VG bitumen 20

Description of Viscosity Grade VG Bitumen 20

VG Bitumen 20 is a grade of viscosity bitumen used in cold climatic and high-altitude regions. This grade of bitumen is suitable for road construction in regions with 30 to 37 °C average temperature. In North India, VG-20 is used for road construction in hot mix asphalt. The standard penetration value of bitumen viscosity grade VG-20 is 60 mm at 25 °C. The absolute viscosity of VG-20 bitumen is 1600 to 2400 poise at 60 °C.

This bitumen is primarily used for the construction of extra-heavy bitumen pavements that have to bear significant traffic loads. Bitumen VG30 is the most widely used type of bitumen in road construction, insulation, building construction industries, and also in the production of cutback bitumen.

VG20 bitumen, also known as Viscosity Grade 20 bitumen, is a type of bitumen that is classified and characterized based on its viscosity at a specific temperature. Bitumen VG20 is commonly used in road construction and paving applications.

History of Viscosity Grade Bitumen 20

Bitumen VG20 is part of a viscosity grading system used to classify bitumen based on its viscosity at a specific temperature. The history of this grading system and the development of bitumen standards can be traced back to efforts to improve the quality and performance of asphalt and bitumen in various applications, including road construction.

Application of Viscosity Grade 20

• Road Construction: VG 20 bitumen is widely used in road construction, particularly for the construction of low-traffic volume roads, residential streets, and parking lots. It is used as a binder in asphalt mixes to create durable road surfaces.
• Asphalt Pavements: VG 20 bitumen can be used in the manufacture of paving and patching compounds, which are used for repairing and resurfacing roadways.
• Roofing: VG 20 bitumen is used in roofing materials, such as roofing shingles, roll roofing, and built-up roofing systems. It provides waterproofing and weatherproofing properties to protect buildings from moisture and the elements.
• Waterproofing: VG 20 bitumen is used in waterproofing applications, such as sealing joints and cracks in structures, providing a barrier against water infiltration.
• Pipe Coating: It is used as a coating for pipelines, providing corrosion protection and insulation.

Properties of VG Bitumen 20

1. Viscosity: VG 20 bitumen has a higher viscosity compared to lower-grade bitumens like VG 10. It is categorized as a “20” grade bitumen, which means it is more viscous and harder at standard testing conditions.
2. Penetration: VG 20 bitumen typically has a penetration value between 60 and 70 at 25°C (77°F). Penetration measures the hardness or consistency of the bitumen at a specific temperature. VG 20 bitumen is less soft compared to lower-grade bitumens.
3. Softening Point: The softening point of VG 20 bitumen is typically around 50-60°C (122-140°F). This is the temperature at which the bitumen softens and becomes more flexible.
4. Ductility: Ductility measures the ability of bitumen to stretch before breaking. VG 20 bitumen usually has a ductility of at least 75 cm at 25°C (77°F), indicating good elongation properties.
5. Flash Point: The flash point of VG 20 bitumen is typically above 220°C (428°F). This high flash point makes it safe for handling and storage.
6. Solubility: VG 20 bitumen is insoluble in water but soluble in various organic solvents, such as benzene or toluene.
7. Density: The density of VG 20 bitumen is typically around 1.01 to 1.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).
8. Temperature Sensitivity: VG 20 is suitable for use in moderate to warm climates. It maintains its stability within a certain range of temperatures, ensuring that road surfaces remain intact in varying weather conditions.
9. Usage: VG 20 bitumen is commonly used in road construction, including the construction of medium-traffic volume roads, highways, and airport runways. It is suitable for areas with moderate temperature fluctuations.
10. Adhesion and Cohesion: VG bitumen 20  exhibits good adhesion properties, allowing it to bond well with aggregates, and it has sufficient cohesion to maintain its integrity under traffic loads.
11. Durability: When properly mixed and applied, VG 20  can result in durable road surfaces that can withstand the stresses of traffic and environmental factors.

Advantage of Viscosity Grade 20

• Good Balance of Viscosity: VG bitumen 20 strikes a balance between viscosity and hardness. It is not as soft as lower-grade bitumens like VG 10, making it suitable for use in a wider range of applications, including medium-traffic roads and highways.
• Enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity: VG 20 provides a road surface with improved load-bearing capacity compared to softer bitumen grades. This makes it suitable for roads and highways with moderate to high traffic volumes.
• Durability: When properly mixed and applied, VG 20 can result in durable road surfaces that can withstand the stresses of heavy traffic loads and adverse weather conditions.
• Versatility: VG 20 is versatile and can be used in various road construction applications, including the construction of highways, airport runways, and urban roads.
• Adhesion and Cohesion: VG 20 exhibits good adhesion properties, allowing it to bond well with aggregates. It also has sufficient cohesion to maintain its integrity under heavy traffic loads.
• Suitable for Moderate Temperature Variations: VG 20 performs well in areas with moderate temperature fluctuations. It remains stable within a certain temperature range, ensuring that road surfaces maintain their structural integrity.
• Cost-Effective: VG bitumen 20 is often more cost-effective than higher-grade bitumens while still providing the necessary performance characteristics for many road construction projects.
• Availability: VG bitumen 20 is readily available in many regions, making it a convenient choice for construction projects.
• Smooth Riding Surface: Road surfaces constructed with VG 20 tend to provide a smoother and quieter ride for vehicles, enhancing driving comfort.
• Safety: VG bitumen 20 has a high flash point, which means it is less flammable and poses lower safety risks during storage and transportation compared to some other petroleum products.
• Compatibility: VG bitumen 20 is compatible with various types of aggregates, including crushed stone and gravel, which are commonly used in asphalt mixes. This compatibility allows for flexibility in material selection.
• Engineering Flexibility: The properties of VG 20 can be further modified or blended with additives to meet specific performance requirements in different applications.

Packing of VG Bitumen 20

Viscosity Grade 10 is typically packed and transported in a variety of ways Here are some common packing options for Bitumen VG 10:

• New Steel Drum => 180Kg
• Bitubag => 375Kg
• Bulk in vessel
• Bulk in Flexi Bag
• Bulk in Tanker