Intro

Bitumen 10/20 is a crucial component in the world of construction and infrastructure development, playing a vital role in creating durable and long-lasting road surfaces. This high-performance grade of bitumen is characterized by its exceptional hardness and low penetration value, making it an ideal choice for areas with heavy traffic loads and extreme weather conditions. As a refined petroleum product, Bitumen 10/20 is engineered to provide superior resistance to deformation, cracking, and rutting, ensuring that roads and highways maintain their structural integrity over extended periods.

Bitumen 10/20 Description

The unique properties of Bitumen 10/20 stem from its carefully controlled production process, which results in a material with a penetration range of 10 to 20 dmm (decimillimeters) at 25°C. This low penetration value translates to increased stiffness and reduced temperature susceptibility, making it particularly well-suited for use in hot climates or regions with significant temperature fluctuations. As urbanization and infrastructure development continue to accelerate globally, the demand for high-performance bitumen grades like 10/20 has grown substantially, driving innovation in asphalt technology and paving the way for more resilient and sustainable transportation networks.

It is a kind of hard penetration grade bitumen that is provided during the process of oxidation of vacuum bottom the bitumen production that drives from distillation tower residue in vacuum oil refineries at bitumen production unit. Bitumen penetration grade 10/20 ensures long-term savings because it allows for a thinner pavement design, which uses up to 30% less asphalt than traditional designs while ensuring extended pavement life.

History of Bitumen 10/20

This substance was employed as an anti-humidity compound, to preserve wood, and for a variety of other applications, including embalming, sculpting, and decorating.

In 1712 A.D., natural Bitumen stones were found in France, marking the birth of the current Bitumen business. Historically, bituminous materials were simply deposited in lumps on the surface of local roads and left to be progressively worn down and compacted by traffic. This approach was highly effective, and in a short amount of time, advancements in this sector were developed, such as powdering and heating the material before to usage.

Properties of Bitumen 10/20

• The most defining characteristic of this grade is its penetration value, which ranges from 10 to 20 dmm (decimillimeters) at 25°C. This low penetration value is indicative of its high stiffness and hardness, which contribute significantly to its performance in various construction scenarios. The hardness of Bitumen 10/20 translates to excellent resistance against deformation under load, making it an ideal choice for pavements that need to withstand heavy traffic and high stresses.
• Another crucial property of Bitumen 10/20 is its high softening point, typically ranging between 60°C and 70°C. This elevated softening point is a key factor in its ability to resist flow and deformation at high temperatures, ensuring that pavements maintain their structural integrity even in hot climates or during periods of intense heat.
• The ductility of Bitumen 10/20, while lower compared to softer grades, is still sufficient to provide the necessary flexibility to the pavement structure. This property ensures that the bitumen can elongate without breaking under tensile stress, which is crucial for preventing cracking and maintaining the integrity of the road surface. The specific gravity of Bitumen 10/20 typically falls within the range of 1.01 to 1.06, indicating its density and compactness, which contribute to its overall durability and performance characteristics.
• Bitumen 10/20 also exhibits excellent adhesive properties, allowing for strong bonding with aggregate materials in asphalt mixtures. This enhanced adhesion results in improved cohesion within the pavement structure, leading to increased resistance against stripping and raveling. Additionally, the flash point of Bitumen 10/20 is typically above 250°C, ensuring safety during handling and application at elevated temperatures.

The Capability of Bitumen 10/20

The capabilities of Bitumen 10/20 extend beyond its mechanical strength. This grade of bitumen exhibits excellent temperature stability, allowing it to perform consistently across a wide range of climatic conditions. Its low-temperature susceptibility means it remains flexible in cold weather, reducing the risk of thermal cracking, while its high softening point ensures it maintains its shape and resists deformation in hot climates. Furthermore, Bitumen 10/20’s enhanced adhesive properties contribute to improved bonding with aggregate materials, resulting in a more cohesive and durable asphalt mix. These capabilities collectively make Bitumen 10/20 an invaluable material in the construction of high-performance pavements, particularly in regions with challenging environmental conditions or on roads that experience heavy, constant traffic.

