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  • VG-40 (Viscosity Grade 40)

VG-40

Primary Use

  • Designed for extreme conditions, particularly in regions with high temperatures and heavy traffic loads.
  • Suitable for highways, airports, and container terminals.

Key Properties

  • The highest viscosity among the VG grades, ensuring excellent resistance to rutting and deformation under high stress.
  • Superior performance in warm climates and heavy traffic situations.

Applications:

  • Used for base and binder courses in pavements requiring heavy-duty performance.
  • Provides excellent resistance to cracking and ensures long-term durability.

VG-40 Bitumen Specifications as per IS: 73-2018

The VG-40 grade bitumen complies with the following key specifications according to IS: 73-2018:
Untitled design (57)
Property Test Method Specification Range for VG-40
Penetration at 25°C
IS 1203
30-40 dmm
Softening Point
IS 1205
≥ 52°C
Viscosity at 60°C
IS 1206
2800 to 5000 mPa·s
Ductility at 27°C
IS 1208
≥ 75 cm
Flash Point
IS 1209
≥ 230°C
Fire Point
IS 1209
≥ 250°C
Specific Gravity at 25°C
IS 1202
1.01 to 1.06
Solubility in Toluene
IS 1211
≥ 99%
Loss on Heating
IS 1213
≤ 0.5%

Explanation of Key Properties for VG-40

Penetration

  • Test: Penetration Test (IS 1203)
  • Specification: 30-40 dmm
  • Explanation: Penetration indicates the hardness or softness of the bitumen. VG-40 is a relatively stiffer bitumen compared to VG-10 and VG-30 grades. A lower penetration value indicates harder bitumen, which is suitable for high-temperature and high-stress conditions.

Softening Point

  • Test: Softening Point Test (IS 1205)
  • Specification: ≥ 52°C
  • Explanation: The softening point is the temperature at which bitumen begins to soften and flow. VG-40 bitumen has a relatively high softening point, indicating that it can withstand higher temperatures without softening, which is essential for roads subjected to heavy traffic and high ambient temperatures.

Viscosity at 60°C

  • Test: Viscosity Test (IS 1206)
  • Specification: 2800 to 5000 mPa·s
  • Explanation: Viscosity is a measure of the bitumen's resistance to flow. VG-40 bitumen’s viscosity is relatively high, ensuring better stability and resistance to rutting and deformation in hot weather conditions. This makes VG-40 ideal for high-load traffic areas and warmer climates.

Ductility at 27°C:

  • Test: Ductility Test (IS 1208)
  • Specification: ≥ 75 cm
  • Explanation: Ductility measures the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking. A high ductility value indicates that the bitumen is flexible and can withstand cracking and deformation under traffic load and temperature changes.

Flash Point

  • Test: Flash Point Test (IS 1209)
  • Specification: ≥ 230°C
  • Explanation: The flash point is the temperature at which the bitumen emits enough vapors to ignite. A higher flash point indicates better safety during handling and storage.

Fire Point

  • Test: Fire Point Test (IS 1209)
  • Specification: ≥ 250°C
  • Explanation: The fire point is the temperature at which the bitumen continues to burn after being ignited. A higher fire point indicates better stability and safety in high-temperature conditions.

Specific Gravity

  • Test: Specific Gravity Test (IS 1202)
  • Specification: 1.01 to 1.06
  • Explanation: Specific gravity helps determine the density of the bitumen. VG-40 bitumen has a density range indicating its suitability for different road construction applications.

Solubility in Toluene

  • Test: Solubility Test (IS 1211)
  • Specification: ≥ 99%
  • Explanation: This property indicates the purity of the bitumen. VG-40 bitumen has a high solubility in toluene, showing that it is predominantly composed of bituminous material with minimal impurities.

Loss on Heating

  • Test: Loss on Heating Test (IS 1213)
  • Specification: ≤ 0.5%
  • Explanation: This test checks the loss of bitumen's volatile components when heated. VG-40 bitumen should have low volatile loss, indicating that it is stable and will not degrade quickly when used in road construction.
Here is the comparison table for VG-10, VG-30, and VG-40 bitumen as per IS: 73-2018, with the specified viscosity, use case, and application environment:
Grade Viscosity @ 60°C (Poise) Use Case Application Environment
VG-10
100-200
Bitumen Emulsion, Low Temperature
Cold climate, moderate traffic roads
VG-30
240-360
Paving Roads, Moderate Temperature
Highways, heavy traffic
VG-40
320-400
Heavy Load Areas, High Temperature
Airports, industrial zones
1. VG-10: This grade is suitable for cold climates and moderate traffic roads. Its low viscosity makes it ideal for bitumen emulsions and applications where flexibility at lower temperatures is required.
2. VG-30: This grade is more suited for moderate temperature areas and highways with heavy traffic. Its medium viscosity helps with paving and ensures better durability and resistance to rutting.
3. VG-40: VG-40 bitumen, with its higher viscosity, is ideal for high-temperature conditions and areas with heavy loads, such as airports or industrial zones. This grade is designed to withstand higher temperatures without softening or deforming.