The secret to long-lasting and strong roads is choosing the proper
Bitumen for sale. Performance Grade Bitumen, also known as functional bitumen, is rated in terms of performance in different temperatures and under traffic loads. The new system showed better rutting, cracking, and aging resistance; hence, it is the first choice of highway authorities in place of normal bitumen for highways, city roads, and heavy-duty roads.
Continue reading for the guide on how to choose the right PG grade and order in an easy way for quality supply. Know why we can be your best supplier of bitumen.
What is Bitumen PG?
Performance Graded Bitumen, in short, Bitumen PG, is not based on viscosity or penetration tests but is a kind of performance-graded asphalt binder. It ensures stability at specified temperatures along with durability. The PG system includes aging resistance, temperature susceptibility, and deformation. This categorizes bitumen behavior in the way the industry standards specify. Performance grade Bitumen is reliable; thus, it has become indispensable in modern pavement engineering.
Classification of Bitumen PG
Bitumen PG or functional bitumen is classified according to the change in temperature and climatic conditions. The following are the principal grading parameters:
1. High-Temperature Performance
This would be the highest temperature at which the bitumen remains stable and does not have any tendency to soften. Thus, would imply that the pavement can remain resilient to heavy traffic load.
2. Low-Temperature Performance
The minimum temperature at which flexible bitumen can be applied without cracking is very important under cold weather conditions to avoid pavement failure.
3. Resistance to Aging
Bitumen hardens over time. PG grading specifies its resistance to air and heat aging.
4. Consideration of Traffic Load
Some PG grades are for heavy-duty highways with improved deformation resistance. Higher Performance grades provide better shear and wear resistance.
5. Modification and Additives
Some PG grades are polymer-modified to enhance elasticity, temperature stability, and performance, improving road durability, and reducing cracking, and rutting.
Performance Grade: Nomenclature of Bitumen
Performance Grade bitumen is specified based on the temperature performance as PG XX-YY. Wherein,
1. PG stands for Performance Grade, which describes the performance of bitumen between certain temperature ranges based on climate and traffic.
2. The first two-digit number, XX, represents the maximum temperature at which little rutting and deformation takes place. In the PG 64-22, 64 represents stability at a temperature of 64°C.
3. YY stands for low-temperature flexible bitumen. Likewise, PG 64-22, 22 is defined as flexible at – 22°C which will help engineers find the behavior of bitumen with temperature change and traffic.
Bitumen PG Specifications
The reasons behind the Performance Grade Bitumen testing in physical and mechanical properties in different conditions are that it meets industrial performance and durability.
1. High-Temperature Viscosity
The PG bitumen should have optimum viscosity for paving, with high viscosity that gives stability and low viscosity that allows ease of application.
2. Resistance to Rutting: G/sinδ Test
It essentially defines the test for the resistance of bitumen to deformation under traffic and heat; the higher the value of G/sinδ, the higher the resistance to rutting for heavy roads.
3. Fatigue Resistance (Gsinδ Test)
This is a parameter of resistance of bitumen against cracking due to repeated loading. A lesser value of Gsinδ provides higher flexibility and pavement life.
4. Low-Temperature Flexibility (BBR Test)
BBR test covers the resistance of bitumen to cold cracking, maintaining flexibility and resisting brittleness.
5. Aging Resistance (RTFO & PAV Tests)
RTFO Test: The aging of the models due to the installation and processing of short-term asphalt.
Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) Test: The long-term aging of bitumen is tested under high temperature and pressure.
6. Flash Point
It is the point at which bitumen emits flammable vapors, indicating safe handling with a high flash point.
7. Elastic Recovery (for Modified Bitumen)
It tests the ability of polymer-modified PG bitumen to recover its form after stretching, showing improved cracking resistance.
Bitumen PG Grades Applications
For each PG grade, there is an application, mainly on road construction.
- PG 64-22: applies to city roads and highways that are in a temperate climate.
- PG 70-22: Ideal for hot climates and runways, preventing rutting.
- PG 76-22: Best for express highways and heavy-traffic roads, enhancing load resistance.
- PG 58-28: resists freeze-thaw cracking on rural roads and residential streets for cold climates.
- PG 64-28: for highways and bridges in cold climate areas, stays flexible at temperatures below zero.
- PG 82-22: remains heat-resistant by not softening.
- PG 58-40: for cold region areas, as in Canada; resist winter cracking in cold conditions.
Advantages of Bitumen Performance Grade
Functional Bitumen applies several benefits to new road construction, such as the following:
Climate Adaptability
Designated for specific temperatures that ensure longevity in extremes.
Improved Rutting Resistance
Deformation from heavy traffic is resisted with high-temperature grades.
Better Flexibility
Cold-weather grades minimize low-temperature cracking, optimizing pavement life.
Longer Service Life
It is also less susceptible to oxidation and aging, hence needing less maintenance.
Traffic-Specific Performance
Designed to take various traffic loads, from residential streets to freeways.
Improved Adhesion
Good adhesion to aggregates that result in improving the strength of pavement.
Sustainability
Can be modified by polymers or additives to improve its performance and recyclability.
Disadvantages of Bitumen Performance Grade (PG)
Disadvantages concerned with the PG grades are:
Costly to Utilize
The PG grade variants are more costly than conventional bitumen.
