Climate-Tested Durability
PG Bitumen
High-Performance PG Bitumen
Performance Grade (PG) Bitumen
Due to the inadequacy of penetration and viscosity based grading systems, the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) in the US conducted a Project between 1987 and 1993 in order to overcome the shortcomings of empirical systems. One consequence of this Project was a performance-based binder specification with a new set of tests. The final product of the SHRP bitumen research program is a new system referred to as SUPER-PAVE, which stands for Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements and called as binder specification because it is intended to function equally well for modified and unmodified bitumen. Performance Grade (PG) Bitumen is bitumen which is graded based on its performance at different temperatures. In Super-pave grading system, binders are classified according to their performance in extreme hot and cold temperatures and called as performance grade (PG) bitumen. The main purpose of grading and selecting asphalt binder using the PG system is to make certain that the binder has the appropriate properties for environmental conditions in the field. PG asphalt binders are selected to meet expected climatic conditions as well as traffic speed and volume adjustments.
Superpave Performance Grading (PG) of Bitumen
Therefore, the PG system uses a common set of tests to measure physical properties of the binder that can be directly related to field performance of the pavement at its service temperatures by engineering principles. It is one of the most important changes introduced in Super pave that acceptance limits are the same but have to be met at specific pavement temperature and traffic conditions.
The Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) has given a certain algorithm to calculate the temperature of the pavement based on the temperature of the air above. From this, the highest and the lowest temperatures of the pavement are calculated and the bitumen that performs well in that temperature range is selected. Penetration grading and viscosity grading are somewhat limited in their ability to fully characterize asphalt binder for use in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavement. Therefore, as part of the Super-pave research effort, new binder tests and specifications were developed to more accurately and fully characterize asphalt binders for use in HMA pavements. These tests and specifications are specifically designed to address HMA pavement performance parameters such as rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking. Super-pave performance Grade (PG) Bitumen is based on the idea that an HMA asphalt binder’s properties should be related to the conditions under which it is used. For asphalt binders, this involves expected climatic conditions as well as aging considerations. Therefore, the PG system uses a common battery of tests (as the older penetration and viscosity grading systems do) but specifies that a particular asphalt binder must pass these tests at specific temperatures that are dependent upon the specific climatic conditions in the area of use. This concept is not new, selection of penetration or viscosity graded asphalt binders follows the same logic, but the relationships between asphalt binder properties and conditions of use are more complete and more precise with the Super-pave PG system. Information on how to select a PG asphalt binder for a specific condition is contained in Super-pave mix design method.
Performance Grade (PG) Bitumen Nomenclature
Performance Grade (PG) bitumen cement based on two factors: traffic and pavement temperature. Adjustments are made to the PG grade of asphalt cement based on traffic conditions and traffic volumes which are intended to enhance the design life of the pavement. The PG grading system is defined by two numbers, which represent pavement temperatures. The first number PG 64-XX represents the high pavement temperature in degrees Celsius, while the second number PG XX-22 represents the low pavement temperature. Notice that these numbers are pavement temperatures and not air temperatures (these pavement temperatures are estimated from air temperatures using an algorithm contained in the LTPP Bind program). All adjustments to the PG grading system are made in six (6) degree increments. The high temperature relates to the effects of rutting and the low temperature relates to cold temperature and fatigue cracking.
Engineered for Pavement Performance
Comprehensive Range of PG Bitumen
Bernet Bitumen manufactures all 22 Performance Grade (PG) binders, from PG 52-10 for cooler climates to PG 82-28 for extreme tropical or desert conditions, each verified by AASHTO and ASTM test protocols.
Bitumen PG 52-10
Overview: A soft-grade performance binder suited for cold and temperate climates, ensuring good flexibility and fatigue resistance.
Indicative properties: High temp ≈ 52°C / Low temp ≈ –10°C, penetration 60–90 (0.1 mm), softening point ≥45°C, viscosity at 135°C stable, flash point ≥220°C.
Applications: Urban and rural roads in moderate temperature zones.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 58-16
Overview: A balanced binder for mixed climates and medium-traffic pavements.
Indicative properties: Performance range 58°C to –16°C, excellent adhesion and flexibility.
Applications: Used for dense bituminous macadam (DBM) and asphalt concrete in transitional climates.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 58-22
Overview: Designed for cold to temperate climates, offering superior resistance to thermal cracking.
Indicative properties: Range 58°C to –22°C; good elasticity and ductility; stable viscosity.
Applications: Ideal for northern highways and urban pavements.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 58-28
Overview: A low-temperature binder ensuring flexibility down to –28°C, while maintaining rutting control at 58°C.
Indicative properties: Elastic recovery ≥70%, softening point ≥50°C, flash point ≥230°C.
Applications: Cold region pavements, overlays, and maintenance work.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 58-34
Overview: Designed for very cold regions, maintaining flexibility at –34°C with high fatigue life.
Indicative properties: Softening point 50–55°C, penetration 70–90, elastic recovery ≥75%.
