Description of Bitumen 60/70
Bitumen 60/70 is one of the most widely used penetration-grade bitumen grades, which has an excellent compromise between hardness and flexibility.
It is produced by air-blowing vacuum bottom residues in the refinery and has a penetration value of 60 to 70 deci-millimeters (dmm) according to the ASTM D946M standard. Owing to its stable
performance, Bitumen 60/70 is a first choice for hot mix asphalt (HMA) production, especially in moderate to warm climates.
The penetration degree is a direct measure of the bitumen’s softness or hardness. The 60/70 grade is medium hard, providing optimal performance under traffic loads and climatic conditions. It is ideally suited to areas where durability and weatherability are of the utmost importance, e.g., city roads, highways, and airport runways.
Bitumen 60/70 Primary Properties
Penetration @ 25°C: 60–70 dmm (ASTM D5)
Softening Point: 49–56°C (ASTM D36)
Ductility @ 25°C: ≥100 cm (ASTM D113)
Flash Point: ≥232°C (ASTM D92)
Specific Gravity @ 25°C: 1.01–1.06 kg/cm³ (ASTM D70)
Loss on Heating: ≤0.2% (ASTM D6)
Drop in Penetration after Heating: ≤20%
Solubility in Trichloroethylene: ≥99% (ASTM D2042)
Spot Test: Negative (AASHTO T102)
Applications and Use Cases
The most widespread application of Bitumen 60/70 is in hot mix asphalt for paving roads, but the application of bitumen 60/70 goes beyond this. It may also be used in heavy traffic roads, sea-side city roads, and the building of runways, where resistance to high temperature and stress is obligatory. Moreover, it can also be used in the manufacture of primers and waterproofing products, particularly for application in mildly humid climates.
Its flexibility allows it to be used by contractors and engineers in a wide range of infrastructure projects where consistency in performance and durability is expected. Thanks to its viscosity and high binding power, it causes aggregates to stay bound while under stress, thus reducing the demand for long-term maintenance.
What’s the Difference Between 60/70 vs. 80/100 ?
| Feature | Bitumen 60/70 | Bitumen 80/100 |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration (dmm) | 60–70 (harder) | 80–100 (softer) |
| Climate Suitability | Warm/Heavy traffic | Cold/Light traffic |
| Deformation Resistance | Higher | Lower |
Packaging Options
New Steel Drums: 180 kg
Bitubags: 300 kg
Jumbo Bags: 1000 kg and 1300 kg
Bulk delivery also available subject to project size and request
Storage and Safety
Bitumen 60/70 must be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and sources of water. Containers must be sealed to ensure that oxidation and contamination are prevented. PPE such as gloves, safety glasses, and respirators must be used when handling and applying the bitumen in order to safeguard workers, especially when heating or transferring the bitumen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bitumen 60/70 ideal for constructing roads?
Because of its balance between hardness and flexibility, it effectively binds aggregates and produces stable surfaces in a wide range of climatic and traffic conditions.
Can it be used in cold mix asphalt?
Although it’s mainly used for hot mix applications, its use in cold mix is limited and depends on the specific formula and project specifications.
Is Bitumen 60/70 environmentally friendly?
Though it is a petroleum-derived product, careful handling and disposal can significantly reduce its impact on the environment.
???? Need to purchase Bitumen 60/70 or get technical specs?
Get in touch with our Sales Team for price, datasheets, and bulk order volumes tailored to your project.
Specification of Asphalt 60/70
Bitumen guarantees that the Bitumen Grade 60/70 is produced in compliance and conformity to International Standards such as AASHTO M20-70 & ASTM D946, also, meets the following specification requirements. The specifications of our bitumen are as followed in the table below.
| Bitumen 60/70 | Test method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | Kg/cm3 | 1.01/1.06 |
| Penetration @ 25°C | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 60/70 |
| Softening point °C | ASTM D36 | °C | 49/56 |
| Ductility @25 °C | ASTM D113 | cm | 100 min |
| Loss on heating(wt) % | ASTM D6 | wt % | 0.2 max |
| Drop in penetration after heating % | ASTM D5-D6 | % | 20 max |
| Flashpoint °C | ASTM D92 | °C | 232 min |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | wt % | 99 min |
| Spot test | A.A.S.H.O.T102 | Negative |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bitumen 60/70 ideal for constructing roads?
Because of its balance between hardness and flexibility, it effectively binds aggregates and produces stable surfaces in a wide range of climatic and traffic conditions.
Can it be used in cold mix asphalt?
Although it’s mainly used for hot mix applications, its use in cold mix is limited and depends on the specific formula and project specifications.
Is Bitumen 60/70 environmentally friendly?
Though it is a petroleum-derived product, careful handling and disposal can significantly reduce its impact on the environment.
Need to purchase Bitumen 60/70 or get technical specs?
Get in touch with our Sales Team for price, datasheets, and bulk order volumes tailored to your project.
