WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ORDINARY AND PERFORMANCE GRADED BINDERS?

Bitumen properties

Comparison between Ordinary & Performance Graded Binders The primary differences between ordinary graded binder and performance graded binder is given in the following table Ordinary Graded Binders Performance Graded Binders Binders are graded either based upon penetration or viscosity Binders are graded based upon pavement temperature, which are close to in service conditions of pavements … Read more

4 DIFFERENT FORMS OF BITUMEN USED IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Bitumen properties

Different Forms of Bitumen 1. Cutback Bitumen Normal practice is to heat bitumen to reduce its viscosity. In some situations preference is given to use liquid binders such as cutback bitumen. In cutback bitumen suitable solvent is used to lower the viscosity of the bitumen. From the environmental point of view also cutback bitumen is … Read more

BITUMEN EMULSION – WHAT, WHY & HOW?

Bitumen Emulsion - what, why & how

Definition – What is Bitumen Emulsion? Bitumen emulsion is a mixture of water & bitumen. Hey wait, we know that bitumen is a oil product and it cannot be mixed with water. That is why we add an emulsifier (a surface active agent) with water before adding bitumen. Addition of emulsifier with water facilitates breaking … Read more

6 CHARACTERISTIC PROPERTIES OF BITUMEN

Bitumen properties

Bitumen is defined as “A viscous liquid, or a solid, consisting essentially of hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which is soluble in trichloro-ethyelene and is substantially nonvolatile and softens gradually when heated”. It is black or brown in colour & possesses waterproofing and adhesive properties. It is obtained by refinery processes from petroleum, and is also … Read more

6 FACTORS INFLUENCING AGING OF BITUMEN BINDERS

Factors Influencing Aging of Bitumen

Aging of Bitumen Binders Bitumen, like any organic matter, is affected by factors like presence of oxygen, ultraviolet rays and changes in temperature. These factors are responsible for hardening of bitumen. Hardening results in Decrease in penetration value Increase in softening point temperature and Increase in penetration index (PI). For increased life of bituminous pavement … Read more

VISCOSITY GRADE BITUMEN – WHAT ARE THE TYPES AND THEIR SPECIFICATIONS?

What are the Types of VG Bitumen As per IS:73-2006 , bitumen is classified into four types based on viscosity, as given below. VG-10 VG-20 VG-30 VG-40 What are the Requirements of Paving Bitumen (VG Bitumen) Characteristics Paving Grades or Viscosity Grade Bitumen Requirements VG-10 VG-20 VG-30 VG-40 Absolute viscosity at 600C, Poises, Min 800 … Read more

VISCOSITY GRADE BITUMEN – WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF VG BITUMEN?

Advantages of Viscosity Grade Bitumen Viscosity grade bitumen is based on fundamental engineerin7g properties and not on empirical properties. It is a performance based grading system. Viscosity grading system takes into account both low and high temperature susceptibility of bitumen. Viscosity grade bitumen is very easy to handle as viscosity value at two different temperatures … Read more