Applications: Mountain roads, alpine regions, and cold-weather pavements.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 64-10
Overview: A moderately hard binder ideal for warm climates with medium traffic.
Indicative properties: Temperature range 64°C / –10°C, viscosity at 135°C stable, flash point ≥230°C.
Applications: Rural and city pavements with seasonal heat exposure.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 64-16
Overview: A widely used grade for warm and mixed climates offering balanced stiffness and elasticity.
Indicative properties: Range 64°C to –16°C, elastic recovery ≥70%, ductility ≥75 cm.
Applications: Highways, overlays, and mixed-climate projects.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 64-22
Overview: The standard binder for national highways, combining rutting resistance and fatigue flexibility.
Indicative properties: Range 64°C / –22°C, viscosity and softening point stable under repeated loading.
Applications: National and express highways, airports, and major roads.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 64-28
Overview: Enhanced low-temperature flexibility for continental climates with hot days and cold nights.
Indicative properties: Range 64°C / –28°C, softening point ≥55°C, elastic recovery ≥75%.
Applications: Used in high-altitude pavements and mixed climates.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 70-10
Overview: A high-stiffness binder for hot climates and medium-load pavements.
Indicative properties: Range 70°C / –10°C, softening point ≥60°C, flash point ≥230°C.
Applications: Desert roads, parking areas, and tropical pavements.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 70-16
Overview: Formulated for hot and humid climates with heavy traffic loads.
Indicative properties: 70°C / –16°C, elastic recovery ≥80%, ductility ≥50 cm.
Applications: Airports, expressways, and industrial pavements.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 70-22
Overview: A premium binder balancing stiffness, fatigue life, and low-temperature flexibility.
Indicative properties: Range 70°C / –22°C, flash point ≥230°C, high cohesion.
Applications: Highways, urban expressways, and bridges.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 70-28
Overview: Engineered for continental climates with strong day/night temperature swings.
Indicative properties: 70°C / –28°C, elastic recovery ≥75%, viscosity stable.
Applications: High-altitude highways and mixed-climate regions.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 70-40
Overview: A specialized binder for extreme climates, capable of performing at 70°C and down to –40°C.
Indicative properties: Exceptional elasticity, softening point ≥60°C, high cohesive strength.
Applications: Used in extreme winter roads and bridge pavements.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 76-10
Overview: A polymer-modified binder for hot tropical climates requiring high stiffness and stability.
Indicative properties: 76°C / –10°C, elastic recovery ≥85%, flash point ≥230°C.
Applications: Desert highways, airports, and ports.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 76-16
Overview: A high-performance binder for heavy traffic in warm regions.
Indicative properties: 76°C / –16°C, softening point ≥65°C, excellent rutting resistance.
Applications: Expressways, bridges, and high-load pavements.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 76-22
Overview: An enhanced polymer binder ensuring deformation control and fatigue resistance.
Indicative properties: 76°C / –22°C, elastic recovery ≥85%, ductility ≥40 cm.
Applications: Airports, container terminals, and industrial pavements.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 76-28
Overview: A versatile binder for regions with extreme temperature swings, offering superior elasticity and toughness.
Indicative properties: 76°C / –28°C, elastic recovery ≥80%, viscosity stable at 135°C.
Applications: Mountain expressways and continental climates.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 82-10
Overview: A very hard binder for extreme heat conditions, ensuring rutting resistance and oxidation control.
Indicative properties: 82°C / –10°C, softening point ≥70°C, elastic recovery ≥85%.
Applications: Desert highways, airfield taxiways, and industrial zones.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 82-16
Overview: A premium high-temperature grade with excellent elasticity and cohesion for tropical regions.
Indicative properties: 82°C / –16°C, softening point ≥75°C, elastic recovery ≥85%.
Applications: Expressways and infrastructure in very hot climates.
Standards: AASHTO M320.
Bitumen PG 82-22
Overview: An advanced polymer-modified binder for extreme traffic and high-temperature stress conditions.
Indicative properties: 82°C / –22°C, flash point ≥230°C, elastic recovery ≥85%.
Applications: Airports, ports, heavy-duty roads, and logistics hubs.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Bitumen PG 82-28
Overview: The top-end grade for the harshest environments, combining extreme heat stability with low-temperature flexibility.
Indicative properties: 82°C / –28°C, elastic recovery ≥90%, viscosity stable, high cohesive strength.
Applications: Airfields, desert expressways, and mixed-climate performance roads.
Standards: AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373.
