Bitumen is a black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons, valued for a variety of characteristics viz; waterproof, ductile, adhesive, chemically inert, durable etc. Obtained from the heaviest fraction from the distillation of Crude oils, it is marketed in a wide range of grades, ranging from soft to hard. As per IS 73:2013 specification, Bitumen is classified into four types based on absolute viscosity.
Application
Paving of roads, surfacing airfield runways and taxi tracks, hydraulic application such as canal lining river bank protection, dam construction and sea defenses. It is also used for Industrial applications like roofing, felt manufacture, printing ink manufacturing, electrical cable / junction boxes, mastic flooring, water proofing etc.
Bitumen Classification & Application
VG-10 BITUMEN: widely used in spraying applications such as surface-dressing and paving in very cold climate in lieu of old 80/100 Penetration grade. It is also used to manufacture Bitumen Emulsion and Modified Bitumen products.
VG-30 BITUMEN: primarily used to construct extra heavy duty Bitumen pavements that need to endure substantial traffic loads. It can be used in lieu of 60/70 Penetration grade.
VG-40 BITUMEN: used in highly stressed areas such as intersections, near toll booths and truck parking lots in lieu of old 30/40 Penetration grade. Due to its higher viscosity, stiffer Bitumen mixes can be produced to improve resistance to shoving and other problems associated with higher temperature and heavy traffic loads.
USPs: as per latest specifications
PESO class: Excluded class