What Is Bitumen 60/70?
Bitumen 60/70 is a medium-hard penetration-grade bitumen with a needle penetration value between 60 and 70 deci-millimeters (dmm) at 25°C, tested per ASTM D5. It is produced through the vacuum distillation of crude oil residues and is the most widely exported paving-grade bitumen in the world.
Its softening point of 49–56°C, combined with high ductility and strong binding power, makes it the dominant choice for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) production in warm and tropical climates. Zumrut International Kimia supplies Bitumen 60/70 directly from refineries, with export loading at Jebel Ali Port, Dubai and Mersin Port, Turkey.
Standards: ASTM D946M | AASHTO M20 | Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with every shipment.
📌 MOQ: 1 x 20ft Container | Lead Time: 7-14 business days | Payment: T/T, L/C at Sight | Incoterms: FOB / CFR / CIF
Applications of Bitumen 60/70
Road Construction and Highway Paving
The principal application of Bitumen 60/70 is in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) for road construction. Its medium-hard consistency provides the optimal balance between stiffness and elasticity: stiff enough to prevent rutting under heavy axle loads, yet flexible enough to resist fatigue cracking under repeated traffic stress cycles.
In road pavement design, Bitumen 60/70 is used as the binder in both the binder course and wearing course layers of multi-layer flexible pavements. It is the standard grade specified for highways, expressways, urban arterial roads, airport taxiways and runways, and port access roads where high traffic volumes and heavy loads are expected.
Climate suitability for road construction: Bitumen 60/70 performs best in regions where the annual average pavement temperature exceeds 20°C. It is the standard paving grade across Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand), South Asia (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India), the Middle East, and East Africa. In these climates, its higher softening point (49-56°C) prevents the pavement surface from softening and deforming during peak summer temperatures. For temperate or cold climates with annual averages below 10°C, softer grades such as Bitumen 80/100 or 120/150 are more appropriate, as they maintain flexibility at lower temperatures and resist brittle fracture.
Waterproofing Industry — Base Material for Primers and Bituminous Coatings
Beyond road construction, Bitumen 60/70 serves as a primary raw material in the waterproofing industry. Its consistent viscosity, high flash point, and excellent adhesion to mineral substrates make it the standard base for the formulation of:
- Bituminous primers — applied to concrete, masonry, and metal surfaces before membrane installation to improve adhesion and penetrate porous substrates
- Cold-applied bituminous coatings — dissolved or emulsified for brush or spray application on foundations, retaining walls, and underground structures
- Hot-applied bituminous coatings — used directly at elevated temperatures for pipeline corrosion protection and below-grade waterproofing
- SBS and APP modified bitumen membranes — Bitumen 60/70 is used as the base bitumen for polymer-modified waterproofing sheets used in roofing, tunnels, and bridge decks
Manufacturers of waterproofing products typically select Bitumen 60/70 over softer grades because its rheological properties allow more precise formulation control and result in more stable coating performance across a wide range of application conditions.
Other Applications
- Bridge deck waterproofing and protection layers
- Industrial flooring and hardstanding areas
- Sound dampening underlays in automotive manufacturing
- Anti-corrosion wrapping for buried pipelines
Bitumen 60/70 vs. 80/100 vs. 40/50 — Grade Comparison
Selecting the correct penetration grade depends on climate, traffic load, and application type. The three most commonly exported grades are compared below:
| Property | Bitumen 40/50 | Bitumen 60/70 | Bitumen 80/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | 40-50 (hardest) | 60-70 (medium) | 80-100 (softest) |
| Softening Point | 52-60°C | 49-56°C | 42-50°C |
| Climate Suitability | Very hot / tropical | Warm / hot (above 20°C) | Temperate / cold |
| Traffic Load | Very heavy / slow traffic | Heavy / highway | Light to medium |
| Rutting Resistance | Highest | High | Moderate |
| Low-Temp Flexibility | Lower | Moderate | Better |
| Typical Export Markets | Gulf states, equatorial Africa | Africa, SE Asia, Middle East, South Asia | Europe, Central Asia, East Asia |
Bitumen 40/50 is specified for extreme heat conditions such as port areas, bus stops, and heavily loaded intersections in very hot climates. Bitumen 80/100 provides better crack resistance in colder regions. Bitumen 60/70 is the most versatile all-purpose export grade and covers the majority of global road project requirements.
Density of Bitumen 60/70
The density of Bitumen 60/70 at 25°C is 1.01-1.06 g/cm³, with a typical value of approximately 1.03 g/cm³, measured per ASTM D70. This property is also referred to as specific gravity, expressed relative to water at the same temperature.
Density is a practically important parameter in several contexts:
- Volume-to-weight conversion: At 1.03 g/cm³, one metric ton of Bitumen 60/70 occupies approximately 971 liters (0.97 m³) at 25°C. This conversion is required when purchasing or transporting bitumen measured by volume in storage tanks or vessel compartments.
- Tank capacity planning: Storage engineers use density data to calculate maximum fill volumes and to determine heating energy requirements per ton of product.
