Bitumen is a versatile and essential material widely used in road construction, roofing, waterproofing, and industrial applications. Our Bitumen VG All Grades collection offers high-quality, performance-driven options to meet a variety of project requirements. Available in VG 10, VG 30, VG 40, as well as penetration grades 80/100, 60/70, and 85/25, this range ensures optimal performance across diverse climates and application conditions.

At Zedpave, we offer an extensive range of Bitumen VG All Grades, which includes VG 10, VG 30, VG 40, and penetration grades such as 80/100, 60/70, and 85/25. These bitumen grades are designed to meet specific project needs and ensure durability, resilience, and long-term performance under diverse environmental and traffic conditions.

Understanding Bitumen Grading Systems

Bitumen is graded based on viscosity (VG grades) or penetration (pen grades), depending on the standard and geographical preferences. Each grade is suitable for different climatic conditions and construction demands, making it important to select the right one for your project. Let’s take an in-depth look at each of these grades, their properties, and their ideal applications.

Viscosity Graded Bitumen

Viscosity Graded (VG) bitumen is graded according to its viscosity at 60°C and 135°C, which reflects the performance of bitumen under road surface temperatures. VG bitumen is increasingly popular because it provides consistent and reliable results across various conditions.

1. VG 10 Bitumen

VG 10 is the softest grade in the VG range. It is mainly used in areas with colder climates or for applications where lower viscosity bitumen is required. VG 10 is highly suitable for spraying applications such as surface dressing and for paving thin asphalt layers, particularly where temperatures are low, and there is a need for greater flexibility in the bitumen. VG 10 also finds use in waterproofing applications, where its flexibility and resistance to water are critical.

Key Features:

• Suitable for cold regions or where mild traffic load is expected.
• Ideal for surface dressing and thin asphalt pavements.
• Provides excellent waterproofing properties.
• Works well in applications where lower viscosity is needed.

Applications:

• Rural roads and low-traffic highways.
• Cold climate regions.
• Waterproofing in building constructions.

2. VG 30 Bitumen

VG 30 is one of the most widely used bitumen grades, particularly in areas with moderate temperatures and heavy traffic. It is the preferred choice for standard road construction projects due to its ability to withstand traffic loads and offer greater longevity. This grade has a balanced viscosity, which provides a good mix of flexibility and strength, making it ideal for high-traffic roads, urban streets, and highways.

Key Features:

• Suitable for regions with moderate climate.
• Provides excellent load-bearing capacity, perfect for high-traffic roads.
• Offers enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Applications:

• Urban and rural road construction.
• Paving of roads with heavy traffic conditions.
• Maintenance and rehabilitation of asphalt pavements.

3. VG 40 Bitumen

VG 40 is designed for regions with high temperatures or heavy axle loads, such as highways, expressways, and industrial roads. Due to its higher viscosity, it offers excellent resistance to deformation even under heavy traffic and extreme heat conditions. VG 40 ensures that roads and pavements maintain their integrity over time, reducing the need for frequent repairs and increasing the overall longevity of the road surface.

Key Features:

• High viscosity, providing superior resistance to rutting and deformation.
• Ideal for hot climates and regions with heavy traffic.
• Durable and long-lasting under high-stress conditions.

Applications:

• Highways, expressways, and industrial roads.
• Roads in regions with extremely high temperatures.
• Heavy traffic zones, including freight routes.

Penetration Graded Bitumen

Penetration graded (pen grade) bitumen is categorized based on its penetration value, which measures the hardness or softness of the bitumen. These grades are used mainly in countries where the penetration grading system is more prevalent than the viscosity grading system.

4. 80/100 Bitumen

80/100 is one of the softer grades in the penetration graded bitumen range. This bitumen grade is typically used in cold climates where the flexibility of the bitumen is crucial to accommodate the contraction and expansion of road surfaces due to temperature fluctuations. The soft nature of 80/100 ensures that it does not crack easily in colder conditions, providing a smooth and durable road surface.

Key Features:

• Suitable for cold regions to prevent cracking and fatigue.
• Provides excellent flexibility and adhesion properties.
• Ideal for roads exposed to minimal deformation.

Applications:

• Cold region road construction.
• Asphalt surfacing and maintenance projects.

5. 60/70 Bitumen

60/70 is a medium-hard bitumen grade, commonly used for standard road construction in regions with moderate climate conditions. It offers a balanced combination of flexibility and strength, making it ideal for a wide range of road construction applications, including highways, runways, and residential streets. This grade is versatile and provides long-term performance for general road projects.

Key Features:

• Ideal for moderate climates with varying temperatures.
• Provides a balanced mix of strength and flexibility.
• Long-lasting performance under moderate traffic loads.

Applications:

• Highways, urban roads, and runways.
• Road maintenance and repair work.

6. 85/25 Bitumen

85/25 is a hard bitumen typically used in industrial applications like waterproofing, sealing, and insulation. This bitumen grade has a high softening point, making it ideal for projects that require a highly durable, heat-resistant material. It is often used in the construction of dams, bridges, and other large infrastructure projects where waterproofing and protection from the elements are essential.

Key Features:

• Hard grade bitumen ideal for industrial use.
• Highly resistant to heat and deformation.
• Provides excellent waterproofing and sealing capabilities.

Applications:

• Dams, bridges, and heavy-duty construction projects.
• Industrial waterproofing and insulation.
• Sealing and protective coatings.

Advantages of Bitumen VG All Grades

Bitumen, across all its grades, offers several benefits that make it the preferred material in road construction and industrial applications:

1. Durability and Longevity: Bitumen’s ability to withstand heavy traffic and adverse environmental conditions makes it a durable choice for road construction, ensuring long-lasting performance.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: Depending on the grade selected, bitumen can offer flexibility in cold climates or rigidity in hotter climates, allowing it to adapt to the environment effectively.
3. Waterproofing Properties: Bitumen is inherently waterproof, making it ideal for use in applications where protection from water is critical, such as in roofing, bridges, and other infrastructures.
4. Economic Viability: Bitumen is relatively cost-effective, providing a strong and durable solution without the high costs associated with alternative materials.
5. Environmentally Friendly: Bitumen is a recyclable material, allowing it to be reused in road construction and maintenance, contributing to sustainable construction practices.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bitumen grade is essential for the success and longevity of your project. Whether you need bitumen for road construction, waterproofing, or industrial sealing, our Bitumen VG All Grades (VG 10, VG 30, VG 40, 80/100, 60/70, and 85/25) offer high-quality, performance-driven solutions for any environment or application. From high-traffic highways to rural roads and industrial applications, our bitumen products ensure durability, flexibility, and long-term success.