Bitumen 80/100 Description
Bitumen penetration grade 80/100 is a soft paving-grade bitumen that’s used primarily in the production of flexible pavements, especially in mild to cool climates. The “80/100” designation refers to the penetration test result — wherein a standard needle penetrates 8 to 10 mm into the bitumen under standard conditions at 25°C.
This grade of bitumen is high in workability, good in adhesion, and moderate in stiffness, making it ideal for low to medium traffic roads, base and binder courses, and even as a raw material in the manufacture of emulsified and modified bitumen.
Technical Characteristics of Bitumen 80/100
Bitumen 80/100 is thermoplastic in nature: it becomes soft when heated and re-hardens upon cooling. The characteristic makes it suitable for use in the construction of roads and allows it to bind effectively to aggregates, forming a weather-resistant and strong pavement.
Application of Bitumen 80/100
Bitumen 80/100 finds its primary application in the manufacturing of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) due to its high binding properties and medium hardness. It is best suited for application in road paving in cold to moderate climates, where flexibility and temperature cracking resistance are necessary.
This is employed in the base, binder, and wearing courses of asphalt pavements. It’s also utilized abundantly in urban roads, residential roads, and low to medium-traffic highways. Bitumen 80/100 is also employed as a feedstock in the production of emulsified bitumen, cutback bitumen, and polymer-modified binders.
Besides roads, it is also used in the construction of airport runways and industrial zones, where low traffic and environmental loads are expected.
Advantages of Bitumen 80/100
Low viscosity is one of the main benefits of asphalt 80/100, which enables easy mixing with aggregates, especially at low temperatures. This enhances workability, reduces energy consumption, and speeds up construction — making it cost-saving.
Its higher adhesive power allows it to adhere well to aggregates, minimizing stripping susceptibility and improving pavement durability. The thermoplastic nature of this grade ensures that it has adequate sensitivity to heat and cooling cycles, with no loss of performance throughout temperatures.
In regions where frequent freeze-thaw cycles are experienced, Bitumen 80/100 is favored because of its flexibility and resistance to cracking. Additionally, its environmental impact is lower than that of harder grades since it requires less heating during application, thus a greener option for sustainable infrastructure development initiatives.
Packaging and Transportation
asphalt 80/100 is typically packaged in:
New steel drums: 150, 180, or 220 kg
Jumbo Bags (Big Bags)
Bitubags (300 kg)
To ensure product quality:
Store in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat and direct sunlight
Use insulated containers for transportation to prevent overheating or spills
Standard safety and handling procedures to be adopted
Bitumen 80/100 Safety Precautions
While asphalt is not dangerous under normal conditions, it can be harmful if not handled correctly:
Can cause burns to skin when hot
Vapors may irritate the respiratory system
Silica dust may be emitted by hardened bitumen when agitated
Precautions:
Wear protective gloves, goggles, and masks
Give good ventilation when heating or applying
Do not extinguish fires with water or CO₂ — use dry powder or foam extinguishers
Why Choose Our 80/100 Penetration Grade Bitumen?
We provide high-quality 80/100 paving grade bitumen, which is manufactured from selected crude oil sources using advanced processes for guaranteed consistency, improved performance, and safe handling. Our product is of international quality and thus is a preferred choice for infrastructure projects globally.
Comparison: Bitumen 80/100 vs. Bitumen 30/40
| Feature | Bitumen 80/100 | Bitumen 70/100 |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration Value (mm/10) | 80 – 100 (Softer) | 70 – 100 (Medium) |
| Softening Point (°C) | 42 – 50 | 45 – 52 |
| Viscosity | Lower (More workable) | Moderate |
| Best Climate Use | Colder and moderate climates | Moderate and warm climates |
| Flexibility | High (less prone to cracking) | Moderate |
| Rutting/Deformation Resistance | Moderate | Higher |
| Workability | Very Good | Good |
| Traffic Load Suitability | Light to medium | Medium to high |
| Typical Use | Urban roads, low-medium traffic | Highways, main roads |
Specification of Grade 80/100
| Bitumen 80/100 | Test method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | Kg/cm3 | 1.01/1.06 |
| Penetration @ 25°C | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 80/100 |
| Softening point °C | ASTM D36 | °C | 42/50 |
| 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 | 250 min |
| Solubility in CS2(wt) % | ASTM D4 | wt % | 99.5 min |
| Spot test | A.A.S.H.O.T102 | Negative |
FAQs
Why is Asphalt 80/100 ideal for colder climates?
Its reduced viscosity offers flexibility and reduces cracking caused by thermal stress.
Is Bitumen 80/100 okay for high traffic levels?
Yes, especially if blended with modifiers, though Bitumen 30/40 or 40/50 is generally preferred for heavier traffic.
Is Asphat80/100 a ‘green’ product?
While petroleum-based, it has a lower carbon footprint due to reduced heating needs, so is more energy efficient.
What safety gear is needed on application?
Heat-resistant gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and respirators should always be worn. Good ventilation is also necessary.