Complex Testing Requirements
Testing is sophisticated and requires laboratory tests for correct grading.
Limited Availability
Fewer higher-performance grades are in short supply.
Temperature Sensitivity
Temperature problems that are causing cracking or rutting.
Aging and Oxidation
Bitumen embrittles, losing some flexibility, and deteriorates the surface through aging.
Environmental Impacts
There are carbon dioxide emissions and production pollution.
Difficulty in processing
Take special measures to ensure performance.
Penetration Grade Bitumen Vs. Performance Grade
The penetration-grade bitumen, like 40/50, 60/70, 80/100, is graded based on hardness and consistency and finds applications in general road construction in temperate climates. It has no weather resistance and performs very poorly under heavy traffic or extreme conditions.
On the other hand, Performance Grade Bitumen, such as PG 64-22 and PG 76-22, has been tested for various temperatures and traffic loads and can bear better resistance against rutting, fatigue, and cracking.
Most of the PG bitumen is polymer-modified to achieve better flexibility, strength, and resistance to deformation. It is applicable in the case of highways under extreme climatic conditions. Much cheaper due to less complex testing and grading, Penetration Grade Bitumen does not hold out well under extreme conditions. While more costly upfront, Functional Bitumen pays for itself in pavement life and performance under heavy traffic over time.
Generally, the Penetration Grade Bitumen would work just fine in common applications, while for high-stress applications, the Functional Bitumen does an infinitely better job and is long-term economical when it comes to infrastructure projects.
How to Choose the Correct Bitumen PG for Your Project?
The right PG grade ensures an enhancement in road life, reduction in maintenance, and safety improvement. Major factors in selecting the right PG bitumen include:
- Climatic Conditions: High PG grades (e.g., PG 76-22) resist rutting in heat, while low grades (PG 58-40) prevent cracking in cold. Selecting the right grade ensures year-round pavement stability.
- Traffic Load & Speed: Heavy or slow traffic requires polymer-modified bitumen (PG 76-22, PG 82-22) to prevent deformation, while PG 64-22 suits light-traffic roads.
- Pavement Type & Design: High-performance PG grades support multilayer highways, while lower-cost grades work for residential roads.
- Aging & Oxidation Resistance: Polymer-modified bitumen reduces aging and cracking, extending pavement life.
- Cost & Availability: Premium grades (PG 82-22) offer superior durability but are costly; locally available options balance cost and performance.
- Modifiers & Additives: Polymers and rubber enhance flexibility and stability for demanding projects.
- Standards & Specifications: AASHTO and ASTM standards ensure bitumen meets safety and performance requirements.
Why Choose Us as Your Bitumen PG Supplier?
Choosing the proper supplier of bitumen is as important as the selection of the proper PG grade. Our company supplies high-quality bitumen with the desired qualities that meet your needs for your project. What makes us different is:
1. Quality Guarantee
We offer quality laboratory-tested PG bitumen, conforming to international standards like AASHTO, ASTM, and EN, that translates into long-lasting, rut-free roads.
2. Range of PG Grade
We have PG 58-28 for cold to PG 82-22 for hot climates, serving highways, urban roads, and heavy-duty applications.
3. Competitiveness and Competitive Pricing
Competitive prices-but not at the cost of quality. Efficient supply chain and bulk purchases bring value without sacrificing road life. By choosing us, you benefit from the most favorable
Iran bitumen price.
4. Dependable Delivery
An international supply chain ensures timely delivery and reduces delays. Robust logistic support assures continuous supply for large-volume projects.
5. Customized Bitumen Solutions
We also supply high-performance bitumen for extreme weather and traffic conditions.
6. Expert Support
Our people can help in the selection of the right product and ensure compliance to optimize road performance.
7. Sustainability Commitment
We supply recyclable bitumen for sustainable, long-life pavement.
With top-quality products, competitive Iran bitumen price, and assured support make us your best choice for performance-grade bitumen. Choose us for long-life, cost-effective asphalt that meets your needs. Contact us for further details!
How to Order Bitumen PG?
PG Bitumen Buying from us is quicker and simpler. Professional consultation for your exact needs, best price, and prompt delivery. How to get a quote in one easy step:
Call, email, or visit our website for expert advice on the right PG grade based on climate, traffic, and budget.
Choose from PG 58-28, PG 64-22, and PG 76-22, with custom modifications available.
Get a clear quote with prices, delivery details, and modes of payment.
Sign your agreement and take flexible payments.
Every order underwent a lot of rigorous tests that assured adherence to international norms.
Tightly packed in drums, tankers, or containers according to customers’ requirements for safe and timely delivery.
Keep real-time tracking of your shipments and get focused after-sales support.
Fast, easy, professional, just get your quote!
Improved Highways with Bitumen PG
Selection of proper performance-grade bitumen is beyond science, as it rests on the triangular platform of durability, safety, and economy. Proper selection of the right grade that fits the climatic and traffic conditions of pavement ensures you long-term performance in the way of a highly resistant roadway to rutting, cracking, and aging.
We deal in top-grade functional bitumen with quality surpassing industrial standards. We will guide and assist you in choosing the best at affordable prices. Assured quality chains of supply, warranty, and tailored solutions for making procurement easy.
Compromise not on roads; collaborate for long-lasting, sustainable bitumen. Let us help you build immortal roads with the best quality Bitumen for sale!
