Viscosity Grade bitumen is manufactured and graded differently from other types of bitumen. This grade of bitumen has been introduced to the industry in order to make the behavior of bitumen more predictable at various temperatures, particularly higher ones.
All Bitumen VG grades are produced by the oxidation of the vacuum bottom. In this process, it is the high quality of raw materials that signals the better performance of VG bitumen, in the time of application.
In addition, viscosity grade bitumen is tested and classified differently from other types of bitumen. After production, we test the VGs by a viscometer to classify them according to their level of viscosity in three various temperatures. Find out more about viscosity testing here. This testing system results in the classification of bituminous products to four VG grades including VG10, VG20, VG30, and VG40. The higher the number, the harder the bitumen in the viscosity grading system.
Viscosity grade bitumen is one of the most widely used grades of bitumen in the world. In comparison to penetration grade bitumen, this type of bitumen is easier to handle (both mixing and compaction) and its resistance to rutting is more predictable. For more information on the advantages of viscosity grade bitumen click here.
Below you can find our full description of applications, various grades, and specifications of VG bitumen.
What is the standard application for each grade of viscosity bitumen?
The application of viscosity grade bitumen is extremely popular when it comes to road construction, paving sidewalks, spraying, and surface dressing. Viscosity bitumen, which is the most widely used in hot asphalt construction, has thermoplastic properties, a property that keeps this material hard and stiff in cold weather and soft in hot temperature.
This feature makes the combination of viscosity bitumen with other materials more durable for road construction at a specific temperature.
For applying viscosity grade bitumen, it is necessary to choose the appropriate grade.
Two main factors that help us decide which grade is suitable, are traffic conditions and climate. For example, bitumen with a viscosity value of 10 or 20 suits repairing and pavements. Or VG30 and VG40 are recommended for road construction where extra heavy traffic is expected.
In what follows, we present a comprehensive description of viscosity grade bitumen application for each grade, in addition to their properties and specifications.
VG10 bitumen is the softest grade of viscosity bitumen. This type of bitumen is widely used for spraying applications and surface coating.
VG10 bitumen is also suitable for paving roads in a very cold and cold climate instead of the old 80/100 penetration grade. The air temperature that matches VG10 bitumen ranges from -100C to 250C. Due to the high temperatures in hot climatic zones, the application of VG10 cannot provide desirable rutting resistance.
This type of bitumen is also used to manufacture bitumen emulsions and modified bitumen products.
As a viscosity grade bitumen, VG10 has a better performance in cold weather. Refer to the specification table as guidance on the temperature range of this grade.
What are Advantages in the Application of Viscosity Grade 10 Bitumen?
It is suitable for temperature under 30°C,
Its absolute viscosity is 800,
It has a higher penetration value in comparison to VG30 and VG40.
This bitumen is primarily used for the construction of extra-heavy bitumen pavements that have to bear significant traffic loads. VG30 is the most widely used type of bitumen in road construction, insulation, building construction industries, and also in the production of cutback bitumen.
Because of having good thermal susceptibility, we use VG30 in areas that have a higher temperature. VG30 bitumen is also suitable for use in hot and rainy weather conditions instead of bitumen penetration grades. The more viscose the bitumen, the fewer the chance of being affected by water.
What are Advantages in the Application of Viscosity Grade 30 Bitumen?
It is suitable for temperature above 300C,
For a clayed soil, bitumen with higher viscosity is more suitable,
VG30 is more suitable for road construction in a rainy weather.
VG40 bitumen is used in areas in which high pressure comes from heavy traffic loads, such as intersections, near tolls booths, and truck parking lots.
Due to the high viscosity of this bitumen, it is more appropriate for improving resistance to shoving and other problems associated with higher temperatures and heavy traffic loads.
What are Advantages in the Application of Viscosity Grade 40 Bitumen?
It is suitable for a temperature above 40°C,
Its absolute viscosity is 3200,
It is a preferred type of bitumen when heavy traffic load is expected.
Viscosity Grade Bitumen Specifications Table
| CHARACTERISTICS | VG-10 | VG-30 | VG-40 |
| Absolute Viscosity 60°C, Poises, min | 800 | 2400 | 3200 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, 135°C, CST, min | 250 | 350 | 400 |
| Flash point, C, min | 220 | 220 | 220 |
| Solubility in trichloroethylene, %, min | 99 | 99 | 99 |
| Penetration at 25°C | 80-100 | 50-70 | 40-60 |
| Softening point, C, min | 40 | 47 | 25 |
| Tests on residue from thin film over test / RTFOT | |||
| Viscosity ratio at 60°C, max | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Ductility at 25°C, cm, min, after thin film over test | 75 | 40 | 25 |