Bitumen 40/50 is a hard penetration grade with a needle penetration of 40 to 50 dmm at 25 °C and a softening point of 52 to 60 °C, tested to ASTM D946. It is specified where heat and heavy slow-moving traffic combine and a softer binder would rut: motorway intersections, port and airport pavements, and tropical road programmes. ZUMRUT INT Co. supplies it in steel drums, jumbo bags, bitubags and bulk, with a batch certificate of analysis issued before every shipment.
Bitumen 40/50 specification
These are the specification limits we supply against. The signed sheet is available as a downloadable PDF, and a batch certificate of analysis with the actual test results is issued before every shipment.
| Property | Method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @25 °C, 100 g, 5 s | ASTM D5 | dmm | 40–50 |
| Softening point (ring and ball) | ASTM D36 | °C | 52–60 |
| Specific gravity @25 °C | ASTM D70 | — | 1.01–1.06 |
| Ductility @25 °C | ASTM D113 | cm | 100 min |
| Flash point (Cleveland open cup) | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 min |
| Solubility in CS₂ | ASTM D4 | wt % | 99.5 min |
| Loss on heating | ASTM D6 | wt % | 0.2 max |
| Drop in penetration after heating | ASTM D5 / D6 | % | 20 max |
| Spot test | AASHTO T102 | — | Negative |
If your tender works to EN 12591 rather than ASTM, the nearest European designation is 40/60. The ranges overlap but they are not identical, and a 40/50 certificate does not automatically satisfy a 40/60 clause. Send us the specification clause and we will tell you whether it is covered.
What is Bitumen 40/50?
Penetration grading measures hardness. A standard needle is dropped into a bitumen sample held at 25 °C, under a 100 g load, for five seconds. The depth it reaches in tenths of a millimetre is the penetration value. At 40 to 50 dmm, this is one of the harder commercial paving grades — noticeably stiffer than 60/70 and far stiffer than 80/100.
It is produced by vacuum distillation of crude oil residue, with the heaviest fractions processed further to bring penetration into the 40–50 window. The practical consequence of that extra hardness is a softening point of 52 to 60 °C — roughly 4 °C above 60/70 — which is what keeps the pavement surface from deforming when it sits in direct sun at 50 °C and a loaded trailer stops on it.
Where Bitumen 40/50 is specified
The case for 40/50 is almost always the same: somewhere hot, where the load is heavy and slow. Rutting is driven less by traffic volume than by how long each axle sits over one spot, which is why a stretch of open motorway can run happily on 60/70 while the roundabout at the end of it ruts within two summers.
Intersections and bus stops
Channelised, slow and repetitive loading — the classic rutting case. 40/50 is often specified for the approach and stop zones even where the open road uses a softer grade.
Port and container yards
Reach stackers and laden trailers impose point loads far above highway traffic, on pavements that bake all day.
Airport pavements
Aprons and taxiways carry very high static loads at elevated surface temperatures, where rut and shove resistance is the governing requirement.
Tropical and desert highways
Gulf states, equatorial Africa and coastal tropical cities, where annual average pavement temperature sits well above 30 °C.
Industrial hardstanding
Loading bays, weighbridge approaches and heavy plant yards, where the same wheels track the same line every day.
Mastic asphalt and binder base
A base grade in mastic asphalt and in some polymer modified binders aimed at the high-temperature end.
Where not to use it. Bitumen 40/50 is the wrong choice in a cold climate. A hard binder reaches its breaking stress sooner as the pavement contracts, so the surface cracks transversely over the first winter. It is also unsuitable for cold mix: its viscosity is too high to coat aggregate without heat, so cold-mix work goes to 80/100 or a cutback.
Bitumen 40/50 compared with 30/40 and 60/70
| Property | Bitumen 30/40 | Bitumen 40/50 | Bitumen 60/70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @25 °C | 30–40 dmm | 40–50 dmm | 60–70 dmm |
| Softening point | 55–63 °C | 52–60 °C | 49–56 °C |
| Climate | Extreme heat | Very hot, tropical | Warm to hot, above 20 °C |
| Traffic load | Extreme, static | Very heavy, slow-moving | Heavy, highway |
| Rutting resistance | Highest | Very high | High |
| Low-temperature flexibility | Lowest | Low | Moderate |
| Workability | Demanding — narrow window | Needs disciplined temperature control | Forgiving |
| Typical markets | Gulf, specialist mastic work | Gulf states, equatorial Africa, tropical Asia | Africa, SE Asia, Middle East, South Asia |
Choosing between 40/50 and 60/70. If the pavement is hot but the traffic moves freely, 60/70 is usually the better economic choice — it is easier to lay and more forgiving of temperature variation on site. Step up to 40/50 when the loading is slow or static as well as heavy. Send us the project location, the expected axle loading and whether traffic is free-flowing or channelised, and we will give you a view before you commit the specification.
