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Performance Grade Bitumen And Their Specification

PG bitumen adapts to temperature changes, selected based on LTPP’s pavement temperature algorithm, ensuring optimal performance in diverse conditions.

Overview

Performance-Graded Bitumen Selection Based on Pavement Temperatures

Bitumen graded by performance grade (PG) is one that behaves differently under different temperatures. Based on the air temperature above the pavement, the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) has provided an algorithm for calculating pavement temperature. The bitumen that performs best at those temperatures is chosen based on the highest and lowest temperature of the pavement
The penetration grading of asphalt binder and the viscosity grading used in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavements cannot fully characterize their characteristics. Hence, as a part of Superpave Research, new binding tests and specifications have been developed to more accurately and comprehensively characterize asphalt binders utilized in HMA pavements. A number of characteristics of modern asphalt pavements such as rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking are addressed in these tests and specifications.
Based on the principle that the properties of an HMA asphalt binder should be related to how it is used, Superpave performance grading (PG) has been developed. For asphalt binders, this involves expected climatic conditions as well as aging considerations. Therefore, the PG system uses a common battery of tests (as the older penetration and viscosity grading systems do) but specifies that a particular asphalt binder must pass these tests at specific temperatures that are dependent upon the specific climatic conditions in the area of use.
This concept is not new – selection of penetration or viscosity graded asphalt binders follows the same logic – but the relationships between asphalt binder properties and conditions of use are more complete and more precise with the Superpave PG system. Information on how to select a PG asphalt binder for a specific condition is contained in the Superpave mix design method. The table below shows how the Superpave PG system addresses specific penetration, AC, and AR grading system general limitations.

Features

Features of Superpave Performance Grading of Bitumen

Prior Limitations vs. Superpave Testing and Specification Features

Limitations of Penetration, AC and AR Grading Systems

Superpave Binder Testing and Specification Features that Address Prior Limitations

Specifications of Performance Grade(PG) Bitumen

Max. Design Temp. PG 46 PG 52 PG 58 PG 64 PG 70 PG 76 PG 82
Max. Design Temp. -34 -40 -46 -10 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40 -46 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40 -10 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40 -10 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40 -10 -16 -22 -28 -34 -10 -16 -22 -28 -34
Original
≥ 230°C Flash Point
≤ 3 Pa-s @ 135°C Rotational Viscosity
≥ 1.00 kPa DSR G*/sin 𝛿 (Dynamic Shear Rheometer)
46 52 58 64 70 76 82
(Rolling Thin Film Oven) RTFO, Mass Change ≤ 1.00%
≥ 2.20 kPa DSR G*/sin 𝛿 (Dynamic Shear Rheometer)
46 52 58 64 70 76 82
(Pressure Aging Vessel) PAV
20 hours, 2.10 MPa 90 90 100 100 100(110) 100(110) 100(110)
≤ 5000 kPa DSR G*/sin 𝛿 (Dynamic Shear Rheometer) Intermediate Temp. = [(Max. + Min.)/2] + 4
10 7 4 25 22 19 16 13 10 7 25 22 19 16 13 31 28 25 22 19 16 34 31 28 25 22 19 37 34 31 28 25 40 37 34 31 28
S ≤ 300 MPa m ≥ 0.300 BBR S (creep stiffness) & m-value (Bending Beam Rheometer)
-24 -30 -36 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 -36 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 0 -6 -12 -18 -24
If BBR m-value ≥ 0.300 and creep stiffness is between 300 and 600, the Direct Tension failure strain requirement can be used in lieu of the creep stiffness requirement
 f ≥ 1.00% DTT (Direct Tension Tester)
-24 -30 -36 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 -36 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 0 -6 -12 -18 -24

How to read a PG Grade?

PG’s grading system is based on climate, so the grade notation includes high and low pavement service temperatures. In order to describe the climate associated with high temperatures, we use an average pavement temperature for 7 consecutive days, which accounts for rutting, which takes time to develop.
The minimum pavement temperature is used for describing the low temperature climate; thus, it is the minimum pavement temperature which describes the low temperature climate. Both low and high temperature PG grades are graded in 6°C increments. Maximum pavement temperatures averaged 46 degrees Celsius over 7 days, and minimum pavement temperatures averaged 46 degrees Celsius over 7 days.
In order to meet performance requirements, a binder identified as PG 64-10 must comply with minimum and maximum pavement temperatures of 10°C and 64°C over a period of 7 days. Since a dark color pavement absorbs and retains heat, maximum pavement temperatures are typically about 20°C higher than air temperatures. Temperatures above one inch below the surface of the pavement are typically measured. As a result, the pavement temperature is equal to the air temperature on the surface.
A common durability of 98% is used, so when the PG 64-10 binder is selected, it should perform satisfactorily under normal service conditions at locations with extreme pavement temperatures between -10°C and 64°C throughout its lifetime, with a minimum level of 98% confidence. In areas with unusual traffic conditions such as interstate highways or bus stops or intersections with slow traffic, can be used one or two grades stiffer asphalt binder to prevent the problem.
Anywhere there is a need for more performance and durability, polymer modified binders are used. A number of paved areas and maintenance applications use polymer modified binders in place of asphalt due to their increased resistance to rutting, thermal cracking, fatigue damage, and temperature sensitivity.
Generally, the polymer modification is required when good rutting resistance at high temperatures and good thermal cracking resistance at low temperatures are simultaneously required in one application. Contact the best bitumen suppliers in UAE for queries.

Application of PG Bitumen

PG 52-28 is dominantly used in paving for both new construction and road care and also in both dense-graded and open-graded Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). This product could also be used for sealing cracks in paving and also the edges. Other applications include spraying in places like bridge deck and pavement protective membrane with fabrics.
PG 58-22 is initially used in paving for both dense-graded and open-graded Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and also in road construction usages as well as spraying and crack sealing applications.
PG 58-28 is initially used in paving for both dense-graded and open-graded Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and also in road construction usages as well as spraying and crack sealing applications. This grade is widely used in very cold areas.
PG 58-34 is generally used in the higher elevation roadways. This grade is a paving asphalt cement dominantly used for the production of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). It could also be used for sealing the edges of new to old paving and cracks sealing.
PG 58-40 is primarily used on the high elevation locations. This grade is paving asphalt for the production of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). It can be easily used for sealing purposes and crack treating as well.
PG 64-22 is mostly used in paving for both new construction and pavement treatment projects and in both dense-graded and open-graded Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) as well as others. It can be easily used for sealing purposes and crack treating too. Other uses include spray applications for bridge decks and pavement protective layer with fabrics and some modifications.
It has been reported that with proper aggregate selections and asphalt content, HMA with PG64-22 as the binder may show less tenderness compared to a similar mixture with a lower viscosity/softer asphalt. This will lead to a significant reduction of typical tenderness problems of mixture shoving and checking during pavement surface scuffing and rolling and markings caused by traffic immediately after paving.
PG 64-28 is primarily used in road construction and paving for new and pave care projects and in both dense-graded and open-graded HMA. Other uses include spray applications for bridge deck and pavement protective layer with fabrics. PG64-28 is generally used for the locations with low elevation.
PG 70-22 is primarily used in areas with high traffic volume and is also the paving asphalt cement used for the production of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). This grade is also a good choice for sealing the edges of pavement and for crack sealing.
PG Grades with the best resistance in thermal cracking
PG Grades with the best resistance against rutting
Common in toll roads (high Volume)
Common in toll booth (high volume and slow traffic)
Common in the rest area (high volume and standing traffic)

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