National Petroleum

BITUMEN VG 40

Bitumen VG 40 – Definition and Application

Bitumen VG 40 is a viscosity grade of bitumen used predominantly in road construction and maintenance, particularly in regions that experience extreme weather conditions or heavy traffic. The “VG” stands for “Viscosity Grade,” and the number “40” signifies its viscosity level. VG 40 bitumen is formulated to provide enhanced performance in demanding applications.

Key features and applications of Bitumen VG 40 include:

1. Heavy Traffic Roads: Bitumen VG 40 is ideal for roads and highways with high traffic volumes and heavy loads. Its high viscosity provides superior resistance to deformation and rutting, ensuring road durability and longevity.
2. High-Stress Environments: Suitable for areas that experience significant mechanical stress, such as industrial zones, airport runways, and heavy-duty pavements.
3. Temperature Resilience: VG 40 bitumen performs exceptionally well in regions with high ambient temperatures. Its properties help prevent softening and deformation of the pavement under intense heat.
4. Oxidation and Aging Resistance: This grade of bitumen offers improved resistance to oxidation and aging, which helps maintain the pavement’s integrity over time, reducing the frequency of repairs and maintenance.
5. Flexible Pavement Construction: Used in flexible pavement construction where the material’s ability to withstand heavy loads and temperature variations is critical.

Bitumen VG 40 is chosen for its robust performance characteristics, making it suitable for high-demand applications where reliability and durability are essential. Its higher viscosity ensures that the pavement can handle the stresses of heavy traffic and harsh environmental conditions, providing a long-lasting and resilient road surface.

Bitumen VG 40 Specification

Specification
Unit
Value
Method
Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C
Poise
Min 3200
ASTM D4402
Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C
CST
Min 400
ASTM D2170
Flash Point
◦C
Min 220
ASTM D93
Solubility in Trichloroethylene
%WT
Min 99
ASTM D2042
Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C
0.1mm
40-60
ASTM D5
Softening Point
◦C
Min 25
ASTM D36