VG Bitumen 20
DESCRIPTION OF BITUMEN VG-20
VG Bitumen 20 is a grade of viscosity bitumen used in cold climatic and high-altitude regions. This grade of bitumen is suitable for road construction in regions with 30 to 37 °C average temperature. In North India, Viscosity Grade 20 is used for road construction in hot mix asphalt.
The standard penetration value of VG Bitumen 20 is 60 mm at 25 °C. The absolute viscosity of VG-20 bitumen is 1600 to 2400 poise at 60 °C. This bitumen is primarily used for the construction of extra-heavy bitumen pavements that have to bear significant traffic loads. Bitumen VG30 is the most widely used type of bitumen in road construction, insulation, building construction industries, and also in the production of cutback bitumen.
VG20 Bitumen, also known as Viscosity Grade 20 bitumen, is a type of bitumen that is classified and characterized based on its viscosity at a specific temperature. Bitumen VG20 is commonly used in road construction and paving applications.
HISTORY OF BITUMEN VG-20
Bitumen VG20 is part of a viscosity grading system used to classify bitumen based on its viscosity at a specific temperature. The history of this grading system and the development of bitumen standards can be traced back to efforts to improve the quality and performance of asphalt and bitumen in various applications, including road construction.
EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF ASPHALT AND BITUMEN
The use of asphalt-like materials dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using naturally occurring bitumen for various purposes, including waterproofing and road construction. However, there was no standardized grading system for bitumen during these early periods.
- 19th Century: In the 19th century, as road construction and infrastructure development became more widespread, there was a growing need for consistency in the quality of bitumen used in road projects. Engineers and scientists began studying bitumen’s properties and developed various testing methods to assess its quality.
- Penetration Grading System: The penetration grading system was one of the first attempts to classify bitumen. It measures the penetration depth of a standard needle into a bitumen sample at a specific temperature. This system was widely used for several decades and is still used in some regions today, but it had limitations in accurately representing bitumen’s performance in various climates.
- Viscosity Grading System: The viscosity grading system, which includes grades like VG20, was introduced to address the limitations of the penetration grading system. Viscosity grading measures the kinematic viscosity of bitumen at a specific temperature (usually 60°C in the case of VG20). This system provides a more precise characterization of bitumen’s flow properties, which are important for determining its suitability for different applications and climates.
- Development of Standards: Over time, various organizations and standards bodies, such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), developed standards for bitumen grading, including VG20. These standards help ensure consistency and quality in bitumen used for road construction and other applications. Bitumen VG20, with its specific viscosity characteristics at 60°C, is one of the many grades used in the viscosity grading system to meet the needs of road construction projects in different regions and climates. The development of such grading systems has played a crucial role in improving the performance and durability of road surfaces by allowing engineers to select the appropriate bitumen grade for specific project requirements.
BITUMEN VG-20 APPLICATION IN DETAILS
Bitumen VG20, also known as viscosity grade 20 bitumen, is a type of bitumen or asphalt commonly used in road construction and paving applications. It is graded based on its viscosity at a specific temperature, which helps determine its suitability for various road construction projects.
HERE ARE SOME DETAILS ABOUT THE APPLICATION OF BITUMEN VG20:
- Road Construction: Bitumen VG20 is often used as a binder in asphalt mixes for road construction. It serves as the glue that holds the aggregate (stones, sand, and gravel) together to create a durable road surface. It is suitable for a wide range of road types, including highways, urban roads, rural roads, and airport runways.
- Asphalt Mixes: Bitumen VG20 is typically mixed with aggregates at hot-mix asphalt (HMA) plants to produce asphalt concrete. The specific mix design and proportions may vary depending on the project’s requirements, traffic loads, and climate conditions.
- Weather Resistance: VG20 bitumen is known for its ability to withstand temperature variations and weathering, making it suitable for regions with diverse climate conditions. It provides good resistance to rutting (deformation under heavy traffic) and cracking, which enhances the durability of the road surface.
- Adhesion and Cohesion: Bitumen VG20 has excellent adhesion properties, allowing it to bond effectively with various types of aggregates. It also exhibits good cohesion, which means it maintains its structural integrity over time, reducing the likelihood of rutting and surface failures.
- Paving Techniques: Bitumen VG20 can be applied using various paving techniques, including hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA), and cold mix asphalt (CMA), depending on project requirements and temperature conditions.
- Quality Control: Quality control measures are essential when using Bitumen VG20 to ensure that the asphalt mix meets the specified standards and performance criteria. Regular testing of the bitumen’s properties, such as viscosity, penetration, and softening point, is crucial to maintain the desired quality.
- Maintenance and Rehabilitation: Bitumen VG20 is also used for maintenance and rehabilitation of existing roads. It can be applied as a surface treatment to extend the life of older road surfaces or to repair damaged areas.
