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What is Bitumen?

1. What is bitumen made of?

Bitumen is primarily made of hydrocarbons, with small amounts of elements such as sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and metals like iron and calcium. The composition depends on the type of crude oil and refining process used.

Not exactly. Bitumen is the binding material used to hold the mixture together, while asphalt (or asphalt concrete) is the final mixture of bitumen and aggregates like sand, gravel, and stone used in road construction.

There are several types of bitumen, including:

  • Penetration Grade Bitumen: used in road surfacing.
  • Cutback Bitumen: blended with solvents for easy application.
  • Emulsion Bitumen: mixed with water for cold applications.
  • Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB): enhanced with polymers for improved flexibility and strength.

Each type is chosen based on climate, traffic, and project requirements.

Natural bitumen deposits are found in countries such as Canada (Athabasca oil sands), Venezuela (Orinoco Belt), and Trinidad. These deposits form over millions of years from organic matter under heat and pressure.

Bitumen is widely used in:

  • Road construction (asphalt pavements)
  • Roofing and waterproofing
  • Industrial coatings and sealants
  • Pipe protection and corrosion prevention

Bitumen provides durability, flexibility, and waterproofing, making it ideal for roads, roofs, and industrial surfaces. It resists temperature changes, moisture, and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Yes! Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) allows used bitumen and aggregates to be recycled into new asphalt mixes, reducing waste and saving resources. This makes bitumen a sustainable material choice for modern infrastructure.

Bitumen Applications

1. What are the main applications of bitumen?

Bitumen is widely used in road construction, waterproofing, roofing, and industrial coatings. It provides strength, flexibility, and weather resistance to infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, runways, and roofs. Additionally, it’s used in pipelines, insulation, and soundproofing materials.

Bitumen binds aggregates together to form asphalt concrete, creating a smooth and durable surface for vehicles. It resists water, handles temperature changes well, and provides flexibility, preventing cracks and potholes. Its recyclability also makes it an environmentally friendly choice.

Bitumen is used to produce waterproof membranes and sealants that prevent water leakage in roofs, basements, tunnels, and reservoirs. Its impermeable nature ensures long-lasting protection against moisture and corrosion.

In industrial sectors, bitumen is used as a protective coating for pipelines, cables, steel structures, and marine equipment. It shields materials from rust, corrosion, and chemical exposure, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance costs.

Yes. Bitumen is often incorporated into soundproof panels and vibration-damping materials. It helps absorb noise and minimize vibration in buildings, vehicles, and industrial environments, creating quieter and more comfortable spaces.

Key benefits of bitumen include:

  • Durability under heavy loads and extreme weather
  • Excellent waterproofing and adhesive properties
  • Flexibility to accommodate structural movement
  • Low maintenance and high recyclability
  • Cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives

Recent innovations include Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB) and bitumen emulsions, which offer better flexibility, environmental benefits, and performance. Colored and decorative bitumen surfaces are also gaining popularity for aesthetic urban projects.

Bitumen Production Process

1. How is bitumen produced from crude oil?

Bitumen is produced through the refining of crude oil. The process starts with atmospheric distillation, where lighter hydrocarbons like gasoline and diesel are separated. The heavier residue is then further refined under vacuum distillation, producing a thick, viscous material called bitumen. Depending on the application, it may be oxidized or modified with polymers to improve its performance.

The bitumen production process typically includes:

  • Atmospheric Distillation: separates lighter fractions.
  • Vacuum Distillation: processes the heavy residue.
  • Air Blowing (Oxidation): increases viscosity and softening point.
  • Modification: adds polymers or additives for enhanced durability.
  • Quality Testing: ensures compliance with performance standards.

Each stage ensures that the final product meets industrial and climatic requirements.

Straight-run bitumen is the residue obtained directly after vacuum distillation of crude oil, without any air-blowing or modification. It’s commonly used in asphalt paving and road construction due to its natural balance of viscosity and flexibility.

Air blowing, or oxidation, is used to change the properties of bitumen. By blowing air through heated vacuum residue, the material becomes harder and more temperature-resistant, making it suitable for applications like roofing, waterproofing membranes, and industrial coatings.

Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB) is produced by blending base bitumen with elastomers or plastomers such as SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate). This enhances flexibility, strength, and resistance to rutting, making PMB ideal for high-traffic roads and harsh weather conditions.

Modern refineries adopt eco-friendly refining techniques to minimize emissions and energy use. Moreover, recycling initiatives like Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) reduce waste and the demand for virgin materials, making bitumen production more sustainable over time.

Bitumen must meet specific standards such as ASTM D946, EN 12591, or regional road authority specifications. These standards assess properties like penetration, viscosity, softening point, and ductility, ensuring consistent quality across production batches.

