Viscosity Grade Bitumen 30 Description
Bitumen VG 30 bitumen is a grade of viscosity bitumen used in cold climatic and high-altitude regions. This grade of bitumen is suitable for road construction in regions with 30 to 37 °C average temperature.
The standard penetration value of bitumen viscosity grade VG 30 is 60 mm at 25 °C. The absolute viscosity of VG 30 bitumen is 1600 to 2400 poise at 60 °C.
This bitumen is primarily used for the construction of extra-heavy bitumen pavements that have to bear significant traffic loads. Bitumen VG30 is the most widely used type of bitumen in road construction, insulation, building construction industries, and also in the production of cutback bitumen.
Application of Bitumen VG 30
Bitumen VG 30 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 30:
Road Construction: Bitumen VG 30 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 30 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: VG 30 is used for coating pipelines to protect them from corrosion and other types of damage.
Properties of Bitumen VG 30
Viscosity: Viscosity Grade Bitumen 30 has a specified viscosity range at 60°C (140°F) in the range of 1600 to 2200 centipoise (cP). This range indicates its resistance to flow at high temperatures. The higher the viscosity, the thicker the bitumen.
Penetration: Penetration refers to the hardness of the bitumen at a certain temperature. For VGB 30, the penetration value at 25°C (77°F) is typically around 80 to 100 decimillimeters (dmm). Lower penetration values indicate harder bitumen.
Softening Point: The softening point is the temperature at which bitumen becomes soft enough to allow a standard needle to penetrate it under specific conditions. For VGB 30, the softening point is usually around 40 to 50°C (104 to 122°F).
Ductility: Ductility measures the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking. VGB 30 typically has a ductility value of around 100 cm at 25°C (77°F). Higher ductility indicates better flexibility.
Flash Point: The flash point is the minimum temperature at which bitumen vapors ignite when exposed to an open flame. VGB 30 has a flash point of approximately 250°C (482°F) or higher.
Solubility: Bitumen VG 30 is soluble in a range of solvents, which is an important characteristic for its use in various applications.
Compatibility: It’s important for bitumen to be compatible with aggregates and other materials used in road construction. VG 30 is designed to be compatible with a variety of aggregates commonly used in asphalt mixtures.
Paving Applications: VG 30 is commonly used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) for road construction due to its viscosity and performance characteristics at high temperatures.
Climate Suitability: The choice of bitumen grade, including VG 30, can be influenced by the climate conditions of the region where it will be used. VG 30 is suitable for regions with moderate temperature variations.
Packing of Bitumen VG 30
Bitumen VG 10 is typically packed and transported in a variety of ways Here are some common packing options for Bitumen VG 30:
- 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
Viscosity Grade Bitumen 30 Specification
| Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 2400 | ASTM D4402 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 350 | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D93 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2042 |
| Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 50-70 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | ◦C | Min 47 | ASTM D36 |
| Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C | ◦C | Max 4 | ASTM D4402 |
| Ductility at 25 ◦C, after thin film oven test | Cm | Min 40 | ASTM D113 |
| Specific Gravity, at 25 ◦C | Kg/m³ | Min 1.0131 | ASTM D70 |
