Australian Standard Grade Bitumen
AUSTRALIAN STANDARD GRADE BITUMEN
Australian Standard Grade Bitumen is classified under the AS 2008-1997 specification, primarily used for road construction and maintenance. The grades (C170, C320, C450, C600) denote the viscosity of the bitumen, measured in pascal-seconds at 60°C, and are designed to suit varying climate and load conditions. Bitumen is a vital component in road construction and maintenance, offering durability, flexibility, and resistance to extreme weather conditions. In Australia, specific grades of bitumen, standardized according to their viscosity and performance characteristics, cater to the unique demands of the region’s diverse climate and traffic conditions.
The following bitumen grades are widely used in sprayed sealing applications across Australia, each offering unique properties suited for specific conditions:
1. C170: THE STANDARD GRADE
Class 170 bitumen is the most commonly used grade in Australia for general road construction and sprayed sealing works. It offers balanced viscosity, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Its versatility ensures reliable performance under typical Australian weather conditions and moderate traffic loads.
2. C320: ENHANCED DURABILITY
With a higher viscosity than C170, Class 320 bitumen is used in areas where roads experience higher pavement temperatures or traffic stresses. It provides greater resistance to rutting and deformation, making it suitable for high-traffic zones or regions with significant heat exposure.
3. C450: SPECIALIZED APPLICATIONS
Class 450 bitumen is designed for more demanding environments requiring even greater viscosity and load-bearing capacity. It is used in heavy-duty pavements, such as those for industrial sites or regions with exceptionally high traffic volumes.
4. C600: MAXIMUM VISCOSITY
Class 600 is the most robust and high-performing grade, offering superior viscosity and resistance to deformation under extreme conditions. This grade is ideal for areas with heavy loads, such as highways, airport runways, and freight corridors.
APPLICATIONS OF AUSTRALIAN STANDARD BITUMEN
Each grade of Australian bitumen is tailored to meet specific project needs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The selection of the appropriate grade depends on factors such as climate, traffic intensity, and the intended lifespan of the infrastructure.
AUSTRALIAN STANDARD BITUMEN VS REGULAR STANDARD BITUMEN
Australian Standard Grade Bitumen is specifically designed to cater to the unique environmental, traffic, and regulatory conditions found in Australia. While regular standard bitumen meets general global specifications, the Australian grades (C170, C320, C450, and C600) are tailored for superior performance under the region’s demanding conditions. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Australian Standard Bitumen | Regular Standard Bitumen |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity Grades | C170, C320, C450, C600 | Common grades include VG10, VG30, VG40 |
| Adaptability to Climate | Designed for extreme temperature variations, from hot deserts to cooler climates | May not specifically cater to extreme Australian climate conditions |
| Traffic Resistance | High resistance to deformation under heavy traffic and high stress | General performance under moderate traffic loads |
| Performance Standards | Tailored for Australian road design and infrastructure requirements | Complies with generalized international standards like ASTM or EN |
| Applications | Includes sprayed sealing, high-traffic roads, industrial sites, and airports | Suitable for general paving and road construction |
| Durability | Optimized for long-lasting performance in Australian conditions | May require additives or adjustments for high-stress areas |
| Environmental Suitability | Often manufactured with consideration for Australian environmental policies | Varies depending on the region and production methods |
Comparison of Australian Standard Bitumen and Regular Standard Bitumen
KEY ADVANTAGES OF AUSTRALIAN STANDARD BITUMEN
- Specificity for Local Conditions: Australian standards provide bitumen that is pre-adjusted for the region’s unique climatic and stress factors, reducing the need for extensive modification.
- Higher Viscosity Options: Grades like C320, C450, and C600 offer solutions for demanding infrastructure projects, whereas regular grades may not provide such tailored choices.
- Sustainability: The production process aligns with stringent environmental standards, contributing to more eco-friendly road construction.
GLOBAL STANDARD VS AUSTRALIAN STANDARD
While global standards cater to a wide array of conditions, Australian Standard Bitumen ensures reliability and consistency under some of the most challenging environments. It is a preferred choice for infrastructure projects requiring long-term durability and resilience.
For projects in Australia or similar regions, opting for Australian Standard Bitumen provides peace of mind and performance assurance. For general projects in other parts of the world, regular standard bitumen may suffice depending on environmental and traffic demands.
PACKAGING
Viscosity Graded Bitumen C170 is available in 0.6 mm thickness, 182 kg net weight drums, 95 cm height and 45 cm diameter (+/- 3 kg operational tolerance).