Bitumen standards & Grades

1. What are the different grades of bitumen?

Bitumen is classified into several grades based on its physical properties and performance under different conditions.
The most common types include:

  • Penetration Grade (e.g., 60/70, 80/100) – Defined by how deep a needle penetrates the bitumen sample.
  • Viscosity Grade (VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, VG-40) – Based on flow resistance at specific temperatures.
  • Performance Grade (PG) – Rated according to climatic conditions and pavement temperature ranges.
    Each grade is selected according to climate, traffic load, and application requirements.

The term bitumen 60/70 refers to penetration grade bitumen where the penetration value ranges between 60 and 70 millimeters (tenths of a mm).
It indicates the hardness and consistency of the bitumen, the lower the number, the harder the grade.

  • 60/70 bitumen is commonly used in hot climates and heavy-traffic roads because it offers a good balance of flexibility and stiffness.

The main difference lies in how the bitumen’s properties are measured:

  • Penetration Grade measures the depth a needle penetrates the bitumen at a standard temperature.
  • Viscosity Grade measures the resistance to flow at 60°C and 135°C.

Viscosity grades (VG) provide more accurate temperature-based performance data, making them more reliable for modern road construction.

Performance Grade (PG) bitumen is classified based on the climatic conditions it is expected to endure, including high and low pavement temperatures.
For example:

  • PG 64-22 performs well between 64°C and -22°C.
  • PG 76-10 is used in hot regions or for heavy traffic.

This system ensures that bitumen performs consistently under real-world weather and load conditions.

  • ASTM Standards (mainly used in the U.S.) include ASTM D946, D3381, and D6373, defining penetration, viscosity, and performance-graded bitumen.
  • EN Standards (used in Europe), particularly EN 12591, define paving grades based on penetration and softening point, ensuring suitability for different European climates.

Both standards aim to guarantee uniform quality and performance across projects.

The best bitumen grade depends on climate and traffic load:

  • 60/70 or VG-30: Suitable for hot climates and highways.
  • 80/100 or VG-10: Ideal for cooler regions.
  • PG Grades (like PG 64-22): Used when both temperature and load variations must be considered.

Engineers select grades based on local conditions and pavement design requirements.

Standards such as ASTM, EN, and AASHTO ensure that bitumen meets specific performance, safety, and quality benchmarks.
They help maintain consistency across suppliers and regions, ensuring that roads, roofs, and other structures perform as intended, with longer lifespan, better adhesion, and higher weather resistance.

VG-30 bitumen is a viscosity grade bitumen used primarily in hot regions and heavy-duty road construction.
It offers high resistance to temperature-induced softening, making it suitable for highways, industrial roads, and areas with heavy traffic loads.

Bitumen Packing

1. What is bitumen packing?

Bitumen packing refers to the process of packaging bitumen in suitable containers or materials to ensure safe transportation, handling, and storage. Since bitumen is a viscous and temperature-sensitive material, proper packing prevents leakage, contamination, and degradation during shipment.

Bitumen can be packed in several ways depending on project scale, transport mode, and client requirements.
Common types of bitumen packaging include:

  • Steel drums (150 kg & 180 kg)
  • Jumbo bags (big bags)
  • Poly bags (meltable bags)
  • Carton boxes
  • Flexitanks
  • Bitutainers
  • Bulk hot bitumen delivery

Each type serves a specific purpose, from small-scale applications to large infrastructure projects.

A standard steel drum typically contains 180 kilograms of bitumen. Smaller drums may carry 150 kilograms. These are the most common sizes used for export and international transport due to their durability, stackability, and ease of handling.

Flexitanks are large, flexible liners fitted inside 20-foot shipping containers, capable of carrying up to 24 metric tons of liquid bitumen.
Key advantages:

  • Cost-effective bulk transport
  • Reduced packaging waste
  • Ideal for long-distance export
  • Faster loading and unloading times

Flexitanks are widely used for hot bitumen transportation in global trade.

Bitutainers are specialized tank containers designed for bulk storage and transport of hot bitumen. They are insulated and often equipped with heating systems to maintain optimal product temperature during transit.

They are ideal for:

  • Large-scale infrastructure projects
  • Export shipments
  • Bitumen storage at remote sites

Bitutainers are reusable and eco-friendly, making them a preferred choice for sustainable logistics.

Poly bags are made of meltable plastic material and used for solid bitumen. During heating, the bag melts completely, eliminating the need to unpack the product manually.

