Bitumen VG30 Description
Bitumen VG30, or Viscosity Grade 30 bitumen, is a type of bitumen most commonly used in road construction and asphalt paving.
It is classified in terms of its viscosity at specific temperatures, which determines its use in various infrastructure projects.
This bitumen has some physical characteristics that make it fit for some application, especially when it comes to moderate to heavy traffic conditions.
Bitumen VG30 Properties
Penetration: Typical penetration value of 60 mm at 25°C, indicating its ability to penetrate material.
Viscosity: Absolute viscosity ranging from 1600 to 2400 poise at 60°C, indicating its behavior when flowing under hot temperature.
Temperature Appropriateness: Appropriate for hot and wet climatic environments as well as moderate weather areas.
Common Uses and Applications of Bitumen VG30
Bitumen VG30 is applied very extensively in heavy-duty pavement construction and therefore turns out to be appropriate for roads that receive high traffic loads. Its deforming resistance and high carrying capability of load ensure that it is a favorite among highways, expressways, and urban roads.
Beyond road construction, VG30 is even applied extensively in waterproofing buildings as well as in the production of cutback bitumen. Further, it can also act as an effective alternative to the 60/70 penetration grade bitumen, particularly in areas experiencing hot and rainy, or mild climatic conditions where robust and elastic paving material is needed.
Difference Between Bitumen VG30 and VG40
The most significant difference between Bitumen Viscosity Grade 30 and VG40 is viscosity level:
VG30: Less viscous, with better workability and fatigue cracking resistance in moderate climates.
VG40: Stiffer and more viscous, with greater resistance to rutting under harsh traffic and warmer climates.
Both grades provide long-term durability, but VG40 is utilized in more severe conditions where the demand for greater temperature stability and stiffness is higher.
Packaging
Viscosity Grade 30 can be supplied in various packaging sizes as per different logistic needs:
180 kg Steel Drums: 110 drums per 20 ft container.
375 kg Bitubags: 24 MT loading capacity per 20 ft container.
Bulk Shipment by Vessel: 2,000 to 20,000 MT in bitumen vessels.
Bulk in Flexi Bags: 20 MT per flexi bag.
Bulk in Tankers: 25 MT per truck tanker.
Why Choose Bitumen VG30?
Bitumen Viscosity Grade 30 is a general-purpose grade which has application for moderate-to-heavy traffic as well as moderate-to-high climatic conditions. It delivers:
Excellent load-carrying capacity.
Higher deformation and rut resistance due to its viscosity.
Wide application in highways, expressways, and city road networks.
Specification
Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
---|---|---|---|
Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 2400 | ASTM D4402 |
Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 350 | ASTM D2170 |
Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D93 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2042 |
Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 50-70 | ASTM D5 |
Softening Point | ◦C | Min 47 | ASTM D36 |
Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C | ◦C | Max 4 | ASTM D4402 |
Ductility at 25 ◦C, after thin film oven test | Cm | Min 40 | ASTM D113 |
Specific Gravity, at 25 ◦C | Kg/m³ | Min 1.0131 | ASTM D70 |