Description of AC Bitumen
AC bitumen Asphalt cement grade of bitumen is one of the main categories of viscosity grade bitumen. With AC grading, asphalt binder is specified by properties it possesses before it undergoes HMA making process.
Asphalt binder samples Viscosity of standard bitumen measured at 60 ºC (the maximum pavement temperature). Good to know that the measurement unit of the viscosity grading system is Poise (cm-g-s = dyne-second/cm2).
The viscosity grading is done on both original (as-supplied) asphalt binder called AC grading and aged residue binder called AR grading. The AC grading is related to absolute viscosity at 60 c in 100 poises.
The classification into grades ranging from AC-2.5 to AC-40 facilitates a precise match between bitumen and the environmental as well as traffic demands it will face, guaranteeing the pavement’s durability and efficacy.
Grasping the nuances of Viscosity Graded Bitumen is critical for those engaged in road construction and maintenance, providing a clear guide for selecting the most appropriate bitumen grade for any project’s specific needs.
Type of AC Bitumen
The following bitumen grades are suitable for different climates and traffic conditions: AC-2.5, AC-5, AC-10, AC-20, AC-30, AC-30, and AC-40.
AC-2.5 is designed for regions with severe cold, ensuring optimal flexibility and minimizing pavement cracking. It is effective in residential roads in Anchorage, Alaska, and mountain passes in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado.
AC-5 offers slightly higher resistance to flow at lower temperatures, making it suitable for areas with intense winters.
AC-10 is tailored for areas with cold climates but milder winter conditions, providing a balance between cold weather flexibility and stability.
AC-20 is best suited for moderate climates, handling a wide range of temperatures and providing reliable performance throughout the seasons.
AC-30 is designed for areas with consistently warm temperatures, ensuring durability and maintaining its integrity.
AC-40 is the go-to grade for extremely hot climates and areas subjected to heavy traffic, allowing it to withstand high temperatures and continuous stress without losing its shape.
Application of AC Bitumen
AC (Asphalt Cement) Bitumen is largely used in road construction and maintenance. It is used as a binder in hot mix asphalt, which provides strength and hardness to road surfaces. The bitumen is required for building hard, long-lasting pavements that can withstand heavy traffic and climatic conditions. AC Bitumen is also used for surface treatments like seal coats to protect roads from water and damage. It is employed in constructing airport runways, car parks, and other hard-wearing structures requiring a solid surface. Its good adhesion acts to bind aggregates together and create a smooth, hard finish.
Packing
AC bitumen is liquid so it packed in new steel drums. In addition this drums can be palletized and load in 20` Full Container Load (FCL). Also this grade of bitumen can load as bulk in vessel.
