Bitumen VG 30 and VG40 to India market for road construction

What is viscosity grade bitumen VG30 VG40?

Bitumen VG30 grade refers to a type of asphalt that is commonly used in road construction and paving. VG stands for viscosity grade, which is a measure of the bitumen’s resistance to flow at a given temperature. Bitumen VG grades are typically categorized based on their viscosity at 60°C, which is measured in units of centistokes (cSt).

Most common grades

The most common VG grades of bitumen used in road construction in India are VG-10, VG-20, bitumen VG30, asphalt VG-40, and VG-50, with VG-10 being the least viscous and VG-50 being the most viscous. The choice of the VG grade depends on factors such as the climate, traffic volume, and the type of pavement being constructed. For example, in colder climates, a higher VG grade may be used to ensure that the pavement remains durable and flexible under low temperatures.

Bitumen VG grade

The bitumen VG grades are an important consideration in the selection of bitumen for road construction and paving, as they directly affect the performance and durability of the pavement.

Viscosity is defined as the inverse of fluidity. Therefore, the viscosity determines the fluid properties of the bitumen material. Viscosity is a general term for consistency and is a measure of resistance to flow.

Bitumen is produced and graded with a different viscosity grade than other types. This grade of bitumen has been introduced to the industry in order to predict the behavior of bitumen at different temperatures, especially higher temperatures. Asphalt with superior characteristics is produced. VG bitumen is usually used in hot asphalt production.

All grades of VG bitumen are produced from vacuum bottom oxidation. In this process, it is the high quality of the raw materials that indicates the better performance of VG bitumen at the time of application.

Viscosity of bitumen

Viscosity is a key property of bitumen, which refers to its resistance to flow. Bitumen is a highly viscous material, meaning that it is thick and sticky and does not flow easily at normal temperatures. The viscosity of bitumen can be measured in a number of ways, but the most common method is to measure the time it takes for a standard needle to penetrate a sample of bitumen at a standard temperature and pressure. This measurement is known as the penetration test and is commonly used to determine the consistency of bitumen.

Another method for measuring the viscosity of bitumen is the Brookfield viscosity test, which uses a viscometer to measure the force required to rotate a spindle inside a sample of bitumen at a constant speed. The result is expressed in units of centipoise (cP).

The viscosity of bitumen is an important factor in its performance and suitability for various applications. For example, in road construction and paving, the viscosity of bitumen is an important consideration in determining the grade of bitumen that is suitable for the climate and traffic conditions. In roofing and waterproofing applications, bitumen with a higher viscosity is preferred to ensure that it adheres well to the substrate and provides an effective seal.

Viscosity grade (VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, VG-40)

Viscometer, this testing system leads to the classification of bitumen products into four VG grades, including VG10 bitumen, VG20 bitumen, VG30 bitumen and VG40 bitumen. The higher this number, the harder the bitumen is in the viscosity grading system.

The viscosity grade bitumen is one of the most widely used bitumen grades in the world. Compared to penetration grade bitumen, this type of bitumen is easier to work with (both mixing and compaction) and its resistance to rutting is more predictable.

Viscosity Grade Bitumen Specifications

The advantage of bitumen is viscosity grade

In contrast to penetration grades, bitumen with the same viscosity grade had similar grooving performance in hot weather, and minimum penetration values in the viscosity grading system were maintained to maintain acceptable performance (in terms of fatigue crack resistance) at an annual mean temperature of 25°C.

Also, the specified minimum values of kinematic viscosity at 135°C help to minimize the potential for sensitive mixtures during manufacture. therefore, the minimum specified penetration at 25˚C and the minimum specified kinematic viscosity at 135˚C determined the maximum allowable temperature sensitivity (temperature slope vs. hardness line).

VG Bitumen viscosity grade was suitable for a wide range of temperatures such as:

25 °C for cracking and fatigue.

60°C for grooving

And 135°C for fabrication.

Temperature sensitivity (change in asphalt binder rheology with temperature) can be determined to some extent because viscosity is measured at three different temperatures (only penetration is measured at 25°C). Since viscosity values are measured at two temperatures, bitumen suppliers can provide users with reasonable and accurate asphalt mixing and compaction temperatures (corresponding to bitumen viscosities of 170 and 280 centistokes, respectively).