Benefits:

  • No waste or residue
  • Easy storage and handling
  • Perfect for small projects and cold-mix applications

Poly bags offer a clean and efficient packaging solution that saves time and reduces environmental impact.

For international shipments, the best packing types are:

  • Steel drums (180 kg): standard for exports.
  • Flexitanks: ideal for bulk hot bitumen.
  • Bitutainers: for large, temperature-controlled shipments.

The choice depends on destination climate, logistics setup, and order volume.

Proper packing ensures bitumen maintains its original quality during transportation and storage.
It protects against:

  • Oxidation and contamination
  • Temperature-related hardening
  • Leakage or material loss

Choosing the right packaging helps guarantee that the bitumen arrives in perfect condition, ready for use in construction or industrial applications.

Bitumen Logistics

1. What is bitumen logistics?

Bitumen logistics refers to the entire process of handling, transporting, and delivering bitumen from refineries to end-users, such as construction sites or asphalt plants.
It involves specialized packaging, temperature management, route planning, and coordination to ensure the bitumen arrives in perfect condition and on time.

Bitumen can be transported using several methods, depending on the volume, destination, and packaging type:

  • Bulk hot bitumen tankers for large-scale deliveries.
  • Steel drums for export and medium-volume shipments.
  • Flexitanks for long-distance containerized transport.
  • Bitutainers for temperature-controlled and reusable logistics.
  • Jumbo bags or poly bags for solid bitumen in smaller quantities.

Each method ensures the safe, efficient, and temperature-controlled movement of bitumen to domestic or international markets.

For international shipping, the most effective methods are:

  • Flexitanks (for bulk liquid bitumen up to 24 MT per container).
  • Steel drums (standard 150–180 kg drums for export).
  • Bitutainers (reusable and insulated tanks for long-distance shipping).

The best choice depends on project size, destination climate, and cost efficiency.
At Bernet Bitumen, we recommend solutions tailored to your route and delivery timeline.

Bitumen logistics involves unique challenges, including:

  • Maintaining correct temperature during transit.
  • Preventing leakage or oxidation.
  • Handling regulatory requirements for export and safety.
  • Managing timely delivery across long distances.

Advanced planning, specialized equipment, and experienced logistics teams help overcome these challenges effectively.

Bulk bitumen is typically transported in heated tankers or insulated trailers that maintain the product at high temperatures (around 150–170°C).
This ensures that the bitumen remains in liquid form, allowing for direct pumping into storage tanks or asphalt plants upon delivery, with no need for reheating or repackaging.

Bitumen’s properties change with temperature, it hardens when cool and softens when heated.
Maintaining consistent temperature control during transport prevents premature hardening, cracking, or product degradation, ensuring the bitumen’s quality and performance remain intact throughout the journey.

To ensure safe transport, Bernet Bitumen follows strict international safety and environmental standards, including:

  • Using insulated containers and leak-proof seals.
  • Monitoring temperature and pressure during transit.
  • Training staff in hazard handling and emergency response.
  • Complying with ISO and IMO transport regulations.

These practices guarantee secure, environmentally responsible delivery for every shipment.

We ensure timely delivery through:

  • Strategic route planning using multimodal transport (sea, land, and rail).
  • Real-time shipment tracking and status updates.
  • Efficient coordination between production, packaging, and shipping teams.
  • Dedicated logistics experts managing customs, ports, and freight schedules.

This integrated approach ensures consistent, on-schedule supply to projects worldwide.

Bitumen Standards and Grades

1. What are bitumen standards and why are they important?

Bitumen standards are official specifications that define how the quality and properties of bitumen should be measured and verified. They outline the testing methods for penetration, viscosity, ductility, and softening point.
Following recognized standards, such as ASTM, EN, SLS, AASHTO, GOST, and CAP, ensures consistency, safety, and reliability in every shipment of bitumen used for road construction and industrial applications.

Each international standard classifies bitumen differently based on regional climate and performance needs.
For example, ASTM and AASHTO use penetration or viscosity grades, EN applies paving and polymer-modified categories, and GOST defines viscosity grades for cold regions.
Understanding these variations helps engineers select the right grade for each project.

  • Key authorities include:
  • ASTM International (USA)
  • EN / CEN (Europe)
  • AASHTO (USA – highways)
  • SLS (Sri Lanka Standards)
  • CAP (China)
  • GOST (Russia)
    These bodies ensure global harmonization of test methods and material classifications.

Bernet Bitumen tests every batch in accredited laboratories using the exact methods prescribed by each international standard.
Our quality-control team verifies penetration, viscosity, and softening point results according to ASTM, EN, or local codes before approval for export.