- Asphalt mix design: Bitumen density is used together with aggregate bulk density in Marshall and Superpave mix design methods to calculate air void content, VMA (voids in mineral aggregate), and optimum bitumen content by weight.
- Temperature correction at plant: Bitumen density decreases with increasing temperature. This correction must be applied when metering bitumen by volume at elevated temperatures in an HMA plant, as metering errors at high temperatures lead to over- or under-dosing of binder in the mix.
| Temperature | Approximate Density | Application Context |
|---|---|---|
| 15°C | ~1.04-1.05 g/cm³ | Ambient drum / bag storage |
| 25°C (ASTM D70 test standard) | 1.01-1.06 g/cm³ | Laboratory specification value |
| 60°C | ~1.00-1.01 g/cm³ | Warm climate outdoor storage conditions |
| 135°C | ~0.985 g/cm³ | Kinematic viscosity reference temperature |
| 150°C | ~0.970-0.980 g/cm³ | HMA mixing and drum loading temperature |
Density values at elevated temperatures are indicative, based on standard thermal expansion coefficients for penetration-grade bitumen. Exact values vary slightly by crude oil source and refinery process.
Packaging Options and Container Loading Capacity
Bitumen 60/70 is available in the following packaging formats. All container loading quantities are exact figures for use in freight booking, cost calculation, and project planning.
1MT Jumbo Bag with Steel Cage and Pallet
| Container Type | Number of Bags | Net Load |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Container | 20 bags | 20 MT |
| 40ft Container | 26 bags | 26 MT |
The steel cage and pallet provide structural support for safe stacking and standard forklift handling. This is the most common export format for large road projects. Compatible with any port or site equipped with forklift or crane capability.
1MT Jumbo Bag without Steel Cage and Pallet
| Container Type | Number of Bags | Net Load |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Container | Not possible | |
| 40ft Container | 20 bags | 20 MT |
Without the structural cage, bags cannot be stacked safely in a 20ft container. Available in 40ft containers only. Lower unit cost than the caged version; requires adequate unloading equipment at the destination site.
1.2MT Jumbo Bag without Steel Cage and Pallet
| Container Type | Number of Bags | Net Load |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Container | Not possible | |
| 40ft Container | 20 bags | 24 MT |
The highest net load per 40ft container in bagged format. Suited to buyers looking to maximize cargo per shipment with appropriate crane offloading at the destination port or site.
300 kg Bitubag
| Container Type | Net Load | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Container | 24 MT | One of the highest net loads available in a 20ft container |
| 40ft Container | Not possible | |
The 300 kg Bitubag is optimized for 20ft container loading. It achieves 24 MT net load per 20ft box while remaining manageable with standard forklift equipment. Suited to buyers who prefer 20ft containers for port access or freight routing reasons.
New Steel Drum — 180 kg
| Container Type | Number of Drums | Net Load |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Container | 110 drums | ~20 MT |
| 40ft Container | 135 drums | 24.3 MT |
The 180 kg new steel drum is the most widely used packaging type for Bitumen 60/70 exports worldwide. It allows easy on-site storage, controlled individual melting, and is compatible with standard bitumen drum melters available in most markets. Drums are new, fully sealed, and suitable for storage up to 12 months under correct conditions.
New Steel Drum — 150 kg
| Container Type | Number of Drums | Net Load |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Container | 110 drums | 16.5 MT |
| 40ft Container | 135 drums | 20.25 MT |
The 150 kg drum is preferred where manual handling is required at the project site — remote locations, smaller contractors, or sites without mechanical lifting equipment.
Bulk — Truck Tanker
| Transport Mode | Capacity per Load | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated Bitumen Truck Tanker | 24 MT | Local delivery or short-distance supply to asphalt mixing plants |
Bulk — Bitumen Carrier (Sea Vessel)
For large infrastructure contracts requiring quantities above 1,000 MT, shipment is available via dedicated bitumen tanker vessels departing from Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) or Mersin Port (Turkey). Contact our sales team for voyage charter terms, pricing, and minimum quantities.
Packaging and Container Loading — Summary Table
| Packaging Type | Unit Weight | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1MT Jumbo Bag + Steel Cage + Pallet | 1,000 kg | 20 bags / 20 MT | 26 bags / 26 MT |
| 1MT Jumbo Bag (no cage, no pallet) | 1,000 kg | Not possible | 20 bags / 20 MT |
| 1.2MT Jumbo Bag (no cage, no pallet) | 1,200 kg | Not possible | 20 bags / 24 MT |
| 300 kg Bitubag | 300 kg | 24 MT | Not possible |
| New Steel Drum 180 kg | 180 kg | 110 drums / ~20 MT | 135 drums / 24.3 MT |
| New Steel Drum 150 kg | 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 | |
Storage and Handling
Temperature Guidelines
| Process Stage | Recommended Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tank Storage | 130-150°C | Do not exceed 160°C for extended periods — accelerates oxidation |
| HMA Mixing Plant | 150-165°C | Aggregates must be dry and preheated to the same range |
| Loading into Drums / Bags | 150-170°C | Seal containers immediately after filling |
| Compaction (Site) | 120-145°C | Do not compact below 110°C — risk of surface cracking |
| Flash Point (Safety Limit) | min 232°C | Per ASTM D92 — all operations must remain well below this threshold |
Storage Instructions
Store drums and bags in a dry, shaded area away from direct sunlight, moisture, and open flame. Drums must remain upright and fully sealed. Maximum recommended shelf life is 12 months from production date under correct conditions. Do not stack jumbo bags more than two high unless a steel cage is used. Full MSDS documentation is provided with every shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions — Bitumen 60/70
What does the penetration value of 60/70 mean?
