Bitumen VG40 and VG30 to India market for road construction

bitumen VG30 VG40

What is viscosity grade bitumen VG40 and VG30?

Bitumen VG30 and bitumen VG40 are 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 VG40, asphalt VG-40, and VG-50, with VG-10 being the least viscous and VG-50 being the most viscous. Moreover, 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 meaning

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. Moreover, 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. Consequently, this grade of bitumen has been introduced to the industry to predict the behavior of bitumen at different temperatures, especially higher temperatures. In this way, asphalt with superior characteristics is produced. Additionally, 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, referring 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. Furthermore, 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. Additionally, 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, bitumen  VG40)

Viscometer, this testing system leads to the classification of bitumen products into four VG grades, including VG10, VG20, bitumen VG30 and bitumen VG40. Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, 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

Grade

Viscosity Range at 60C (Absolute Viscosity)

Typical Applications

VG-10 Bitumen

800-1200

Recommended for road construction cold regions ideal for spraying

VG-20 Bitumen

1600-2400

Used in cold regions for road construction

VG-30 Bitumen

2400-3600

Maximizes asphalt performance in hot regions

A more reliable choice than bitumen pen 60/70

VG-40 Bitumen

3200-4000

Works in areas with high traffic loads

Well suited for road construction in hot weather

The advantage of bitumen is viscosity grade

In contrast to penetration grades, bitumen with the same viscosity grade exhibits similar grooving performance in hot weather, and the maintenance of minimum penetration values in the viscosity grading system is essential for acceptable performance, particularly in terms of fatigue crack resistance, at an annual mean temperature of 25°C.

Additionally, the specified minimum values of kinematic viscosity at 135°C play a crucial role in minimizing the potential for sensitive mixtures during manufacture. Therefore, the minimum specified penetration at 25˚C and the minimum specified kinematic viscosity at 135˚C determine the maximum allowable temperature sensitivity (temperature slope vs. hardness line).

VG Bitumen viscosity grade proves to be suitable for a wide range of temperatures, including:

  • 25 °C for cracking and fatigue.

  • 60°C for grooving.

  • 135°C for fabrication.

Temperature sensitivity, which reflects the change in asphalt binder rheology with temperature, can be determined to some extent because viscosity is measured at three different temperatures (unlike penetration, which is measured only at 25°C). Given that 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 VG40 packaging

Bitumen packaging is classified into three different types: new steel drum, jumbo bag, and bulk. The choice of packaging depends on specifications such as bitumen volume and weight.

What is Bitumen VG-10?

Bitumen VG-10 is a dark petroleum residue modified by the oxidation process, exhibiting a consistency ranging from highly viscous to solid. As the softest grade of viscosity bitumen, VG-10 performs exceptionally well in cold weather conditions, making it suitable for paving roads in colder climates, in contrast to the older 80/100 penetration grade bitumen. This type of bitumen is also utilized in the manufacturing of bitumen emulsions and modified bitumen products, especially in India. VG-10’s optimal air temperature range is from -10°C to 25°C. However, in hot climatic zones, VG-10 may not provide desirable rutting resistance.

The difference between VG10 and VG30

The key distinction between VG10 and VG-30 bitumen lies in their viscosity levels. VG-30 bitumen is more viscous than VG-10 and, consequently, performs better in road construction in hot regions. If you are interested in purchasing VG30 grade bitumen, please fill out the inquiry form.

Application of bitumen VG-10

Bitumen VG-10 is suitable for temperatures under 30°C. It’s essential to note that its absolute viscosity is 800, and it possesses a higher penetration value compared to VG30 and VG40.

Specification of bitumen Vg-10

Characteristics

Viscosity Grade VG10

Absolute Viscosity 60 C, Poises, min

800

Kinematic Viscosity, 135 C, CST, min

250

Flash point, C, min

220

Solubility in trichloroethylene, %, min

99

Penetration Value of VG10, at 25 C

80-100

Softening point, C, min

40

VG-20 bitumen is a viscosity grade used in regions with cold climates and high altitudes. This particular bitumen grade is suitable for road construction in areas where the average temperature ranges from 30 to 37 °C.

