VG-30

Primary Use

Key Properties

Applications

Specifications of VG-30 Bitumen According to IS: 73-2018

IS: 73-2018, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), provides the specifications for VG-30 bitumen, a commonly used grade for hot climates and roads with heavier traffic. Below are the key specifications for VG-30 Bitumen as per IS: 73-2018:
Untitled design (55)
Property Requirement for VG-30 Test Method
Viscosity @ 60°C, Poise
Min. 300 – Max. 600
IS 1206 (Part 2)
Viscosity @ 135°C, cSt
Min. 450
IS 1206 (Part 3)
Penetration @ 25°C, 0.1 mm
50 – 70
IS 1203
Softening Point, °C
Min. 47
IS 1205
Ductility @ 25°C, cm
Min. 75
IS 1208
Flash Point, °C
Min. 230
IS 1448 (Part 20)
Solubility in TCE, %
Min. 99
IS 1216

Explanation of Key Properties for VG-30:

Viscosity at 60°C: This measures the thickness or resistance to flow of the bitumen. VG-30 must have a viscosity between 300 and 600 Poise at 60°C, making it suitable for hot climates and heavy traffic roads.
Viscosity at 135°C: This property is important for understanding the flow behavior of the bitumen during mixing. VG-30 must have a minimum viscosity of 450 cSt at 135°C, ensuring it remains workable at high temperatures during application.
Penetration: Penetration measures the hardness of the bitumen. For VG-30, the penetration at 25°C must range from 50 to 70 (0.1 mm), indicating it is stiffer than VG-10 but still workable under the required conditions.
Softening Point: The softening point is the temperature at which bitumen starts to soften. VG-30 should have a minimum softening point of 47°C, making it more resistant to softening under high temperatures compared to softer grades.
Ductility: Ductility refers to the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking. VG-30 should have a minimum ductility of 75 cm at 25°C, ensuring flexibility and resistance to cracking under moderate temperatures.
Flash Point: The flash point indicates the safety level of bitumen when heated. VG-30 must have a minimum flash point of 230°C, ensuring its safe handling during storage and application in high-temperature environments.
Solubility in TCE: Solubility in Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an indicator of the purity of bitumen. VG-30 should have a minimum solubility of 99%, ensuring it is predominantly pure bitumen with minimal impurities.
Elastic Recovery and Residue Ductility: After distillation, VG-30 bitumen should exhibit 50% or more elastic recovery and a minimum of 25 cm ductility, ensuring it maintains flexibility and resilience even after aging.