What is Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10?
Bitumen VG 10 means that your bitumen is also suitable for paving roads in a very cold and cold climate instead of the old 80/100 penetration grade. The air temperature that matches VG10 bitumen ranges from -100C to 250C. Due to the high temperatures in hot climatic zones, the application of VG10 cannot provide desirable rutting resistance.
“VG” stands for “Viscosity Grade,” which is a measure of a bitumen’s viscosity, or its resistance to flow. Bitumen VG 10 has a relatively low viscosity, making it suitable for use in areas with moderate traffic loads and temperatures. It is a dark, viscous, and sticky substance that is derived from crude oil, and is commonly used in the production of asphalt concrete for road construction. It is also used in waterproofing applications, such as roofing and sealing.
The softening point of Bitumen VG 10 is at least 45ºC, indicating that it is a relatively hard grade of bitumen that can provide excellent durability and stability in pavement applications. This means that it can resist deformation and cracking caused by heavy traffic loads and extreme weather conditions.
History of Bitumen VG 10
The history of bitumen and its use in road construction dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians, Babylonians, and Persians used bitumen in their constructions, and the Romans used it to pave their roads. However, the modern development of bitumen VG 10 as a standardized product began in the early 20th century. In the 1920s, the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) developed a standard method for grading bitumen based on its viscosity at 60°C. This method, known as the penetration test, measured the depth to which a standard needle would penetrate the bitumen under controlled conditions. Bitumen with a penetration value of 80-100 was classified as a VG 10 grade.The VG 10 grade bitumen was introduced as a standardized product to meet the growing demand for a bitumen that could withstand heavy traffic loads and high temperatures. Its high viscosity and stiffness made it an ideal binder for asphalt mixes used in the construction of roads and highways.Since then, the use of bitumen VG 10 has become widespread in road construction projects around the world. Today, it is still one of the most commonly used bitumen grades for paving roads and other asphalt applications.
Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 Application
Bitumen VG 10 is primarily used as a binder in asphalt mixes for road construction and paving. It provides a strong, durable, and flexible adhesive bond between aggregate particles, creating a stable and long-lasting pavement. Here are some common usages of Bitumen VG 10:
Road Construction: Bitumen VG 10 is commonly used in the construction of roads, highways, and airport runways due to its excellent properties such as high viscosity, good adhesion, and resistance to deformation and water damage.
Asphalt Pavements: It is also used as a binder in the production of asphalt concrete pavements, which are commonly used in parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks.
Roofing: Bitumen VG 10 is used as a primary material in the manufacturing of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles and roofing felt.
Waterproofing: It is also used as a sealant and waterproofing agent for various construction applications, such as in underground waterproofing systems, dams, and bridge decks.
Pipe Coating: Bitumen VG 10 is used for coating pipelines to protect them from corrosion and other types of damage.
Overall, Bitumen VG 10 has a wide range of applications in the construction industry due to its excellent properties and versatility.
Properties of Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10
Bitumen VG 10 typically meets the following Properties:
Penetration: The penetration value of Bitumen VG 10 typically ranges from 80 to 100 at 25°C.
Softening Point: The softening point of Bitumen VG 10 typically ranges from 40 to 50°C.
Ductility: The ductility of Bitumen VG 10 typically ranges from 100 to 150 cm at 25°C.
Flash Point: The flash point of Bitumen VG 10 typically ranges from 220 to 250°C.
Solubility in Trichloroethylene: The solubility of Bitumen VG 10 in trichloroethylene typically ranges from 99.0% to 99.5%.
Density: The density of Bitumen VG 10 typically ranges from 1.01 to 1.06 g/cm³ at 25°C.
Viscosity: The kinematic viscosity of Bitumen VG 10 typically ranges from 250 to 400 cSt at 135°C.
Packing of Bitumen VG10
Bitumen VG 10 is typically packed and transported in a variety of ways Here are some common packing options for Bitumen VG 10:
- 180kg New Steel Drum: Loading 110 Drum in 20 ft
- 375Kg Bitubag: Loading 24 MT in 20 ft Container
- Bulk in vessel: Loading 2000 to 20,000 MT in Bitumen Carrier
- Bulk in Flexi Bag: Loading 20 MT in Bitumen Felexi Bag
- Bulk in Tunker: Loading 25 MT in Truk Tanker
Specification of Bitumen VG10
| Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 800 | ASTM D4402 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 250 | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D93 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2042 |
| Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 80-100 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | ◦C | Min 40 | ASTM D36 |
| Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C | ◦C | Max 4 | ASTM D4402 |
| Ductility at 25 ◦C , after thin film oven test | Cm | Min 75 | ASTM D113 |