Applications & Advantages
- Climate-tailored binders for all temperature zones
- Excellent rutting and fatigue resistance
- Long service life under Superpave-designed pavements
- Consistent quality compliant with AASHTO M320 / ASTM D6373
- Available in bulk, drum, or customized export packaging
Why Choose Bernet Bitumen
- ISO-certified manufacturing and Superpave laboratory testing
- Full compliance with AASHTO and ASTM specifications
- Experienced technical team supporting binder selection
- Proven performance in global highway and airport projects
Bernet Bitumen PG Grades Technical Data (Consolidated)
| Binder Grade (PG) | Min Pavement Temp (°C) | Max Pavement Temp (°C) | Flash Point (°C) | Viscosity (Pa·s @135°C) | DSR G*/Sinδ (kPa) | RTFOT Mass Change (%) | DSR after RTFOT (kPa) | PAV Aging Temp (°C) | DSR after PAV (kPa) | BBR S-Value (MPa) | BBR m-Value | BBR Test Temp (°C) | Packaging | Test Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG 52-10 | >-10 | 52 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @52°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @52°C | 90 | 5000 @25°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | 0 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 58-16 | >-16 | 58 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @58°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @58°C | 100 | 5000 @25°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -6 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 58-22 | >-22 | 58 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @58°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @58°C | 100 | 5000 @22°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -12 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 58-28 | >-28 | 58 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @58°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @58°C | 100 | 5000 @19°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -18 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 58-34 | >-34 | 58 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @58°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @58°C | 100 | 5000 @16°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -24 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 64-10 | >-10 | 64 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @64°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @64°C | 100 | 5000 @31°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | 0 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 64-16 | >-16 | 64 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @64°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @64°C | 100 | 5000 @28°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -6 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 64-22 | >-22 | 64 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @64°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @64°C | 100 | 5000 @25°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -12 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 64-28 | >-28 | 64 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @64°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @64°C | 100 | 5000 @22°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -18 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 70-10 | >-10 | 70 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @70°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @70°C | 100–110 | 5000 @34°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | 0 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 70-16 | >-16 | 70 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @70°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @70°C | 100–110 | 5000 @31°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -6 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT jumbo bag | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 70-22 | >-22 | 70 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @70°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @70°C | 100–110 | 5000 @28°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -12 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 70-28 | >-28 | 70 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @70°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @70°C | 100–110 | 5000 @25°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -18 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 70-40 | >-40 | 70 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @70°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @70°C | 100–110 | 5000 @19°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -30 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 76-10 | >-10 | 76 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @76°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @76°C | 100–110 | 5000 @37°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | 0 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 76-16 | >-16 | 76 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @76°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @76°C | 100–110 | 5000 @34°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -6 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 76-22 | >-22 | 76 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @76°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @76°C | 100–110 | 5000 @31°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -12 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 76-28 | >-28 | 76 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @76°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @76°C | 100–110 | 5000 @28°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -18 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 82-10 | >-10 | 82 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @82°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @82°C | 100–110 | 5000 @40°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | 0 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 82-16 | >-16 | 82 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @82°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @82°C | 100–110 | 5000 @37°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -6 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 82-22 | >-22 | 82 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @82°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @82°C | 100–110 | 5000 @34°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -12 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
| PG 82-28 | >-28 | 82 | 230 | ≤3 | 1 @82°C | ≤1 | 2.2 @82°C | 100–110 | 5000 @31°C | ≤300 | ≥0.300 | -18 | 185 kg drum / 1 MT wooden box | ASTM D92, D4402, D7175, D2872, D6648 |
PERFORMANCE GRADED ASPHALT BINDER SPECIFICATION - AASHTO MP1
| PERFORMANCE GRADED ASPHALT BINDER SPECIFICATION – AASHTO MP1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BINDER PROPERTY | PG 46 | PG 52 | PG 58 | PG 64 | PG 70 | PG 76 | PG 82 | TEST METHOD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -34 | -40 | -46 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -40 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -40 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | ||
| Average 7-day maximum pavement design temperature, °C | < 46 | < 52 | < 58 | < 64 | < 70 | < 76 | < 82 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minimum pavement design temperature, °C | -34 | -40 | -46 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -40 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -40 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | -34 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | |
| Original Binder | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Flash Point Temperature Minimum, °C | 230 | AASHTO T48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Viscosity maximum 3 Pa·s, Test Temperature, °C | 135 | AASHTO T316 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dynamic Shear G*/sinδ minimum 2.2 kPa, Test Temperature, °C | 46 | 52 | 58 | 64 | 70 | 76 | 82 | AASHTO T315 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rolling Thin Film Oven Test | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mass change maximum percent | 1.00 | AASHTO T240 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dynamic Shear G*/sinδ minimum 2.2 kPa @ 10 rad/s, °C | 46 | 52 | 58 | 64 | 70 | 76 | 82 | AASHTO T315 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pressure Aging Vessel | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PAV aging temperature, °C | 90 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 100 (110) | 100 (110) | 100 (110) | AASHTO R28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Creep Stiffness S ≤ 300 MPa, m-value ≥ 0.300, 60s, °C | -24 | -30 | -36 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | -30 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | -30 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | AASHTO T313 |
| Direct Tension Failure strain ≥ 1%, 1 mm/min, °C | -24 | -30 | -36 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | -30 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | -30 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | AASHTO T314 |
| Critical low cracking temperature (PP42) | -24 | -30 | -36 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | -30 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | -30 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | -24 | 0 | -6 | -12 | -18 | AASHTO PP42 |