What is Performance Grade Bitumen? | Complete Guide to PG Bitumen

Performance Grade Bitumen, often referred to as PG Bitumen, is a modern classification system for asphalt binders based on how they perform under actual service conditions. Instead of relying only on lab-based penetration or viscosity tests, PG grading evaluates the binder’s behavior in a range of temperatures and traffic conditions. This system, known as Superpave, ensures longer-lasting and better-performing pavements.

🔍 Understanding PG Bitumen

PG Bitumen is graded by two temperature extremes:

• The maximum average 7-day pavement temperature it can withstand (e.g., 64°C)

• The minimum temperature at which it remains flexible without cracking (e.g., -22°C)

For example, PG 64-22 means:

• Withstands up to 64°C in summer without rutting

• Performs down to -22°C in winter without cracking

This system ensures that the bitumen performs reliably in the specific climate where it’s used.

📊 PG Bitumen Grades and Climate Suitability

PG Grade	Max Temp (°C)	Min Temp (°C)	Ideal Climate Conditions
PG 58-22	58	-22	Cold to moderate
PG 64-22	64	-22	Warm climates, varied seasons
PG 70-22	70	-22	Hot summers, high traffic
PG 76-16	76	-16	Very hot, heavy traffic roads
PG 82-22	82	-22	Extreme heat, expressways

Each PG grade is designed for specific environmental and loading conditions.

⚙️ Modified vs Unmodified PG Bitumen

PG grades with higher temperature resistance (e.g., PG 76-16) often require modification of base bitumen using:

• Polymers (SBS, EVA) for elasticity

• Crumb rubber for durability

• Chemical modifiers for anti-stripping and adhesion

These enhancements help maintain viscosity, elasticity, and aging resistance.

Performance Grade Bitumen is classified based on its high-temperature performance, low-temperature performance, and aging characteristics. The classification is represented by two numbers: one indicating the high-temperature performance (PG xx-YY) and the other indicating the low-temperature performance (PG XX-yy).

The high-temperature performance grade (PG xx-YY) represents the bitumen’s resistance to rutting or deformation at high temperatures. The first number (xx) indicates the maximum pavement temperature in degrees Celsius, while the second number (YY) represents the minimum pavement temperature in degrees Celsius.

The low-temperature performance grade (PG XX-yy) represents the bitumen’s resistance to cracking or fracture at low temperatures. The first number (XX) represents the minimum pavement temperature in degrees Celsius, while the second number (yy) indicates the rate of temperature change at which the bitumen is tested.

🚧 Applications of Performance Grade Bitumen

PG Bitumen is widely used in:

• Highways and expressways

• Airport runways

• Urban roads with stop-and-go traffic

• Heavy-duty truck routes

• Areas with severe climatic conditions

Performance Grade Bitumen provides a more accurate and reliable way of selecting bitumen for asphalt mixtures based on the specific temperature conditions of a given region. It ensures that the bitumen used in pavement construction is suitable for the anticipated climate and traffic conditions.

The selection of the appropriate Performance Grade bitumen is crucial for the long-term performance and durability of asphalt pavements. It helps prevent issues such as rutting, cracking, and premature pavement failure, which can result from using bitumen that is not suitable for the specific temperature conditions of the area.

✅ Benefits of PG Bitumen

• 🔷 Tailored for climate and traffic load

• 📊 Improves pavement life and performance

• 💨 Better rutting and cracking resistance

• ⏳ Delays maintenance and reduces costs

• 🔄 Compatible with recycling and modified binders

By using Performance Grade Bitumen, engineers and contractors can make informed decisions about the type of bitumen to use in asphalt mixtures, resulting in improved pavement performance and longevity.

💼 PG Bitumen Supply by Pars Universal Bitumen

At Pars Universal Bitumen, we supply a full range of Performance Grade Bitumen tailored for your climate, traffic load, and regulatory requirements:

• 🪠 PG 64-22

• 💥 PG 70-22

• 🔋 PG 76-16

• ⚖️ Custom grades upon request

Why Choose Us?

• 🌍 Global logistics and documentation

• 🚐 ISO and ASTM-compliant products

• 📅 On-time delivery and export clearance

• 💸 Competitive pricing and bulk supply

• 🤝 Trusted supplier in 25+ countries

FAQs About PG Bitumen

Q1: Is PG bitumen better than penetration grade?
Yes. PG grading considers real-world temperatures and stress, providing better performance prediction than traditional grades like 60/70.

Q2: Is PG bitumen always modified?
Not all PG grades are modified. Lower grades like PG 64-22 may be unmodified, while higher grades often use polymer or chemical modification.

Q3: Can PG bitumen be used globally?
Yes. Many countries have adopted Superpave standards for roads and highways due to their reliability and climate relevance.

Q4: How is PG bitumen tested?
It undergoes rigorous testing including Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR), and Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) procedures.

📆 Conclusion: PG Bitumen = Climate-Smart Performance

Performance Grade Bitumen is a classification system that defines the performance characteristics of bitumen for asphalt mixtures based on high-temperature and low-temperature performance. It ensures that the selected bitumen is suitable for the specific temperature conditions of a given region, leading to more durable and reliable asphalt pavements.

📢 Contact Pars Universal Bitumen

🏢 Pars Universal Bitumen is your trusted partner for high-performance PG Bitumen supply.

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: +971 4 878 2031

🌐 Visit: www.pub-ltd.com

📆 Request a Quote Now or contact our technical team for specifications and tailored PG bitumen solutions. If You have any other Query or Question you want to ask, Please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.