In the case of road building and asphalt road construction, selecting the appropriate bitumen grade is essential for performance, safety, and durability. Out of the numerous Performance Grade (PG) bitumen available in the market, Performance Grade Bitumen 64-22 is one of the top-grade and highest-selling products internationally.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what PG Bitumen 64-22 is, where it’s used, and why it remains the go-to choice for contractors, suppliers, and road authorities around the world.
What is PG Bitumen 64-22?
PG Bitumen 64-22 is a Performance Grade asphalt binder that falls under the Superpave system initiated by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) of the United States. The “PG” system is performance-based and derived from the performance characteristics of bitumen at maximum and minimum pavement temperatures prevailing in a specific area.
The figures under PG 64-22 indicate:
64°C: The temperature at which the highest pavement temperature can be tolerated by the binder without its rutting and deformation.
-22°C: The lowest pavement temperature at which the binder can withstand thermal cracking.
This grade is formulated particularly to be flexible at low temperatures and constant high temperatures, so it is ideal for moderate to warm temperature areas.
Applications of PG Bitumen 64-22
Performance Grade 64-22 Bitumen is widely used in numerous infrastructure and road constructions due to its suitably balanced thermal and mechanical properties. This bitumen is best applied in regions with high summer temperatures of 64°C and low winter temperatures of -22°C.
Therefore, it helps in the preservation of pavement integrity through the avoidance of rutting under hot climatic conditions as well as cracking under cold conditions. General application is on highways, expressways, and rural or urban roads where durability and performance are primary.
It is also extensively used on airport runway construction, bridges, parking lots, and asphalt overlays. Its performance under different climates and traffic is the reason that PG 64-22 is a cost-saving and reliable choice for new pavement and resurfacing operations.
Storage & Handling
In order to get the optimal result, it’s important to store and handle PG 64-22 properly:
Storage Temperature: 140°C – 165°C
Pumping Temperature: Around 150°C
Avoid overheating above 180°C in order not to induce material damage.
Use insulated pipelines and tanks to maintain a uniform temperature.
Why Choose PG Bitumen 64-22?
Below are the key reasons why PG Bitumen 64-22 is so widely applied:
Balanced Performance
It ensures maximum strength and flexibility, reducing threats of rutting during heat and cracking during cold.
Cost-Efficiency
Unlike significantly altered grades, PG 64-22 is an affordable choice without performance loss.
Ubiquitous Availability
Most refineries and distributors carry PG 64-22 as a standard product, providing ready supply for large-scale project developments.
Interoperability
Overall, the grade is easily compatible with most generic hot mix asphalt (HMA) recipes, making it an easy choice for contractors.
Conclusion
PG Bitumen 64-22 is arguably the most consistent and versatile asphalt binder used as the basis for road construction in temperate to warm climates. With its ideal temperature range and proven performance, it remains a top choice among civil engineers, road authorities, and asphalt contractors globally.
Whether building a new road or upgrading an existing one, PG 64-22 offers the perfect blend of strength, durability, flexibility, and affordability.
Specification
Characteristics | Units | Standard | Value |
---|---|---|---|
Fresh binder | |||
Flash point | ºC | AASHTO T48 | >230 |
Rotational viscosity @ 135ºC | Pa.s | AASHTO T316 | <3,00 |
DSR T for G*/sin δ>1 kPa | ºC | AASHTO T315 | 64 |
Hardening Resistance at 163 ºC (RTFOT) | |||
Mass change (absolute value) | % | AASHTO240 | 1,00 |
DSR T for G*/sin δ>2,20 kPa | ºC | AASHTO T315 | 64 |
PAV aging | EN-14769 | ||
DSR T for G*·sin δ<5000 kPa | ºC | AASHTO T315 | 22 |
BBR T for stiffness (S)<300 MPa | ºC | AASHTO T313 | -12 |
BBR T for m-value>0,3 | ºC | AASHTO T313 | -12 |