  • Penetration Grade: Classified by hardness using a penetration test (e.g., 60/70, 80/100).
  • Viscosity Grade: Categorized by flow resistance at specific temperatures (e.g., VG-30, VG-40).
  • Performance Grade (PG): Rated by temperature range and pavement performance (e.g., PG 64-16).
    These systems make it easier to match bitumen properties to environmental and structural demands.

ASTM Bitumen Standards

1. What is the purpose of ASTM bitumen standards?

ASTM bitumen standards are developed by ASTM International to ensure consistency in the quality, testing, and performance of bitumen used in road construction, roofing, and industrial applications.
They establish globally accepted procedures for measuring bitumen properties such as penetration, viscosity, and softening point, ensuring reliable results and safe application.

  • Several ASTM standards are widely used in laboratories around the world:
  • ASTM D5 – Penetration Test of Bituminous Materials
  • ASTM D36 – Softening Point (Ring-and-Ball Method)
  • ASTM D113 – Ductility of Bituminous Materials
  • ASTM D2171 / D4402 – Viscosity Measurement
  • ASTM D92 – Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup
    These standards form the foundation for classifying bitumen grades and verifying quality before export.

ASTM standards are often referenced or adapted by other organizations such as AASHTO, EN, and ISO.
For example, AASHTO test methods (like T49 and T53) are equivalent to ASTM D5 and D36.
This global compatibility allows suppliers and buyers to compare results easily across regions and specifications.

ASTM testing covers a wide range of properties, including:

  • Penetration and viscosity (to determine consistency and grade)
  • Softening point (temperature sensitivity)
  • Ductility (flexibility and adhesion)
  • Flash point (safety during heating)
  • Solubility (purity and composition)
    These tests ensure the bitumen performs reliably under various environmental and load conditions.

Bernet Bitumen performs laboratory testing for every batch according to official ASTM procedures.
Each result is documented and verified before shipment, ensuring that our bitumen products meet international benchmarks for consistency, safety, and durability.

EN Bitumen Standards

1. What are EN bitumen standards and who issues them?

EN bitumen standards are technical specifications created by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
They unify how bitumen and asphalt products are tested and classified across the European Union, ensuring consistent quality and performance in road-building and industrial applications.

EN standards ensure that bitumen grades meet EU performance, durability, and safety criteria.
When a product complies with EN specifications, engineers and importers can trust that it will behave predictably under European climate and traffic conditions.

Key EN standards used in laboratories include:

  • EN 1426 – Penetration of Bituminous Binders
  • EN 1427 – Softening Point (Ring-and-Ball Method)
  • EN 12596 – Dynamic Viscosity Measurement
  • EN 12591 – Paving Grade Bitumen Specification
  • EN 14023 – Polymer-Modified Bitumen Specification
    Together, these methods cover the main physical and chemical properties that define product quality.

EN standards share similar testing goals with ASTM and AASHTO, but they use metric units and performance ranges tailored to European climates.
For example, EN 1426 is equivalent in purpose to ASTM D5 (penetration test), while EN 1427 aligns with ASTM D36 (softening point).
This compatibility helps international suppliers trade easily across regions.

Bernet Bitumen performs full laboratory testing under EN 1426, EN 1427, and EN 12591 before exporting to European markets.
Each batch is certified for penetration, softening point, and viscosity according to CEN requirements, ensuring it meets EU procurement standards.

AASHTO Bitumen Standards

1. What are AASHTO bitumen standards?

AASHTO bitumen standards are specifications and test methods developed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
They define how asphalt binders and bitumen are tested, classified, and approved for use in U.S. road and highway construction. These standards ensure uniformity, safety, and high performance in infrastructure projects across all states.

AASHTO and ASTM standards are closely related, in fact, many AASHTO test methods are adapted directly from ASTM procedures but are tailored to meet U.S. federal and state highway requirements.
For example, AASHTO T49 corresponds to ASTM D5 (penetration test), and AASHTO T53 aligns with ASTM D36 (softening point).
The main difference lies in their application: AASHTO standards are used primarily for transportation and public works projects.

Common AASHTO methods include:

  • AASHTO T49 – Penetration of Bituminous Materials
  • AASHTO T51 – Ductility of Asphalt Materials
  • AASHTO T53 – Softening Point (Ring-and-Ball Method)
  • AASHTO T48 – Flash and Fire Points
  • AASHTO T201 / T202 – Viscosity Measurement
  • AASHTO M320 – Performance-Graded (PG) Asphalt Binder Specification
    These tests define the mechanical and safety characteristics required for bitumen used in highways.