Bitumen can be categorized into two groups based on its applications: road construction or thin bitumen, and building bitumen (used as a roof insulator) or hard bitumen.

VG-30 bitumen is primarily employed in constructing extra heavy-duty bitumen pavements that need to withstand substantial traffic loads. It can serve as a substitute for 60/70 penetration grade bitumen.

VG20 is specifically utilized 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 ranges from 1600 to 2400 poise at 60 °C.

specification of VG20

Characteristics

Viscosity Grade VG20

Absolute Viscosity 60C, Poises, in

1600

Kinematic Viscosity,135C, CST, min

300

Flash point, C, min

220

Solubility in trichloroethylene, %, min

99

Penetration Value of VG20, at 25 C

60-80

Softening point, C, min

45

What is meaning of VG30 bitumen?

The primary application of this bitumen is in the construction of extra-heavy pavements designed to withstand significant traffic loads. Bitumen VG30 is the most commonly used type in road construction, insulation, building construction industries, and the production of cutback bitumen.

Compared to bitumen VG-10, VG30 is more viscous, resulting in better performance in road construction in hot regions.

The density of bitumen VG30 ranges from 1.01 to 1.05 g/cm³ in the temperature range of 25°C to 85°C. On the other hand, the medium-curing asphalt MC-30 liquid density is 0.947 g/cm³ at 15.56°C.

What does 30 means in VG 30 bitumen?

The number 30 in VG-30 indicates the viscosity range of bitumen, specifically {(100±20) ×30} in terms of poise. For VG-30, the maximum viscosity is calculated as 120×30, equaling 3600 poise.

Application of VG 30 Bitumen?

The VG-30 grade is suitable for temperatures above 30°C and is commonly used for road construction in rainy weather conditions. Additionally, for clayed soil, bitumen with higher viscosity is preferred.

Specification of Vg 30

Characteristics

Viscosity Grade VG30

Absolute Viscosity 60 C, Poises, min

2400

Kinematic Viscosity, 135 C, CST, min

350

Flash point, C, min

220

Solubility in trichloroethylene, %, min

99

Penetration Value of VG30, at 25 C

50-70

Softening point, C, min

47

What is VG-40 grade bitumen?

VG-40 grade bitumen is a specialized formulation that combines the advantageous characteristics of softer grades at low temperatures with the properties of harder grades at high temperatures. Basekim Bitumen VG40 is obtained through a physical/chemical modification technique that alters the chemistry and balance of the bituminous components to achieve a desired optimum.

Bitumen VG40 high viscosity

In VG40 bitumen, the high viscosity makes it more suitable for improving resistance to shoving and addressing issues associated with higher temperatures and heavy traffic loads, particularly in areas such as intersections, toll booths, and truck parking lots. VG-40 bitumen can be utilized in various asphalt mix designs and techniques, resulting in cohesive asphalt mixes suitable for any type of traffic.

Industries have increasingly been using bitumen VG40 instead of the penetration grade bitumen 40/50 over an extended period.

Application of VG 40 Bitumen

VG-40 bitumen is primarily used for temperatures above 40°C, and its absolute viscosity is 3200. It is the preferred type of bitumen when heavy traffic loads are expected.

The absolute viscosity of VG-40 bitumen is 3200, and the kinematic viscosity is 400.

 Specifications of VG 40 bitumen

Characteristics

Viscosity Grade VG40

Absolute Viscosity 60 C, CST, min

3200

Kinematic Viscosity, 135 C, CST, min

400

Flash point, C, min

220

Solubility in trichloroethylene, %, min

99

Penetration Value of VG40, at 25 C

40-60

Softening point, C, min

25

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VG10

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VG20

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VG30

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VG40

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MSDS

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