hard ones may crack in cold weather. Bitumen 60/70 offers a middle ground. It performs well under both warm and cool conditions.

5. Durability

Thanks to its balanced penetration value, this grade of bitumen provides long-lasting performance. It resists aging, oxidation, and temperature-related stress. Thus, roads built with it remain serviceable for many years.

Why Choose Bitumen 60/70?

Many engineers and contractors prefer this grade because of the following reasons:

• Stable Performance: Suitable for moderate climates

• Ease of Application: Flows easily during mixing and laying

• Cost-Effective: Offers long service life with minimal repairs

• Versatile: Used in roads, parking lots, runways, and more

Clearly, the bitumen 60/70 role in asphalt cannot be overstated. When used correctly, it boosts road safety, strength, and durability.

Applications of Bitumen 60/70 in Asphalt

Bitumen 60/70 is not just used in one type of asphalt. Its applications cover a wide range of infrastructure projects:

• Highways and expressways

• Urban roads and streets

• Airport runways and taxiways

• Industrial and residential parking areas

• Bridges and underpasses

Because it works well under repeated loads, this grade is ideal for high-traffic areas.

Basekim: Your Trusted Bitumen 60/70 Supplier

If you are looking for high-quality Bitumen 60/70, then Basekim is your best partner. We supply premium-grade bitumen directly from refineries in Turkey and the UAE. Also, we ensure strict quality control and safe packaging in steel drums or bulk containers.

Why choose Basekim?

• Certified Quality: All products meet ASTM and EN standards.

• Timely Delivery: We handle global shipments efficiently.

• Expert Support: Our team helps you choose the right grade for your project.

• Custom Packaging: We offer various packaging options as per client needs.

So, whether you are building a new highway or maintaining existing roads, Basekim ensures that your asphalt mix performs perfectly.

Handling and Storage of Bitumen 60/70

To maintain the performance of bitumen 60/70, it’s essential to store and handle it correctly. Here are some tips:

• Store in covered, ventilated areas

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight

• Keep the temperature within 160–180°C during application

• Use proper safety gear during handling

By following these practices, you can preserve the product’s quality until final use.

Environmental Impact

While bitumen is a petroleum product, it is fully recyclable. Old asphalt containing bitumen 60/70 can be milled and reused in new pavements. This reduces waste and supports sustainable construction practices.

In addition, using high-quality bitumen means fewer road repairs. As a result, it leads to less energy use and lower carbon emissions over time.

Conclusion-bitumen 60/70 in asphalt

To sum up, the bitumen 60/70 role in asphalt is both structural and functional. It binds materials, resists water, absorbs loads, and endures temperature changes. Moreover, it provides durability, reducing road maintenance needs. By selecting a trusted supplier like Basekim, you ensure your project benefits from quality, performance, and expert support.

So, the next time you plan an asphalt project, remember that choosing the right bitumen grade matters. And Bitumen 60/70—especially from Basekim—is a smart, dependable choice.