Bitumen 60/70
Technical Specifications, Uses, Applications and Standards
Bitumen 60/70 is one of the most widely used penetration-grade bitumen products for asphalt and
road construction. It is classified according to its penetration range and is commonly selected for
pavement applications where a balance between stiffness, flexibility, durability, and workability is
required.
The designation 60/70 refers to a penetration range of 60 to 70 × 0.1 mm, measured at 25°C under
specified laboratory conditions. ASTM D946/D946M includes 60–70 as one of its penetration grades for
asphalt binders used in pavement construction.
What Is Bitumen 60/70?
Bitumen 60/70 is a penetration-grade paving bitumen produced from petroleum refining processes. Its
grade is primarily identified by its penetration value.
During the standard penetration test, a needle is applied to the bitumen under controlled conditions.
For the 60/70 grade, the penetration is between 60 and 70 dmm at 25°C, where one dmm equals 0.1
millimeter.
A lower penetration value generally indicates a harder binder, while a higher penetration value
indicates a softer binder. Because of its balanced properties, Bitumen 60/70 is commonly used in
asphalt mixtures and pavement construction.
Bitumen 60/70 Technical Specifications
The exact specification depends on the applicable standard, purchaser requirements, refinery, and
project. Typical commercial specifications include the following parameters:
Property
Typical Requirement
Test Method
Penetration at 25°C
Softening Point
60–70
Approximately 46–56°C*
ASTM D5
ASTM D36
Ductility at 25°C
Flash Point
Solubility
Specific Gravity at 25°C
≥100 cm*
≥230°C*
≥99%*
Approximately 1.01–1.06*
ASTM D113
ASTM D92
ASTM D2042
ASTM D70
*Typical commercial values can vary according to the governing specification and supplier. Always verify the applicable
standard and the supplier’s Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Main Applications of Bitumen 60/70
1. Road Construction
One of the most important applications of Bitumen 60/70 is the construction and maintenance of
roads. It can be used in asphalt mixtures for highways, urban roads, streets, and other paved surfaces.
2. Hot Mix Asphalt
Bitumen 60/70 •
Bitumen 60/70 is commonly incorporated into Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), where the binder is mixed with
selected mineral aggregates to produce asphalt pavement. The appropriate binder grade should
always be selected according to pavement design, climate, traffic conditions, and the project
specification.
3. Highway and Urban Pavements
Its balance of stiffness and workability makes 60/70 a commonly specified penetration grade for
various pavement projects.
4. Asphalt Maintenance and Repair
Bitumen 60/70 can also be used in certain asphalt repair and maintenance mixtures, depending on the
formulation and project requirements.
5. Industrial Applications
Depending on the formulation and applicable standards, penetration-grade bitumen can also be used
in selected industrial and waterproofing-related applications.
Advantages of Bitumen 60/70
• Good adhesion with mineral aggregates
• Balanced hardness and flexibility
• Suitable workability during asphalt production
• Good durability when properly formulated and applied
• Widely recognized penetration-grade classification
• Suitable for a broad range of asphalt pavement applications
• Available from numerous refineries and producers worldwide
However, the actual pavement performance depends not only on the bitumen grade but also on
aggregate properties, asphalt mix design, climate, traffic loading, construction quality, and pavement
design.
Bitumen 60/70 vs. Other Penetration Grades
Bitumen grades are differentiated partly by their penetration range.
Grade
General Characteristics
Bitumen 40/50
Bitumen 60/70
Harder
Medium penetration / balanced properties
Bitumen 80/100
Bitumen 100/120
Softer
Softer than 80/100
Generally, as the penetration number increases, the binder becomes softer. However, selecting the
correct grade should not be based on penetration alone. Project climate, traffic, pavement structure,
and the applicable standard should also be considered.
How Is Bitumen 60/70 Tested?
Bitumen 60/70 • Page 2
Penetration Test
The penetration test determines the consistency of the bitumen at 25°C under specified loading and
time conditions. For 60/70 grade, the specified penetration range is 60–70 dmm under ASTM D5
conditions.
Softening Point Test
The Ring-and-Ball method is commonly used to determine the temperature at which bitumen reaches
a specified softening condition.
Ductility Test
Ductility measures the ability of a bituminous material to elongate under specified test conditions.
Flash Point Test
The flash point provides important information concerning the temperature at which vapors may ignite
under the test conditions.
Solubility Test
Solubility testing is used to evaluate the proportion of the binder that dissolves in the specified solvent
under the applicable test method.
Bitumen 60/70 Quality Control
For international trade, buyers should not rely only on the product name “Bitumen 60/70.” A proper
Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be reviewed before shipment.
• Product name and grade
• Batch or production number
• Test date
• Penetration result
• Softening point
• Ductility
• Flash point
• Solubility
• Applicable test methods
• Refinery or manufacturer information
The specification should always be checked against the standard named in the purchase contract or
technical specification.
Packaging and Transportation
Bitumen 60/70 can be supplied in different forms depending on the supplier, destination, and
transportation method. Common commercial packaging options may include:
• New steel drums
• Jumbo bags
Bitumen 60/70 •
• Bulk shipment
• Bitumen tank containers
The appropriate packaging and transportation method depends on the destination, handling facilities,
shipment size, and contractual requirements.
Why Choose Bitumen 60/70?
Bitumen 60/70 remains an important penetration-grade binder because it provides a practical balance
of properties for many asphalt applications. Its standardized penetration range, broad use in pavement
construction, and availability from international producers make it a commonly specified material in
global bitumen markets.
Nevertheless, Bitumen 60/70 is not automatically the best choice for every pavement project.
Engineers should select the binder based on the project’s climate, traffic loading, pavement design,
and governing specification.
Conclusion
Bitumen 60/70 is a penetration-grade asphalt binder widely used in road construction and asphalt
production. Its defining characteristic is a penetration range of 60–70 dmm at 25°C, according to the
applicable penetration test.
It is used in applications including hot mix asphalt, highways, urban roads, pavement construction,
maintenance, and selected industrial applications.
For international procurement, buyers should always compare the supplier’s Technical Data Sheet
(TDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) with the exact standard and requirements specified for the
project.
ASTM currently lists ASTM D946/D946M-25a as its active specification for penetration-graded asphalt
binder, with 60–70 among the covered penetration grades.
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