Applications of Bitumen 10/20

Bitumen 10/20 is more applicable for the production of asphalt pavements with superior properties and for the construction and maintenance of roads. Also, this grade of asphalt is mainly used in spraying and chip applications. also, Paving Bitumen 10/20  is used in the Manufacturing of Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB).

Bitumen 10/20 is suitable for road construction and asphalt pavements with superior properties. This type of bitumen is used in the manufacture of hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses and the main usage of this product is used in the road in mild regions. The bitumen is provided during the presses of oxidation of the vacuum bottom in bitumen production units. Due to its medium air blowing and penetration, it is used in mild areas.

• Road Construction: Bitumen 10/20 is widely used in road construction due to its exceptional binding properties. It serves as a binder in asphalt mixtures, providing durability, stability, and resistance to heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions. The flexibility of Bitumen 10/20 allows roads to withstand temperature-induced expansions and contractions.
• Waterproofing: With its waterproofing characteristics, Bitumen 60/70 is extensively used to protect structures from water damage. It is applied as a coating or membrane to roofs, foundations, and basements to prevent water penetration and ensure the longevity of buildings.
• Pavement Preservation: This grade of bitumen is essential in pavement preservation techniques such as chip sealing and micro-surfacing. It acts as an adhesive, holding aggregate particles together and providing a skid-resistant surface.
• Industrial Applications: Bitumen 10/20 finds use in various industrial applications, including soundproofing, electrical cable jointing, and corrosion protection. Its high resistance to heat and chemicals makes it a reliable choice for these purposes.
• Asphalt Emulsions: Bitumen 10/20 serves as a key ingredient in producing asphalt emulsions, which are used in surface treatments, prime coats, and tack coats. These emulsions enhance adhesion between layers of road surfaces.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Bitumen 10/20 Grade

Advantages:

• One of its primary benefits is its exceptional durability and resistance to deformation. The low penetration value of 10-20 dmm at 25°C indicates a high level of hardness, which translates to improved resistance against rutting and permanent deformation under heavy traffic loads.
• Another significant advantage of Bitumen 10/20 is its superior temperature stability. This grade of bitumen maintains its properties across a wide range of temperatures, making it ideal for use in regions with extreme climatic conditions.
• Bitumen 10/20 also exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, which is crucial for pavements subjected to repeated loading cycles. Its high stiffness helps distribute loads more effectively, reducing the stress on underlying layers and minimizing the accumulation of permanent deformation over time. This property is particularly beneficial for highways, airports, and industrial areas where the pavement is subjected to continuous and heavy traffic loads.

Disadvantages:

• One of the primary disadvantages is its higher initial cost compared to softer grades of bitumen. The specialized production process and the higher quality of Bitumen 10/20 contribute to its increased price point.
• The high stiffness that provides excellent durability also makes it more challenging to handle and place during construction. It requires higher mixing and compaction temperatures, which can lead to increased energy consumption and potentially higher emissions during the construction process.

The Performance of Bitumen 10/20 in Different Weather

In hot weather, it resists softening and flow, reducing the risk of bleeding and rutting. Conversely, in cold temperatures, it retains enough flexibility to prevent thermal cracking, ensuring the pavement’s integrity throughout seasonal changes. This temperature stability contributes to reduced maintenance requirements and extended service life of the road surface.

