Bitumen VG40 Descriptions
Bitumen VG40, or Viscosity Grade 40 bitumen, is a high-viscosity asphalt that is widely utilized in road construction and heavy industry. Its superior thermal stability, good resistance to water, and heavy-duty characteristics make it suitable for durable road surfaces that have to endure heavy traffic loading and harsh weather.
The overall durability of the asphalt mixture is a reflection of its excellent bonding with the aggregates due to its strong adhesion ability. In addition to being used in road building, VG40 has numerous applications in insulation and waterproofing. Because of its exceptional quality and longevity, it is cost-effective and valuable for the construction sector, finding crucial applications in the building of infrastructure like roads and airports.
Application of Bitumen VG40
Applications Bitumen VG40 is used in important areas such as truck parking lots, near toll booths and intersections instead of previously used 30/40 Penetration grade. Due to the higher viscosity, stiffer Bitumen mixes can be produced in order to improve resistance to shoving and other issues related to heavy traffic loads and higher temperature.
Difference Between Bitumen VG40 & VG20
The only variation between Bitumen VG40 and VG20 is their viscosity grades, which dictate their use in different environmental conditions and purposes. Bitumen VG40 has greater viscosity compared to VG20, making it more resistant to rutting and deformation due to hot weather or heavy traffic. The higher viscosity also provides superior performance in high-temperature conditions. On the other hand, Bitumen VG20 is less viscous and therefore more suitable for colder climates and lower temperature areas, where it is more workable and elastic. VG20 is typically used in areas with lower temperatures, while VG40 is utilized in areas with higher temperatures and more severe conditions.
Packing
Bitumen VG40 is transported by various packaging and loading methods to suit different requirements. For smaller quantities,180 kg new steel drums are used, which allow loading of 110 drums in a 20-foot container. Larger quantities can be accommodated with 375 kg Bitubags , enabling a load of 24 metric tons (MT) in a 20-foot container. Bitumen for bulk movement is loaded into vessels, from 2,000 to 20,000 MT in dedicated bitumen-carrying vessels. Alternatively, bulk movements may be made by the use of Flexi Bags , each capable of carrying 20 MT. Overland transportation, the usual units are tanker trucks , each efficiently carrying 25 MT of bitumen.
Specification
| Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 3200 | ASTM D4402 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 400 | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D2170 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2170 |
| Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 40-60 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | ◦C | Min 25 | ASTM D36 |
| Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C | ◦C | Max 4 | ASTM D4402 |
| Ductility at 25 ◦C, after thin film oven test | Cm | Min 25 | ASTM D113 |