Different types of bitumen packaging

The bitumen packaging classifies to three different types such as new steel drum; jumbo bag; and bulk that according to their specification, bitumen volume and weight, the best type of packaging will be chosen.

What is Bitumen VG-10?

Our bitumen is a dark, petroleum residue modified by the oxidation process. Its consistency ranges from highly viscous to solid.

Since VG-10 bitumen is the softest grade of viscosity bitumen. It has a better performance in cold weather thus it is suitable for paving roads in a cold climate instead of the old 80/100 penetration grade bitumen. This type of bitumen is also used to manufacture bitumen emulsions and modified bitumen products especially in India. The air temperature that matches VG-10 bitumen ranges from -100C to 250C. So, in hot climatic zones, VG-10 cannot provide desirable rutting resistance.

The difference between VG10 and VG30

Difference between VG10 and VG-30 bitumen is in their viscosity level. Bitumen VG30 is more viscose than bitumen VG 10 and as a result, performs better in road construction in hot regions. If you want to buy VG30 grade fill the Inquiry form.

Application of bitumen VG-10

Also bitumen VG-10 is suitable for temperature under 30 ◦C, it should be noted that absolute viscosity of it is 800, and it has a higher Penetration Value in comparison to VG30 and VG40

Specification of bitumen Vg-10

What is VG20 Bitumen?

VG-20 bitumen is a grade of viscosity bitumen used in cold climatic and high-altitude regions. This grade of bitumen is suitable for road construction in regions with 30 to 37 °C average temperature.

All types regarding their application regarding their applications, bitumen can be divided into two groups: road construction or thin bitumen, and building bitumen and (roof insulator) or hard bitumen.

 Since the VG-30 bitumen is primarily used to construct extra heavy duty Bitumen pavements that need to endure substantial traffic loads. It can be used in lieu of 60/70 Penetration grade.

 vg20 is used for road construction in hot mix asphalt. The standard penetration value of bitumen viscosity grade VG-20 is 60 mm at 25 °C. The absolute viscosity of VG-20 bitumen is 1600 to 2400 poise at 60 °C.

specification of VG20

What is meaning of VG30 bitumen?

This bitumen is primarily used for the construction of extra-heavy bitumen pavements that have to bear significant traffic loads. Bitumen VG30 is the most widely used type of bitumen in road construction, insulation, building construction industries, and also in the production of cutback bitumen.

The Bitumen VG30 is more viscose than bitumen VG-10 and as a result, performs better in road construction in hot regions.

Also the density of bitumen is 1.01-1.05 g/cm 3 in the temperature range of 25°C to 85°C [63] . The medium-curing asphalt MC-30 liquid density is 0.947 g/cm 3 at 15.56°C.

What does 30 means in VG 30 bitumen?

Number 30 indicates the range of viscosity of bitumen {(100±20) ×30} in terms of poise i.e., in case of VG-30. Maximum viscosity, =120×30=3600 poise.

Application of VG 30 Bitumen?

Grade of VG-30 is suitable for temperature above 30 ◦C and it is more used for road construction in a rainy weather.

 Also, for a clayed soil, bitumen with higher viscosity is more used.

Specification of Vg 30

What is VG-40 grade bitumen?

VG-40 combines the characteristic advantages of softer grades at low temperatures and of harder grades at high temperatures. Basekim Bitumen VG-40 is special formulated bitumen, which is obtained by a technique of physical/chemical modification that alters the chemistry and balance of the bituminous components to a desired optimum.

VG40 bitumen in the high viscosity of this bitumen, is used more to appropriate for improving resistance to shoving and other problems associated with higher temperatures and heavy traffic loads., such as intersections, near tolls booths, and truck parking lots. Bitumen VG-40 can be used in various asphalt mix designs and techniques which result in the manufacture of cohesive asphalt mixes suitable for any type of traffic.

 It’s long time that industries use VG-40 instead of the penetration grade bitumen 40/50.

Application of VG 40 Bitumen

Mainly it is used for a temperature above 40 ◦C, and Its absolute viscosity is 3200.

It is a preferred type of bitumen when heavy traffic load is expected

The absolute vg-40 bitumen viscosity is 3200 and the kinematic vg-40 bitumen viscosity is 400.

 Specifications of VG 40 bitumen