Penetration Grade Bitumen
What Is Penetration Grade Bitumen?
Penetration grade bitumen is a type of refined bitumen produced with controlled viscosity levels during the refining process. Its classification is based on the penetration test, which measures the hardness or consistency of the bitumen by evaluating how deeply a standard needle penetrates the material under specific conditions. Penetration grades typically range from 15 to 450, but the most commonly used grades for road construction fall between 25 and 200. These values are achieved by regulating the distillation process and, in some cases, by adjusting the residual bitumen with specific oils to fine-tune the desired hardness and performance characteristics.
Explore our Range of PG Bitumen :
Bitumen 35/50
Bitumen 40/50
Bitumen 40/60
Bitumen 50/70
Wiki Bitumen
Check out our detailed article on Penetration Grade Bitumen. Learn how the penetration test works, what grades like 50/70 or 85/100 really mean, and why this type of bitumen is critical for building strong, long-lasting roads.
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Bitumen 100/150
Bitumen 120/150
Bitumen 160/220
Bitumen 200/300
Advantages of Penetration Grade Bitumen :
The penetration test is performed at 25°C (77°F), which closely reflects the average temperature experienced by pavement surfaces, making it relevant for practical applications.
Compared to the viscosity test conducted at 60°C (140°F), it may offer a better correlation with low-temperature performance of asphalt binders.
The temperature susceptibility of the bitumen—its sensitivity to temperature changes—can be assessed by performing the test at different temperatures, allowing a broader understanding of its rheological behavior.
The test is fast, simple, and cost-effective, making it ideal for on-site evaluations and field testing.
