Types of Bitumen
Penetration Grade Bitumen
Penetration grade bitumen is classified based on the material’s hardness, determined by how deeply a needle penetrates the bitumen under controlled conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for different climates and traffic conditions. The lower the grade number, the harder the bitumen.
- 30/40: Used in areas with high temperatures and heavy traffic.
- 60/70: Commonly used in moderate climates and for roads with standard traffic loads.
- 80/100: Suitable for cooler climates and lighter traffic.
Viscosity Grade Bitumen (VG)
Viscosity grade bitumen is classified based on its viscosity at certain temperatures, providing more precise performance measures, especially in varying climatic conditions.
- VG-10: Used in cold climates and for spraying applications.
- VG-20: Ideal for paving roads in areas with moderate temperatures.
- VG-30: Suitable for hotter climates, ensuring better performance in extreme temperatures.
- VG-40: Commonly used in heavy-duty pavements like highways and industrial roads that experience high traffic and heavy loads.
Cutback Bitumen
Cutback bitumen is made by blending bitumen with solvents such as kerosene or naphtha to lower its viscosity, making it easier to work with, especially in colder weather. After application, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind the bitumen. There are three main types of cutback bitumen:
- Rapid Curing (RC): Used for surface treatments and spray applications.
- Medium Curing (MC): Suitable for mixing with coarse aggregates.
- Slow Curing (SC): Ideal for use in dense mixes and patchwork.
Bitumen Emulsion
Bitumen emulsion consists of tiny bitumen droplets suspended in water, allowing for use at lower temperatures and providing environmentally friendly solutions for road construction. These emulsions break down and set when the water evaporates.
- RS (Rapid Setting): Ideal for quick-setting applications like chip sealing.
- MS (Medium Setting): Used for mixing with coarse aggregates.
- SS (Slow Setting): Perfect for slurry sealing and tack coats where slower setting is required.
Asphalt Mixtures and Applications
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Hot Mix Asphalt is the most commonly used form of asphalt, produced and laid at high temperatures. HMA is known for its strength, durability, and ability to handle heavy traffic loads. It is widely used for highways, urban roads, and airport runways.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)
Warm Mix Asphalt is produced at lower temperatures than HMA, which reduces energy consumption and emissions. It offers easier handling, faster compaction, and extended paving seasons, making it a sustainable alternative.
Cold Mix Asphalt
Cold Mix Asphalt does not require heating and is used primarily for minor repairs, patchwork, and remote areas where heating facilities are unavailable. It is less durable but is a convenient and cost-effective solution for temporary repairs.
Porous Asphalt
Porous asphalt is designed to allow water to drain through the surface, helping to reduce stormwater runoff and promote groundwater recharge. This type of asphalt is often used in parking lots, driveways, and areas prone to waterlogging.
Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)
Stone Mastic Asphalt is a durable and rut-resistant mixture, primarily used in high-traffic areas such as highways and airport runways. Its high stone content and strong binder provide excellent performance under heavy loads and extreme weather conditions.
Shipment and Packaging
We supply high-quality bitumen in various forms to meet the demands of different industrial applications. Our packaging options are designed to offer flexibility for projects of any size, from small local developments to large-scale infrastructure projects:
- Drums of 180 KG: Suitable for smaller construction projects requiring precise quantities.
- 1MT Jumbo Bags: Designed for medium-scale projects needing convenient storage and transport options.
- Bulk Shipments (3000 MT to 50,000 MT): Ideal for large-scale operations, we ensure efficient and secure delivery of bulk bitumen.
Bitumen is transported in specialized containers or via bulk shipments by sea to ensure the material reaches its destination in optimal condition. With our efficient logistics and commitment to quality, we ensure timely delivery, helping your construction projects stay on track.
