Description of Bitumen VG40?
Bitumen VG40 or Viscosity Grade 40 is a high-viscosity asphalt ideal for highway construction and heavy-duty applications. It has superior thermal stability and water resistance than other viscosities, offering durable road surfaces for heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions.
This article explores the characteristics, applications, and why VG40 is ideal for infrastructure construction projects like highways and airports.
Applications of Bitumen VG40
Bitumen VG40 is a versatile material used under severe stress conditions, substituting the erstwhile 30/40 penetration-grade bitumen. Due to its high viscosity, it is best suited for:
Heavy-Traffic Areas: Used in truck terminal parking lots, toll booths, and intersection zones to maintain heavy traffic without deforming.
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): Produces strong asphalt mixtures for durable road surfaces, best suited for high-temperature zones.
Waterproofing and Insulation: Applied in construction for waterproofing roofs and insulating buildings because of its high adhesion with aggregates.
Industrial Projects: Contributes to high-load areas like container ports and industrial complexes through satisfactory rutting and shoving resistance.
These applications make Bitumen Viscosity Grade 40 a suitable choice for projects that require durability and stability.
Bitumen VG40 vs. VG20
| Feature | Bitumen VG40 | Bitumen VG20 |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity | Higher viscosity, stiffer | Lower viscosity, more fluid |
| Climate Suitability | Hot climates, high temperatures | Lower viscosity, more fluid |
| Applications | Heavy-traffic roads, industrial zones | Thin asphalt layers, moderate climates |
| Durability | Resists rutting and deformation | Flexible, prevents cracking in cold weather |
How is Packaged?
Bitumen Viscosity Grade 40 is packaged to meet various transportation requirements:
Steel Drums: 180 kg drums, 110 drums in 20 ft container for light loads.
Bitubags: 375 kg bags, 24 metric tons in a 20 ft container.
Bulk Shipments: 2,000–20,000 metric tons using specialized bitumen carriers for large jobs.
Flexi Bags: 20 metric tons per bag for bulk transport in flexi bags.
Tanker Trucks: 25 metric tons per truck for local hauls.
These alternatives ensure efficient and safe delivery for construction projects of any size.
Why Bitumen VG40?
Bitumen Viscosity Grade 40 is designed for harsh conditions, offering:
High Durability: Withstands deformation and rutting in hot weather and heavy traffic.
Strong Adhesion: Adheres well with aggregates, ensuring safe road surfaces.
Versatility: Attains roads, airports, and waterproofing applications.
Cost-Effectiveness: Durable performance reduces maintenance costs.
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 |