Density of Bitumen 40/50
Specific gravity at 25 °C is 1.01–1.06, typically about 1.04, measured to ASTM D70. One metric ton occupies roughly 960 litres at 25 °C. Density falls as temperature rises, so a volumetric meter calibrated cold will under-dose if the binder is metered hot without correction.
| Temperature | Approximate density | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 25 °C | 1.01–1.06 g/cm³ | ASTM D70 laboratory specification value |
| 60 °C | ~1.01–1.02 g/cm³ | Warm climate outdoor storage |
| 135 °C | ~0.99 g/cm³ | Kinematic viscosity reference temperature |
| 160 °C | ~0.975 g/cm³ | HMA mixing and drum loading |
Values at elevated temperature are indicative, based on standard thermal expansion coefficients for penetration grade bitumen. Exact figures vary slightly with crude source and refinery process.
Packing and container loading
| Packing | Unit weight | 20′ container | 40′ container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo bag with steel cage and pallet | 1,000 kg | 20 bags / 20 MT | 26 bags / 26 MT |
| Jumbo bag, no cage or pallet | 1,000 kg | Not possible | 20 bags / 20 MT |
| Jumbo bag, no cage or pallet | 1,200 kg | Not possible | 20 bags / 24 MT |
| Bitubag | 300 kg | 24 MT | Not possible |
| New steel drum | 180 kg | 110 drums / ~20 MT | 135 drums / 24.3 MT |
| New steel drum | 150 kg | 110 drums / 16.5 MT | 135 drums / 20.25 MT |
| Bulk truck tanker | — | 24 MT per tanker | — |
| Bulk sea vessel | — | 1,000 MT minimum | — |
A note specific to hard grades. Bitumen 40/50 sets harder than softer grades, which makes drum stripping slower on site unless a proper drum melter is used. Where the project has melting capacity, bulk or jumbo bags cost less per tonne. Where it does not, the 150 kg drum is easier to handle manually than the 180 kg.
Our minimum order is 100 MT, roughly four to six containers depending on packing. Mixed grades within one shipment are accepted provided each grade reaches a full container. For quantities above 1,000 MT, shipment by dedicated bitumen tanker vessel can be arranged.
Storage, handling and safety
| Process stage | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tank storage | 140–160 °C | Higher than softer grades; do not hold above 170 °C — it accelerates oxidation |
| HMA mixing plant | 160–175 °C | Aggregate must be dry and preheated to the same range |
| Loading into drums or bags | 160–180 °C | Seal containers immediately after filling |
| Compaction on site | 135–160 °C | The compaction window is narrower than for softer grades — plan haul distance accordingly |
| Flash point | min 250 °C | Per ASTM D92. All operations must stay well below this |
Store drums and bags in a dry, shaded area away from direct sunlight, moisture and open flame. Drums stay upright and fully sealed. Jumbo bags are not stacked more than two high unless caged. Maximum recommended shelf life is 12 months from production date under correct conditions — the shelf life and storage guide covers retest thresholds.
Safety. Hot bitumen causes severe burns and adheres to skin, so heat-resistant gloves, face protection, long sleeves and closed footwear are required wherever the material is handled hot. Because 40/50 works at higher temperatures than softer grades, the burn risk and vapour exposure are correspondingly greater — ventilation is not optional. Do not use water on a bitumen fire; it flashes to steam and ejects burning material. Dry powder and foam are the correct media. Full handling, exposure and first-aid guidance is in the safety data sheet, issued with every shipment and available on request before order.
Payment, inspection and documentation
Our standard terms are 50% by TT in advance, balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading. The advance secures production and loading; the balance falls due once the cargo is demonstrably on the water and documented. We do not work on letters of credit — bank charges and discrepancy risk end up in the per-tonne figure, and saying so plainly saves a week of negotiation.
