Viscosity Grade Bitumen by
Arta Energy Innovators (artaEI)
Viscosity Grade (VG) bitumen is a system used to classify bitumen based on its viscosity, which means its resistance to flow at a specific temperature. This grading system helps engineers choose the most suitable type of bitumen for different climatic conditions and traffic loads.
Unlike older grading systems (such as penetration grade), VG grading focuses on how bitumen actually behaves at high service temperatures, making it more reliable for modern road construction.
Each VG bitumen is labeled with a number, such as VG 10, VG 20, VG 30, or VG 40. The number represents the viscosity value at 60°C (measured in poise).
•Lower VG grades (e.g., VG 10) are softer and flow more easily, making them suitable for colder climates or low traffic roads.
•Higher VG grades (e.g., VG 40) are harder and more resistant to deformation, making them suitable for hot climates and heavy traffic conditions.
Overall, viscosity grade bitumen improves pavement performance by reducing problems like rutting, cracking, and bleeding, and it allows for better matching of bitumen properties to real-world conditions.
