Worldwide Specifications for Bitumen

Bitumen Standards and Grades

Explore global bitumen standards and grades, including ASTM, EN, SLS, AASHTO, CAP, and GOST specifications. Learn how international standards define bitumen properties and testing methods.

Understanding International Bitumen Grades

Bitumen Standards and Grades

Bitumen quality and performance are defined by international standards and grading systems. These standards ensure that the material used for road construction, waterproofing, and industrial applications meets specific physical, chemical, and performance requirements.

At Bernet Bitumen, we follow globally recognized specifications such as ASTM, EN, SLS, AASHTO, GOST, and CAP to guarantee consistent product quality and compliance with regional regulations.

Importance of Bitumen Standards

Bitumen standards establish the testing methods, classification, and performance benchmarks for each type of bitumen.
They help ensure:

Consistent product quality worldwide
Compatibility with regional climates and construction standards
Safe transportation and use across international markets

Defining Quality Through Standards

Overview of Global Bitumen Standards

Below are the major standards used internationally, each with specific test codes and procedures that define penetration, softening point, viscosity, ductility, and other key bitumen properties.

Global Standards

Defines international harmonization of testing and performance methods across different regions.

SLS Bitumen Standards

Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) specify local climate-adjusted grades and methods.

EN Bitumen Standards

European Norm (EN) standards define product categories and test methods across the EU.

ASTM Bitumen Standards

ASTM defines key bitumen test methods used globally, including penetration, viscosity, and ductility.

CAP Standard Bitumen

China’s CAP standards regulate bitumen quality under national construction requirements.

AASHTO Bitumen Standards

AASHTO standard used widely in the USA for road construction & highway.

GOST 52056 Standards

Russian Federation standards defining testing methods for viscosity and performance grades.

Bitumen Grades and Classification

Different standards classify bitumen based on its penetration value, viscosity, and performance under temperature stress.
Common grades include:

Penetration Grades (e.g., 40/50, 60/70, 80/100)
Viscosity Grades (VG-10, VG-30, VG-40)
Performance Grades (PG 58-22, PG 64-16)

These classifications help engineers and buyers select the right bitumen type for their projects based on climate and road design requirements.

Comparison of Global Bitumen Standard Test Methods

Bitumen Property	ASTM Standard	EN Standard	AASHTO Standard	SLS Standard	GOST Standard	CAP / China Standard
Penetration Test	ASTM D5	EN 1426	AASHTO T49	SLS 31	GOST 11501	JTJ052 / JTG E20
Softening Point (Ring & Ball)	ASTM D36	EN 1427	AASHTO T53	SLS 32	GOST 11506	T0606 / JTG E20
Ductility Test	ASTM D113	EN 13398	AASHTO T51	SLS 33	GOST 11505	T0605 / GB/T 15180
Viscosity Measurement	ASTM D2171 / D4402	EN 12596	AASHTO T201 / T202	SLS 37	GOST 52056	T0625 / GB/T 15180
Flash & Fire Point	ASTM D92	EN ISO 2592	AASHTO T48	SLS 34	GOST 4333	T0611 / JTG E20
Solubility / Purity Test	ASTM D2042	EN 12592	—	SLS 35	GOST 11508	T0607 / GB/T 15180
Performance Grade (PG) Classification	ASTM D6373	EN 15322 / EN 14023	AASHTO M320	—	GOST 33133	GB/T 15180-2011
Specific Gravity / Density	ASTM D70	EN 15326	AASHTO T228	SLS 39	GOST 3900	GB/T 1884
Water Content	ASTM D95	EN 1428	AASHTO T55	SLS 36	GOST 2477	T0604 / JTG E20

Understanding the Table

This comparison shows how different organizations use similar scientific methods under various regional codes:

ASTM, AASHTO, and EN standards are internationally harmonized, used by most laboratories worldwide.
SLS adapts ASTM methods to tropical climates such as Sri Lanka.
GOST emphasizes viscosity and low-temperature flexibility for colder regions.
CAP (China) integrates GB/T and JTG codes for national road projects.

Why This Comparison Matters

By aligning these standards, suppliers, buyers, and engineers can easily cross-reference testing data, ensuring that a product certified under ASTM, EN, or GOST delivers the same performance under similar conditions.

Commitment to Global Quality

At Bernet Bitumen, all products are tested and certified according to the relevant regional standards requested by clients.
Our in-house lab follows ASTM, EN, and ISO protocols, providing documentation compatible with AASHTO, SLS, CAP, and GOST requirements for seamless global trade.