Every shipment travels with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, safety data sheet and the batch certificate of analysis. SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or the surveyor named in your contract can attend loading for quality and quantity. Shipping documents are issued within three days of vessel departure. The export documentation guide sets out what each document does and where presentations usually fail.
We load from Jebel Ali, Mersin and Iskenderun, and the port we quote from depends on the destination and the packing you choose. Indicative transit from Jebel Ali: East Africa 5 to 9 days, South Asia 7 to 12 days, Southeast Asia 12 to 18 days, West Africa 18 to 22 days. The exact port and sailing are confirmed with the quotation.
Frequently asked questions about Bitumen 40/50
What are the specifications of Bitumen 40/50?
Penetration 40–50 dmm at 25 °C (ASTM D5), softening point 52–60 °C (ASTM D36), ductility 100 cm minimum (ASTM D113), flash point 250 °C minimum (ASTM D92), specific gravity 1.01–1.06 (ASTM D70), solubility in CS₂ 99.5% minimum (ASTM D4), loss on heating 0.2% maximum (ASTM D6), drop in penetration after heating 20% maximum, spot test negative. The full sheet is a downloadable PDF.
Is Bitumen 40/50 the same as 40/60?
No. 40/50 is the ASTM D946 designation; 40/60 is the EN 12591 designation. Their penetration ranges overlap but are not identical, and a 40/50 certificate does not automatically satisfy a 40/60 specification clause. Send us the clause and we will confirm whether it is covered.
Why is 40/50 used for heavy-duty pavements?
Its higher softening point and stiffness resist permanent deformation under slow or static heavy loads at elevated pavement temperature. That is the rutting case — intersections, bus stops, port yards and aprons — where a softer grade deforms.
Can Bitumen 40/50 be used in cold mix asphalt?
No. Its viscosity is too high to coat aggregate without heat. Cold-mix work uses a softer grade such as 80/100, a cutback or a bitumen emulsion.
Is 40/50 suitable for cold climates?
What is the minimum order quantity?
100 MT. Depending on packing, a 20′ container carries 16.5 to 24 MT and a 40′ container 20 to 26 MT, so 100 MT is roughly four to six containers. Mixed grades in one shipment are accepted provided each grade reaches a full container. For bulk vessel shipment the minimum is 1,000 MT.
What are your payment terms?
50% by TT in advance with the balance settled against a copy of the Bill of Lading. We do not work on letters of credit. The balance falls due only once the cargo is on the water and documented.
Is a certificate of analysis provided?
Yes, with every shipment. It confirms penetration, softening point, ductility, flash point, specific gravity, solubility and loss on heating, tested to ASTM D946 and AASHTO M20, and it carries the lot number and production date rather than being a generic typical-values sheet.
What is the density of Bitumen 40/50?
Specific gravity at 25 °C is 1.01 to 1.06 per ASTM D70, typically about 1.04. One metric ton occupies roughly 960 litres at 25 °C. At mixing temperature of 160 °C it falls to around 0.975.
What mixing temperature does 40/50 need?
160 to 175 °C at the plant, with compaction between 135 and 160 °C. That is roughly 10 to 15 °C above a 60/70 mix, and the compaction window is narrower, so haul distance and roller sequencing need planning before the first lift.
What is the price of Bitumen 40/50?
It moves with crude and vacuum bottom, ocean freight, packing choice and destination, so a flat published number would not hold. Indicative levels are on our bitumen price page. Send quantity, packing, destination port and Incoterm and we issue a firm FOB, CFR or CIF quotation within one business day.
How should 40/50 be stored?
Dry, shaded, away from direct sun, moisture and open flame. Drums upright and sealed; jumbo bags no more than two high unless caged. Shelf life is 12 months from production under correct storage. In hot tank storage keep below 170 °C and circulate rather than holding static.
Related grades and products
Softer penetration grades
60/70 for warm climates with free-flowing heavy traffic, 80/100 for temperate and cold regions.
Oxidized bitumen
Blown grades such as 85/25 and 115/15 for roofing, membranes and pipe coating.
Emulsion and cutback
Emulsions for tack coats and slurry seals, cutbacks for prime coats and cold-weather work.
Modified binder
PMB where one unmodified grade cannot cover both the high and low temperature ends.
Request a quotation for Bitumen 40/50
Send us the quantity in MT, the packing format, the destination port and the Incoterm. We come back with a firm price, a production schedule and the documentation list for clearance within one business day. If the project location or loading pattern points to a different grade, we will say so before you commit the specification.
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