Bitumen VG-20, also known as viscosity grade 20 bitumen, is a widely used binder material in the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and other asphalt-based infrastructure projects. It is categorized as a paving grade bitumen and is commonly used in regions with cold climatic conditions. Bitumen VG-20 possesses specific properties that make it suitable for various applications, and its production, characteristics, benefits, and usage are essential aspects to explore.
Characteristics | Unit | VG 30 | Test Method |
Absolute Viscosity @ 60 °C, Poises | °C | Min.2400 | IS 1206 (Part 2) |
Kinematic Viscosity @ 135 °C | cSt | Min.350 | IS 1206 (Part 3) |
Softening Point (R&B) | °C | Min.47 | IS 1205 |
Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup). | °C | Min.220 | IS 1209 |
Solubility in trichloroethylene. | % | Min.99 | IS 1206 |
Penetration @ 25 °C (100 grams, 5 seconds) | 0.1 | 50-70 | IS 1203 |
mm | |||
Test on residue from thin film oven tests/RTFOT | |||
i) Viscosity ratio @ 60 °C | °C | Max. 4.0 | IS 1206 (Part 2) |
ii) Ductility @ 25 °C, (Thin film oven test). | Cm | Min.40 | IS 1208 |
Specification Gravity @ 27/27 | °C | Min.0.99 | IS 1202 |
Conforms to BIS (IS 73:2006) Specifications |
Bitumen VG-20 is a derivative of crude oil through a distillation process, where it is obtained as a residue. The bitumen is then further refined and modified to achieve the desired viscosity and performance characteristics. Viscosity, a critical property of bitumen, refers to its resistance to flow. Bitumen VG-20 has a specific range of viscosity at a standard temperature of 60°C, which ensures optimal flow and cohesion during construction and use.
In terms of characteristics, bitumen VG-20 exhibits a moderate viscosity, making it suitable for paving applications. It possesses good adhesion properties, allowing it to bond well with various aggregates, creating a durable and stable asphalt mixture. The bitumen’s rheological properties are vital for ensuring that it can withstand traffic loads, temperature fluctuations, and other external forces without significant deformation or cracking.
One of the primary benefits of bitumen VG-20 is its versatility. It can be used in various asphalt mixtures, such as hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA), and mastic asphalt. Its moderate viscosity ensures ease of mixing and compaction, resulting in a smooth and well-textured pavement surface. Additionally, bitumen VG-20 provides excellent resistance to water and environmental elements, enhancing the longevity of the pavement.
Bitumen VG-20 plays a crucial role in the design and performance of asphalt mixtures. Engineers and researchers analyze its rheological properties to optimize the mixture’s composition and ensure it meets specific performance requirements. This involves evaluating parameters such as stiffness, fatigue resistance, and deformation behavior to create a pavement that can endure years of traffic and environmental stress.
Bitumen VG-20 is also utilized in surface dressing, a cost-effective maintenance technique that involves applying a thin layer of bitumen and aggregate to the existing road surface to improve skid resistance and waterproofing.
The usage of bitumen VG-20 spans across different road construction and maintenance activities. It is commonly employed in the construction of flexible pavements, which are designed to distribute loads and stresses across the pavement structure. Bitumen VG-20 is used as a binder in asphalt concrete, where it acts as a glue, holding the aggregates together and providing the necessary strength and durability to the pavement.
Specification | 150kg bitumen drum | 180kg bitumen drum | 200kg bitumen drum |
---|---|---|---|
Height (mm) | 860 | 980 | 980 |
Diameter (mm) | 500 | 500 | 500 |
Body Thickness (mm) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
Top/Base thickness (mm) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
Net weight +/- 2.5 (kg) | 150 | 182 | 210 |
Gross weight +/- 2.5 (kg) | 158 | 192 | 220 |
Empty drum weight +/-1 (kg) | 8.5 | 9.5 | 10 |
Characteristics | Unit | VG 30 | Test Method |
Absolute Viscosity @ 60 °C, Poises | °C | Min.2400 | IS 1206 (Part 2) |
Kinematic Viscosity @ 135 °C | cSt | Min.350 | IS 1206 (Part 3) |
Softening Point (R&B) | °C | Min.47 | IS 1205 |
Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup). | °C | Min.220 | IS 1209 |
Solubility in trichloroethylene. | % | Min.99 | IS 1206 |
Penetration @ 25 °C (100 grams, 5 seconds) | 0.1 | 50-70 | IS 1203 |
mm | |||
Test on residue from thin film oven tests/RTFOT | |||
i) Viscosity ratio @ 60 °C | °C | Max. 4.0 | IS 1206 (Part 2) |
ii) Ductility @ 25 °C, (Thin film oven test). | Cm | Min.40 | IS 1208 |
Specification Gravity @ 27/27 | °C | Min.0.99 | IS 1202 |
Conforms to BIS (IS 73:2006) Specifications |
Bitumen VG-20 is a derivative of crude oil through a distillation process, where it is obtained as a residue. The bitumen is then further refined and modified to achieve the desired viscosity and performance characteristics. Viscosity, a critical property of bitumen, refers to its resistance to flow. Bitumen VG-20 has a specific range of viscosity at a standard temperature of 60°C, which ensures optimal flow and cohesion during construction and use.
In terms of characteristics, bitumen VG-20 exhibits a moderate viscosity, making it suitable for paving applications. It possesses good adhesion properties, allowing it to bond well with various aggregates, creating a durable and stable asphalt mixture. The bitumen’s rheological properties are vital for ensuring that it can withstand traffic loads, temperature fluctuations, and other external forces without significant deformation or cracking.
One of the primary benefits of bitumen VG-20 is its versatility. It can be used in various asphalt mixtures, such as hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA), and mastic asphalt. Its moderate viscosity ensures ease of mixing and compaction, resulting in a smooth and well-textured pavement surface. Additionally, bitumen VG-20 provides excellent resistance to water and environmental elements, enhancing the longevity of the pavement.
Bitumen VG-20 plays a crucial role in the design and performance of asphalt mixtures. Engineers and researchers analyze its rheological properties to optimize the mixture’s composition and ensure it meets specific performance requirements. This involves evaluating parameters such as stiffness, fatigue resistance, and deformation behavior to create a pavement that can endure years of traffic and environmental stress.
Bitumen VG-20 is also utilized in surface dressing, a cost-effective maintenance technique that involves applying a thin layer of bitumen and aggregate to the existing road surface to improve skid resistance and waterproofing.
The usage of bitumen VG-20 spans across different road construction and maintenance activities. It is commonly employed in the construction of flexible pavements, which are designed to distribute loads and stresses across the pavement structure. Bitumen VG-20 is used as a binder in asphalt concrete, where it acts as a glue, holding the aggregates together and providing the necessary strength and durability to the pavement.
Specification | 150kg bitumen drum | 180kg bitumen drum | 200kg bitumen drum |
---|---|---|---|
Height (mm) | 860 | 980 | 980 |
Diameter (mm) | 500 | 500 | 500 |
Body Thickness (mm) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
Top/Base thickness (mm) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
Net weight +/- 2.5 (kg) | 150 | 182 | 210 |
Gross weight +/- 2.5 (kg) | 158 | 192 | 220 |
Empty drum weight +/-1 (kg) | 8.5 | 9.5 | 10 |