Safe Handling and Storage:
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) when handling (i.e. gloves, eye protectors, etc.
- Maintain safe heating temperatures when using this product
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing
- Avoid breathing vapor, spray or mist when applying
WHY CHOOSE AUSTRALIAN STANDARD BITUMEN?
Australian Standard Grade Bitumen ensure high-quality and performance reliability. These grades meet stringent regulations and are backed by extensive testing to adapt to the country’s challenging conditions.
TECHNCAL DATA SHEET OF AUSTRALIAN STANDARD BITUMEN
SPECIFICATION OF CLASS 170
| PROPERTIES | METHOD | MIN | MAX | UNIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity at 60° C | AS23401-2 | 140 | 200 | Pa.s |
| Viscosity at 135° C | AS23401.4 | 0.25 | 0.45 | Pa.s |
| Penetration 100g, 5s @ 25°C (p.u) | AS23401.12 | 62 | - | mm |
| Binder Density @ 15°C | AS23401.7 | 1000 | - | Kg/m3 |
| Matter Insoluble in Toluene | AS23401.8 | 1.0 | % | |
| Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup | ASTM D92 | 250 | - | C |
| Viscosity at 60° C, percentage of origin after RTFO treatment | AS23401.10 AS231.2 | - | 300 | - |
SPECIFICATION OF CLASS 240
| PROPERTIES | METHOD | MIN | MAX | UNIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity at 60° C | AS23401-2 | 190 | 280 | Pa.s |
| Viscosity at 135° C | AS23401.4 | 0.32 | 0.55 | Pa.s |
| Penetration 100g, 5s @ 25°C (p.u) | AS23401.12 | 53 | - | mm |
| Binder Density @ 15°C | AS23401.7 | 1000 | - | Kg/m3 |
| Matter Insoluble in Toluene | AS23401.8 | 1.0 | % | |
| Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup | ASTM D92 | 250 | - | C |
| Viscosity at 60° C, percentage of origin after RTFO treatment | AS23401.10 AS231.2 | - | 300 | - |
SPECIFICATION OF CLASS 320
| PROPERTIES | METHOD | MIN | MAX | UNIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity at 60° C | AS23401-2 | 260 | 380 | Pa.s |
| Viscosity at 135° C | AS23401.4 | 0.40 | 0.65 | Pa.s |
| Penetration 100g, 5s @ 25°C (p.u) | AS23401.12 | 40 | - | mm |
| Binder Density @ 15°C | AS23401.7 | 1000 | - | Kg/m3 |
| Matter Insoluble in Toluene | AS23401.8 | 1.0 | % | |
| Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup | ASTM D92 | 250 | - | C |
| Viscosity at 60° C, percentage of origin after RTFO treatment | AS23401.10 AS231.2 | - | 300 | - |
SPECIFICATION OF CLASS 450
| PROPERTIES | METHOD | MIN | MAX | UNIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity at 60° C | AS23401-2 | Report | Report | Pa.s |
| Viscosity at 135° C | AS23401.4 | - | 0.70 | Pa.s |
| Penetration 100g, 5s @ 25°C (p.u) | AS23401.12 | Report | Report | mm |
| Binder Density @ 15°C | AS23401.7 | 1000 | - | Kg/m3 |
| Matter Insoluble in Toluene | AS23401.8 | 1.0 | % | |
| Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup | ASTM D92 | 250 | - | C |
| Viscosity at 60° C, (percentage of origin after RTFO treatment) | AS23401.10 AS231.2 | 750 | 1150 | - |
| Penetration 100g, 5s @ 25°C After RTFO treatment) | AS2341.10 | 26 | - | Mm |
SPECIFICATION OF CLASS 600
| PROPERTIES | METHOD | MIN | MAX | UNIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity at 60° C | AS23401-2 | 500 | 700 | Pa.s |
| Viscosity at 135° C | AS23401.4 | 0.60 | 0.85 | Pa.s |
| Penetration 100g, 5s @ 25°C (p.u) | AS23401.12 | 20 | - | mm |
| Binder Density @ 15°C | AS23401.7 | 1000 | - | Kg/m3 |
| Matter Insoluble in Toluene | AS23401.8 | - | 1.0 | % |
| Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup | ASTM D92 | 250 | - | C |
| Viscosity at 60° C, percentage of origin after RTFO treatment | AS23401.10 AS231.2 | - | 300 | - |
For more information or to inquire about specific grades, feel free to contact our team of bitumen experts.
