Description of Viscosity Grade Bitumen
Viscosity Grade Bitumen (VG) is a standard grade Bitumen usually used as a Paving Grade Bitumen suitable for road construction. This Grade of Bitumen maked for hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses and possesses characteristics and qualities unique and quite different from other agents.
The most usage of VG Bitumen is in India becuase of its performance and durability in the country’s varied climatic conditions compared to traditional penetration-graded bitumen.
What is Difference Between Penetration Grade Bitumen and Viscosity Grade Bitumen?
The difference between penetration grade bitumen and viscosity grade bitumen VG-10, VG-20, VG-30 and VG-40 is that the penetration grade classification is based on the Penetration value in 25. C.
First, the penetration of bitumen is measured at 25. C which is the average temperature, but the results of the test are not reliable in hot weather, so they measure the viscosity of bitumen at 60. C and 135? C. The tests tell us that:
- VG bitumen is suitable for a wide range of temperatures; 25 ?C for fatigue cracking and 135 ?C for construction, also temperature susceptibility can be determined.
- Less number of tests save time and costs; according to IS, it has only 7 tests while penetration has 14 tests.
- Longer durability: the pavement made from VG Bitumen will have better performance because the Viscosity value at 135?C gives a sufficient idea about mixing and compaction temperature and as a result pavement life is improved.
- Any two samples of the same VG bitumen would give similar rutting performance in hot summer unlike the penetration grade
- The minimum specified kinematic viscosity value at 135 ?C helps to minimize the potential of tender mixes during construction
- VG bitumen is suitable for areas with high traffic loads
Different Types of VG Bitumen and their Specification
Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 (VG 10)
As we said the VG Bitumen 10 is a softest grade in VG Bitumen grades, Also this Grade of VG mostly used in regions with colder climates or where low-temperature performance is a priority. In India, VG-10 Bitumen is often used for paving roads in areas with lighter traffic and less severe temperature variations.
VG Bitumen 10 Advantages
- Workable with low temperature: VG Bitumen has a lower viscosity and softer than another grades, making it ideal for use in colder regions.
- Paving Asphalt: Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 in India is a suitable grade for surface paving asphalt. VG-10 provides good adhesion between aggregates and the road surface, enhancing skid resistance and protecting the pavement from water ingress and wear.
Specification of VG Bitumen 10
| Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 800 | ASTM D4402 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 250 | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D93 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2042 |
| Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 80-100 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | ◦C |
Min 40 |
ASTM D36 |
| Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C | ◦C | Max 4 | ASTM D4402 |
| Ductility at 25 ◦C , after thin film oven test | Cm | Min 75 | ASTM D113 |
What is VG Bitumen 20?
VG Bitumen 20 is slightly harder than VG Bitumen 10, It has good performance in both hot and cold conditions. it suitable for use in moderate climates with less extreme temperature variations. In India, VG-20 Bitumen is often chosen for various road construction and maintenance projects.
VG Bitumen 20 Advantages
- Improved Road Performance: VG Bitumen 20 is a excellent grade for resistance to temperature such as cracking in cold weather and rutting in hot weather.
- Better Load-Bearing Capacity: VG-20 provides a suitable balance of hardness and flexibility, allowing it to effectively distribute the load from vehicular traffic across the pavement layers.
Viscosity Grade Bitumen 20 Specification
| Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 1600 | ASTM D4402 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 300 | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D93 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2042 |
| Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 60-80 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | ◦C | Min 45 | ASTM D36 |
Viscosity Grade Bitumen 30
VG Bitumen 30 is the most commonly used grade for road construction in India, also It’s one of the harder grade in Viscosity Grade Bitumen. VG-30 provides excellent resistance to rutting and deformation under high temperatures, ensuring that the pavement remains stable and smooth even in intense heat.
VG Bitumen 30 Specification
| Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 2400 | ASTM D4402 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 350 | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D93 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2042 |
| Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 40-50 | AST M D5 |
| Softening Point | ◦C | Min 47 | ASTM D36 |
Viscosity Grade Bitumen 40 in India
VG Bitumen 40 is the hardest and most viscous grade of viscosity grade bitumen, VG-40 an ideal choice for heavy-duty applications where maximum road performance and longevity are crucial, reducing the need for frequent repairs and minimizing maintenance costs. It’s well-suited for areas where the pavement is exposed to high ambient temperatures and heavy, high-speed traffic. Also can be used this Grade instead of Bitumen Penetration 40/50.
Specification of VG Bitumen 40
| Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 3200 | ASTM D4402 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 400 | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D93 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2042 |
| Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 40-60 | AST M D5 |
| Softening Point | ◦C | Min 25 | ASTM D 36 |
Supplier of VG Bitumen
RAHA Bitumen Co. is one of the market leaders in manufacturing, supplying, and exporting different types of bitumen products with excellent quality. We strive to offer the best prices for different grades of bitumen, including VG Bitumen, in line with international standards.
If you are interested in viscosity-graded bitumen for India, please contact us!
