🛢️ What is Penetration Grade Bitumen? | Complete Guide
Penetration Grade Bitumen is a classification of bitumen based on its consistency and hardness, measured through a standard needle penetration test. It is one of the most widely used types of bitumen in road construction, asphalt pavements, and industrial waterproofing.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
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What penetration grade means
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How it is measured
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Common grades like 60/70 and 80/100
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Its advantages and applications
Penetration Grade Bitumen is a type of bitumen or asphalt binder that is commonly used in road construction and maintenance. It is a semi-solid form of petroleum that is derived from crude oil during the refining process.
📏 What is Penetration Grade Bitumen?
Penetration Grade Bitumen is a viscous black material derived from the distillation of crude oil. Its name comes from the needle penetration test, where a needle is allowed to penetrate the bitumen sample under specific conditions (load: 100g, temperature: 25°C, time: 5 seconds).
The penetration value indicates the softness or hardness of the bitumen. A lower penetration value means a harder bitumen, and a higher value means it is softer.
Penetration Grade Bitumen is classified based on its penetration value, which indicates the hardness or softness of the material. The penetration value is measured by the depth in millimeters that a standard needle will penetrate vertically into the bitumen sample under specific conditions of time, temperature, and weight.
🧪 Common Grades of Penetration Bitumen
Penetration Grade Bitumen is denoted by a number, such as 40/50, 60/70, 80/100, 120/150, etc. The first number represents the penetration value in tenths of a millimeter at 25 degrees Celsius, and the second number represents the penetration value at 0 degrees Celsius.
This classification system helps determine the suitability of the bitumen for different climatic conditions and applications. For example, lower penetration grade bitumen, such as 40/50 or 60/70, is used in colder climates, while higher Penetration Grade Bitumen, such as 120/150, is used in hotter climates.
⚙️ Properties of Penetration Grade Bitumen
| Property | Value Range (typical for 60/70) |
|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C (0.1 mm) | 60–70 |
| Softening Point (°C) | 49–56 |
| Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | >100 |
| Flash Point (°C) | >220 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | >99.0% |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | ~1.01–1.06 |
🌍 Applications of Penetration Grade Bitumen
Penetration bitumen is used in a wide range of infrastructure and construction projects:
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🛣️ Road paving & asphalt mixing
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🧱 Waterproofing of buildings and structures
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🏗️ Roofing and industrial insulation
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🚧 Airport runways and expressways
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🔩 Asphalt emulsion and bituminous paints
Penetration Grade Bitumen is commonly used in the construction of asphalt pavements, including highways, roads, airport runways, and parking lots. It provides durability, flexibility, and resistance to deformation under heavy traffic loads and varying weather conditions. It also helps in waterproofing and preventing moisture damage to the underlying layers of the pavement.
In addition to its use in road construction, penetration grade bitumen is also utilized in other applications, such as waterproofing of roofs, sealing of joints and cracks, and manufacturing of bituminous products like roofing felt, adhesives, and coatings.
📌 Advantages of Penetration Grade Bitumen
✅ Reliable performance in various climates
✅ Consistent and standardized testing
✅ Suitable for a wide range of traffic loads
✅ Easy blending with polymers and modifiers
✅ Cost-effective and globally available
⚖️ Penetration vs Viscosity Grade Bitumen
| Feature | Penetration Grade | Viscosity Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Classification Basis | Needle Penetration | Kinematic Viscosity |
| Common Grades | 30/40, 60/70, 80/100 | VG-10, VG-30, VG-40 |
| Sensitivity to Temperature | Higher | Lower |
| Measurement Units | 0.1 mm (pen value) | Poise (viscosity) |
| Modern Usage | Traditional Standard | Increasingly Preferred |
Penetration Grade is more common in regions like Asia and Africa, while Viscosity Grade is preferred in the US and Middle East for modern pavements.
🤝 Why Choose Pars Universal Bitumen?
At Pars Universal Bitumen, we supply a wide range of high-quality Penetration Grade Bitumen for global markets. We ensure:
✅ ASTM & EN compliance
✅ Bulk & drum packaging options
✅ Technical datasheets & COAs provided
✅ Global shipping & flexible delivery terms
✅ 24/7 customer and technical support
❓ FAQs: Penetration Grade Bitumen
1. What does 60/70 grade mean in bitumen?
It refers to the penetration range of 60 to 70 (in tenths of mm), indicating the hardness. It is ideal for most road constructions.
2. How is penetration value tested?
A standard needle penetrates the bitumen sample for 5 seconds at 25°C under a 100g load, and the depth is measured in 0.1 mm.
3. Which penetration grade is best for hot climates?
Harder grades like 30/40 or 40/50 are best for hot climates, as they resist softening.
4. Is penetration grade bitumen suitable for polymer modification?
Yes, it’s compatible with polymer additives and is widely used in modified bitumen production.
5. Can I order bitumen in bulk?
Absolutely. Pars Universal Bitumen supplies bitumen in drums, jumbo bags, or bulk tankers with full documentation.
Conclusion: Reliable & Proven – Penetration Grade Bitumen
Penetration Grade Bitumen remains a standard and trusted material in road construction and industrial applications. With consistent performance, availability, and cost-efficiency, it is ideal for countries with traditional asphalt specifications and variable climates.
Pars Universal Bitumen proudly supplies Pen Grade Bitumen across the globe with full compliance, competitive rates, and technical assurance.
📞 Call to Pars Universal Bitumen
Partner with Pars Universal Bitumen for your Bitumen Needs!
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: PUB_LTD
📞 Phone: +971 4 878 2031
Request a quote now or contact our specialists to find the right penetration grade for your project. If You have any other Query or Question you want to ask, Please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