- Environmental Considerations: Sustainable asphalt technologies and recycling techniques can be employed when using Bitumen VG20 to reduce the environmental impact of road construction and maintenance.
In summary, Bitumen VG20 is a versatile and widely used material in road construction due to its excellent adhesive and cohesive properties, weather resistance, and suitability for various paving techniques. Proper quality control and adherence to engineering standards are crucial to ensure the durability and performance of roads constructed using this bitumen grade.
HERE'S SOME INFORMATION ABOUT VG20 BITUMEN:
- Viscosity Grade: VG20 is part of the viscosity grading system used to classify bitumen. This system measures the bitumen’s viscosity (resistance to flow) at a particular temperature. In the case of VG20, the viscosity is measured at 60°C (140°F). Viscosity is a crucial factor in determining the suitability of bitumen for different applications.
- Usage: VG20 bitumen is used primarily as a binder in asphalt mixes for road construction. It plays a vital role in creating a strong and durable adhesive bond between aggregate particles, which is essential for the stability and longevity of road surfaces.
- Temperature Range: VG20 bitumen is suitable for use in regions with moderate temperatures. It can withstand a range of temperatures, making it ideal for areas that experience both cold and hot weather conditions.
- Performance: VG20 bitumen offers good performance characteristics, including the ability to resist deformation and cracking under traffic loads and temperature variations. It provides flexibility and strength to the asphalt mix.
- Mixing: When preparing asphalt mixes with VG20 bitumen, it is typically mixed with aggregates (such as crushed stone or sand) and other additives to create the desired properties for road surfaces.
- Global Use: VG20 bitumen is used in road construction projects worldwide, and its specifications may vary slightly from one region to another based on local standards and climate conditions.
In summary, VG20 bitumen is a specific grade of bitumen that is commonly employed as a binder in road construction and paving. Its viscosity and performance characteristics make it well-suited for creating durable and stable road surfaces in regions with moderate temperature ranges.
PACKING OF BITUMEN VG-20
Bitumen VG 20 is typically packed and transported in a variety of ways.
HERE ARE SOME COMMON PAACKING OPTIONS FOR BITUMEN VG-20
- 180kg New Steel Drum: Loading 110 Drum in 20 ft
- 375Kg Bitubag: Loading 24 MT in 20 ft Container
- Bulk in vessel: Loading 2000 to 20,000 MT in Bitumen Carrier
- Bulk in Flexi Bag: Loading 20 MT in Bitumen Felexi Bag
- Bulk in Tunker: Loading 25 MT in Truk Tanker
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF VISCOSITY GRADE BITUMEN
(ASTM D3381-09)
| Property | Units | AC-10 | AC-20 | AC-30 | AC-40 | Test Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity, 140°F (60°C) | P | 1000±200 | 2000±400 | 3000±600 | 4000±800 | ASTM D-2171 |
| Viscosity, 275°F (135°C), Min | cSt | 150 | 210 | 250 | 300 | ASTM D-2171 |
| Penetration, 77°F (25°C), 100g, 5sec, Min | 0.1MM | 70 | 40 | 30 | 20 | ASTM D-5 |
| Flash point, Cleveland open cup, Min | °C | 219 | 232 | 232 | 232 | ASTM D-92 |
| Solubility in trichloroethylene, Min | %Wt | 99 | 99 | 99 | 99 | ASTM D-2042 |
| Tests on residue from thin-film oven test: | ||||||
| Viscosity, 140°F (60°C), Max | P | 5,000 | 10,000 | 15,000 | 20,000 | ASTM D-2171 |
| Ductility, 77°F (25°C), 5cm/min, Min | CM | 50 | 20 | 15 | 10 | ASTM D-113 |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF VISCOSITY GRADE BITUMEN
(IS 73:2013)
| Property | Units | VG-10 | VG-20 | VG-30 | VG-40 | Test Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration at 25°C, 100g, 5sec, Min | 0.1MM | 80 | 60 | 45 | 35 | IS 1203 |
| Absolute viscosity at 60°C | P | 800-1200 | 1600-2400 | 2400-3600 | 3200-4800 | IS 1206 (Part 2) |
| Kinematic viscosity at 135°C, Min | cSt | 250 | 300 | 350 | 400 | IS 1206 (Part 3) |
| Flash point (Cleveland open cup), Min | °C | 220 | 220 | 220 | 220 | IS 1448 [P : 69] |
| Solubility in trichloroethylene, Min | %Wt | 99 | 99 | 99 | 99 | IS 1216 |
| Softening point (R&B), Min | °C | 40 | 45 | 47 | 50 | IS 1205 |
| Tests on residue from thin film oven test: | ||||||
| Viscosity ratio at 60°C, Max | - | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | IS 1206 (Part 2) |
| Ductility at 25°C, Min | CM | 75 | 50 | 40 | 25 | IS 1208 |
