Bitumen 80/100 is produced by refining crude oil. The crude oil is first heated to separate the lighter components from the heavier components. The heavier components are then further processed to produce bitumen. Bitumen 80/100 is a viscous liquid at high temperatures, but it becomes solid at lower temperatures. This property makes it ideal for use in asphalt pavements, as it provides the necessary strength and flexibility to withstand the stresses of traffic.
What is Bitumen 80/100?
Bitumen Penetration 80/100 is a type of asphalt binder commonly used in road construction. It is a black, sticky material derived from petroleum. The number 80/100 refers to the penetration grade of the bitumen, which is a measure of its hardness. Bitumen 80/100 is a medium-hard bitumen, making it ideal for various climates and applications.
the Bitumen 80/100 means The numbers 800 and 100 in bitumen 800/100 refer to the penetration and softening point of the bitumen, respectively. Penetration is a measure of how easily a bitumen can be penetrated by a standard needle, and the softening point is the temperature at which a bitumen becomes soft and pliable.
Bitumen Penetration Grade 80/100 is a standard penetration grade Bitumen usually used as a Paving Grade Bitumen suitable for road construction and for the production of asphalt pavements with superior properties. this grade of Bitumen is mainly used in the manufacture of hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses.
Definition of Bitumen 80/100
Bitumen is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily asphaltenes and maltenes. Asphaltenes are heavy, polar molecules that give bitumen its black color and sticky consistency. Maltenes are lighter, non-polar molecules that act as a carrier for the asphaltenes. The relative proportions of asphaltenes and maltenes in bitumen determine its properties.
The production process of Bitumen 80/100
1. Crude oil distillation
Crude oil is first distilled into different fractions, including gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel. The residue from the distillation process is called the vacuum bottom, which is the feedstock for bitumen production. Through a process called distillation, crude oil is separated into various fractions based on their boiling points. The heavier fractions, including vacuum residue, serve as the starting point for Bitumen 80/100 production.
2. Vacuum residue treatment
Vacuum residue, the heavy fraction obtained from crude oil distillation, undergoes further processing to remove impurities and adjust its viscosity. This stage may involve deasphalting, where asphaltenes, large molecules that can affect bitumen properties, are separated. Solvent extraction may also be employed to remove undesirable components.
3. Air blowing
The heart of Bitumen 80/100 production lies in air blowing, a controlled oxidation process. Treated vacuum residue is introduced into an air-blowing tower, where it encounters a stream of hot air at around 250°C. This oxidation process modifies the molecular structure of the vacuum residue, transforming it into Bitumen 80/100.
The airflow rate during air blowing is carefully controlled to achieve the desired degree of oxidation. This oxidation process not only alters the viscosity of the bitumen but also produces asphaltenes, complex molecules that contribute to the bitumen’s adhesive properties.
4. Blending
To achieve the optimal properties for specific paving applications, Bitumen 80/100 undergoes blending. Here, the bitumen is mixed with various additives, such as polymers, modifiers, and fillers. These additives fine-tune the bitumen’s properties, such as penetration grade, softening point, and ductility, ensuring it meets the specific requirements of the intended application.
5. Storage and transportation
Once the blending process is complete, the finished Bitumen 80/100 is carefully stored and transported to its destination. Storage tanks are designed to maintain the bitumen’s quality, preventing premature aging or contamination. Transportation methods, such as trucks or railcars, are carefully chosen to ensure the bitumen’s integrity during delivery.
Why Choose Bitumen 80/100?
Bitumen 80/100 is a cost-effective, durable material ideal for asphalt pavements and waterproofing. Its flexibility and water resistance make it perfect for Dubai’s harsh climate, from scorching summers to occasional rain. Whether you’re building roads or protecting buildings, Bitumen 80/100 delivers long-lasting performance.
Durable: Withstands heavy traffic and harsh weather.
Water-Resistant: Prevents moisture damage in pavements and structures.
Flexible: Adapts to temperature changes without cracking.
Cost-Effective: Affordable for large-scale projects.
How Bitumen 80/100 Behaves under Diverse Weather
Bitumen 80/100’s unique properties make it capable of adapting to diverse weather conditions, and that is the reason behind its being a first choice for UAE and overseas contractors.
Hot Weather (Maximum of 50°C in Dubai)
In Dubai’s intense summer heat, Bitumen 80/100 softens, making it easy to mix with aggregates for asphalt production. This ensures strong adhesion and proper pavement compaction. However, extreme heat can make it too soft, risking deformation under heavy loads. Additives like polymers can enhance its heat stability.
Cold Weather
Bitumen 80/100 stays flexible in cooler temperatures, preventing cracks in asphalt pavements. It’s suitable for regions with occasional cold snaps, though specialized cold-mix asphalt may be needed for sub-zero conditions.
Rain and Humidity
With its waterproof nature, Bitumen 80/100 repels moisture, making it ideal for waterproofing roofs, basements, and foundations. It performs reliably in Dubai’s humid coastal climate and occasional rainfall.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
The elasticity of Bitumen 80/100 means it can endure expansion and contraction between cycles of freezing and thawing without loss of pavement strength for regions with seasonal temperature swings.
Sunlight and UV Radiation
Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause bitumen to become brittle due to degradation. Protective overlays or UV-resistant additives can extend its lifespan in hot environments like Dubai.
Applications of Bitumen 80/100
It highlights its predominant application in road construction as a binder in asphalt pavements to render roads like Sheikh Zayed Road resistant to heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions due to its strength and pliability.
The section also covers waterproofing, emphasizing Bitumen 80/100’s water-repellent properties, which make it ideal for protecting roofs, basements, and foundations from moisture damage in Dubai’s humid climate, using applications like built-up roofing and asphalt shingles.
Additionally, it discusses pavement preservation, where Bitumen 80/100 is used in techniques like chip sealing and micro-surfacing to maintain roads and provide skid-resistant surfaces.
Lastly, it underscores industrial uses, such as soundproofing and anti-corrosion coating, that utilize the material’s chemical and heat resistance. This section stresses the versatility, cost-effectiveness, and suitability of Bitumen 80/100 for large-scale infrastructure and specialized projects alike, making it a fundamental material for UAE engineers and contractors.
Specification of bitumen penetration grade 80/100
| Bitumen 80/100 | Test method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | Kg/cm3 | 1.01/1.06 |
| Penetration @ 25°C | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 80/100 |
| Softening point °C | ASTM D36 | °C | 42/50 |
| Ductility @25 °C | ASTM D113 | cm | 100 min |
| Loss on heating(wt) % | ASTM D6 | wt % | 0.2 max |
| Drop in penetration after heating % | ASTM D5-D6 | % | 20 max |
| Flashpoint °C | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 min |
| Solubility in CS2(wt) % | ASTM D4 | wt % | 99.5 min |
| Spot test | A.A.S.H.O.T102 | Negative |