Packing of Bitumen 10/20

Bitumen 10/20 is commonly packed in new steel drums, 150, 180 & 220 Kg barrels and Jumbo Bags or Bitubag and 10 & 20kg Tubular cartons. The packing of bitumen 10/20 can vary depending on the manufacturer and supplier. It is typically packed in drums or barrels made of steel or plastic. The drums are usually sealed tightly to prevent any leakage or contamination. The size of the drums can vary, but common sizes include 180 kg, 200 kg, and 220 kg. Some suppliers may also offer bulk packaging options such as tanker trucks or containers for larger quantities of bitumen. also, bitumen 10/20 has more than packing, we will explain in the following:

Kind of Packing for Bitumen 10/20

The Bitumen 10/20 is packed in Different Major:

1. Jumbo Bag
2. Steel Drums
3. Flexi Tanks
4. Bulk in Trunk Tunker
5. Bulk in Bulk Vessel
6. Bulk in Bitutainer

1. Jumbo Bag

Jumbo bags, also known as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) or big bags, are a popular choice for transporting Bitumen 10/20. These large, flexible bags are typically made from woven polypropylene and are designed to hold between 500 to 2,000 kg of bitumen.

Handling:

• 1MT Jumbo Bag with Pallet and Steel
  Cage:

Loading 20Ton in 20ft Container = 20Ton Net

• 1MT Jumbo Bag without Pallet and Steel
  Cage:

Loading 20Ton in 40ft Container = 20Ton Net

Advantages of Jumbo Bags in Bitumen 10/20:

• Cost-effective for bulk transportation
• Easy to handle with forklifts or cranes
• Stackable, maximizing storage space
• Reduced risk of contamination
• Suitable for both solid and semi-solid bitumen forms

2. Steel Drums

• 180kg New Steel Drum :
  Loading 110 Drum in 20ft Container=  19.80 Ton Net
• 150kg New Steel Drum:
  Loading 110Drum in 20ft Container=  16.50 Ton Net

Advantages of Steel Drums in Bitumen 10/20:

• Excellent protection against external elements
• Easy to handle and stack
• Suitable for smaller quantity orders
• Reusable or recyclable
• deal for long-term storage

3. Flexi Tanks

Flexi tanks, also known as flexibags or flexitanks, are large, flexible containers designed to fit inside standard 20-foot or 40-foot shipping containers. They are an excellent option for transporting large quantities of liquid or semi-liquid Bitumen 60/70.

Advantages of Flexi Tanks in Bitumen 10/20:

• High capacity (up to 24,000 liters in a 20-foot container)Cost-effective for bulk liquid transportation
• Eliminates the need for drum handling and cleaning
• Maximizes the use of container space
• Reduces packaging waste

4. Bulk in Truck Tanker

• Loading 24-25Ton in Bulk Tanker

5. Bulk in Bulk Vessel

• Loading 1,000-30,000 Ton in Bitumen
  Carrier Vessel

6. Bulk in Bitutainer

• Loading 25 Ton in Bitutainer

Safe Handling and Storage

• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling (i.e. gloves, eye protectors, etc.
• Maintain safe heating temperatures when using this product.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Avoid breathing vapor, spray, or mists when applying.

Specification

In Summary

Bitumen 10/20 is a high-performance grade of bitumen widely used in construction and infrastructure projects, particularly for creating durable road surfaces. It is characterized by its exceptional hardness and low penetration value (10-20 dmm at 25°C), which provides superior resistance to deformation, cracking, and rutting. This grade of bitumen is especially suitable for areas with heavy traffic loads and extreme weather conditions, making it ideal for highways, expressways, and airport runways.

The properties of Bitumen 10/20 include high stiffness, excellent temperature stability, and a high softening point (typically 60°C to 70°C). These characteristics contribute to its ability to maintain structural integrity in both hot and cold climates, resist flow and deformation at high temperatures, and provide necessary flexibility to prevent cracking. Additionally, Bitumen 10/20 exhibits strong adhesive properties, allowing for improved bonding with aggregate materials in asphalt mixtures.

While Bitumen 10/20 offers numerous advantages such as exceptional durability, superior temperature stability, and excellent fatigue resistance, it also has some disadvantages. These include higher initial costs compared to softer grades of bitumen and reduced workability during construction due to its high stiffness. Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits of using Bitumen 10/20, including reduced maintenance requirements and extended pavement life, often outweigh the initial drawbacks, making it a preferred choice for high-performance road construction in diverse geographical and climatic conditions.