AASHTO M320 is one of the most important bitumen standards.
It classifies asphalt binders by Performance Grade (PG) based on how they perform under specific temperature conditions.
For example, PG 64-16 means the bitumen performs well at high temperatures up to 64°C and low temperatures down to -16°C.
This grading ensures road durability and resistance to rutting or cracking.

Bernet Bitumen tests all products according to official AASHTO and ASTM methods before export.
Our laboratory ensures that each batch meets penetration, viscosity, and PG-grade criteria, making it suitable for U.S. highway and infrastructure projects.

GOST 52056 Bitumen Standards

1. What are GOST 52056 bitumen standards?

GOST 52056 is the Russian Federation’s national standard that defines the specifications, testing procedures, and classification system for bitumen used in road construction and industrial applications.
It ensures uniform product quality across Russian and CIS markets by setting limits for penetration, viscosity, softening point, and other key performance properties.

GOST standards are issued by the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart).
This agency coordinates with laboratories and industry experts across Russia and neighboring countries to maintain up-to-date testing procedures for petroleum-based materials, including bitumen.

Common GOST test codes include:

  • GOST 11501 – Penetration Test of Bituminous Materials
  • GOST 11506 – Softening Point by Ring-and-Ball Method
  • GOST 11505 – Ductility Testing
  • GOST 4333 – Flash Point Determination
  • GOST 11508 – Solubility and Purity Verification
    These standards provide reliable benchmarks for evaluating bitumen’s physical and chemical performance.

While ASTM and EN are commonly used in Western markets, GOST standards are designed for colder climates and high-load conditions typical in Russia and Eastern Europe.
GOST methods often emphasize temperature flexibility and viscosity stability, ensuring road durability under extreme seasonal variations.

Bernet Bitumen conducts laboratory testing in accordance with GOST 52056-2003 and related specifications before export to Russia and CIS countries.
Each batch is verified for penetration, ductility, viscosity, and flash point to ensure full compliance with national and regional construction requirements.

SLS Bitumen Standards

1. What are SLS bitumen standards?

SLS bitumen standards are the official specifications issued by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) to define the quality, testing methods, and classification of bitumen used in road construction and infrastructure projects.
These standards ensure that all bitumen products meet the country’s climate and performance requirements for safety, consistency, and durability.

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, high humidity, and varying temperature conditions require bitumen with specific physical properties.
SLS standards help engineers and suppliers select materials that resist softening, rutting, and cracking under local weather and traffic conditions, ensuring long-lasting roads and reliable infrastructure.

Key SLS bitumen test methods include:

  • SLS 31 – Penetration of Bituminous Materials
  • SLS 32 – Softening Point by Ring-and-Ball Method
  • SLS 33 – Ductility Testing
  • SLS 34 – Flash Point and Fire Safety
  • SLS 35 – Solubility and Purity Verification
    These codes define testing procedures for assessing bitumen’s hardness, flexibility, temperature resistance, and safety.

SLS standards are based on ASTM and EN methods but adapted to Sri Lanka’s tropical climate and national construction regulations.
They include adjustments to temperature ranges, viscosity measurements, and penetration limits to suit regional environmental and road design conditions.

Bernet Bitumen performs quality tests according to SLS 31–35 before exporting to Sri Lanka.
Every batch is tested for penetration, softening point, ductility, and flash point to ensure compliance with SLSI specifications and local project requirements.

CAP Bitumen Standards

1. What are CAP bitumen standards?

CAP bitumen standards are China’s official specifications for asphalt and bitumen, established to ensure consistent performance in road construction, waterproofing, and industrial use.
These standards define the testing procedures, classification codes, and quality benchmarks for bituminous materials used in Chinese infrastructure projects.

CAP standards are issued by the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China through the Standardization Administration (SAC).
They are maintained under national codes such as GB/T, JTJ, and JTG E20, which guide laboratory testing and performance evaluation of road-grade bitumen.

Key CAP bitumen test methods include:

  • JTJ052 / JTG E20 – Test Methods for Bitumen and Bituminous Mixtures
  • GB/T 15180 – Paving Grade Bitumen Specifications
  • T0605 / T0607 – Ductility and Solubility Testing
  • T0611 – Flash Point Determination
    These standards specify the equipment, temperature range, and testing accuracy needed to classify each bitumen type.

While ASTM and EN standards are globally recognized, CAP standards are adapted to China’s diverse climate and construction practices.
They focus on properties like temperature stability, elasticity, and adhesion, which are critical for high-traffic roads and large-scale infrastructure projects.

Bernet Bitumen conducts laboratory testing under GB/T 15180 and JTG E20 to ensure each batch meets China’s CAP requirements.
All products are verified for penetration, viscosity, and softening point before export, ensuring compliance with national and provincial quality standards.

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