The penetration value is the depth, in tenths of a millimeter (dmm), that a standard needle penetrates a bitumen sample at 25°C under a 100 g load for 5 seconds, per ASTM D5. A value of 60-70 indicates a medium-hard bitumen — stiff enough to resist rutting in warm climates but flexible enough to absorb traffic fatigue. The lower the penetration number, the harder the bitumen.
What is the MOQ for Bitumen 60/70?
The minimum order quantity is one 20ft container. Depending on packaging, a 20ft container carries 16.5-24 MT. A 40ft container carries 20-26 MT depending on packaging type. For bulk vessel orders, the minimum is typically 1,000 MT.
Which packaging loads the most product per container?
For 40ft containers, the 1MT Jumbo Bag with steel cage and pallet achieves the highest load at 26 bags / 26 MT.
For 20ft containers, the 300 kg Bitubag achieves 24 MT — the highest net load available in a 20ft box.
Can Jumbo Bags without a cage be loaded into a 20ft container?
No. Both the 1MT and 1.2MT Jumbo Bags without a steel cage and pallet cannot be safely loaded into a 20ft container. They require a 40ft container: 1MT bags load 20 bags for 20 MT, and 1.2MT bags load 20 bags for 24 MT.
Is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided?
Yes. A COA is issued with every shipment, confirming penetration, softening point, ductility, flash point, specific gravity, solubility, and loss on heating — all tested per ASTM D946 and AASHTO M20.
What are the lead time and shipping transit times?
Production and loading takes 7-14 business days after order confirmation. Indicative transit times from Jebel Ali Port: East Africa 5-9 days, West Africa 18-22 days, South Asia 7-12 days, Southeast Asia 12-18 days. Shipping documents (B/L, COA, MSDS, Packing List, Invoice) are provided within 3 days of vessel departure.
What is the density of Bitumen 60/70?
The specific gravity of Bitumen 60/70 at 25°C is 1.01-1.06 g/cm3 per ASTM D70, with a typical value of 1.03 g/cm3. At mixing temperature (150°C), density drops to approximately 0.97-0.98 g/cm3. One metric ton occupies approximately 971 liters at 25°C.
Is Bitumen 60/70 suitable for cold climates?
Bitumen 60/70 is recommended for regions with annual average pavement temperatures above 20°C. For climates with annual averages below 10°C, softer grades such as Bitumen 80/100 or 120/150 provide better low-temperature flexibility and resistance to brittle fracture.
What is Bitumen 60/70 used for in waterproofing?
Bitumen 60/70 is used as the base raw material for bituminous primers, cold and hot-applied waterproofing coatings, and as the base bitumen in SBS and APP modified membranes for roofing, bridge decks, tunnels, and below-grade structural waterproofing.
What is the price of Bitumen 60/70?
Pricing varies based on crude oil markets, quantity, packaging type, destination port, and Incoterms. Contact us with your required quantity, packaging, and destination to receive a competitive FOB or CFR quotation within one business day.
Which countries does Zumrut export Bitumen 60/70 to?
We export to over 40 countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Yemen, and others. Shipments depart from Jebel Ali (Dubai) and Mersin (Turkey).
Bitumen 60/70 Technical Specification (ASTM D946 / AASHTO M20)
| Property | Test Method | Unit | Min | Max | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C, 100g, 5s | ASTM D5 | dmm | 60 | 70 | 65 |
| Softening Point (Ring and Ball) | ASTM D36 | °C | 49 | 56 | 52 |
| Ductility @ 25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | 100 | — | >100 |
| Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup) | ASTM D92 | °C | 232 | — | ~260 |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | g/cm3 | 1.01 | 1.06 | 1.03 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | wt % | 99.0 | — | >99.5 |
| Loss on Heating (TFOT) @ 163°C / 5h | ASTM D6 | wt % | — | 0.2 | <0.1 |
| Drop in Penetration After Heating | ASTM D5 / D6 | % | — | 20 | <15 |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 135°C | ASTM D2170 | cSt | 300 | — | ~370 |
| Absolute Viscosity @ 60°C | ASTM D2171 | Poise | 1,800 | — | ~2,200 |
| Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | — | Negative | ||
Typical values are indicative. Actual COA test results are provided with every shipment. Viscosity values may vary slightly depending on refinery source and crude oil origin.
Request a Quote for Bitumen 60/70
To receive a competitive quotation, please contact our sales team with: required quantity (MT), preferred packaging type, destination port, and Incoterms (FOB / CFR / CIF). We respond within one business day.
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