PG 76-22 Bitumen
Last updated: 2026-09-29
PG 76-22 Bitumen: Performance-Graded Binder for High-Temperature, Heavy-Traffic Pavements
PG 76-22 bitumen is a performance-graded asphalt binder engineered to resist rutting at 76°C pavement service temperature and fatigue cracking at -22°C, making it a polymer-modified (typically SBS or SBR) binder for airports, interstates, and heavy-haul corridors. It delivers roughly 2–3× the rutting resistance of PG 64-22, with typical pricing at USD 480–620 per metric ton FOB depending on crude origin, polymer content, and freight. Standard export volumes run 20–28 MT per 20ft flexitank container or bulk vessel parcels of 1,000–30,000 MT, with lead times of 7–21 days for in-stock modified binder.
What Is PG 76-22 Bitumen?
PG 76-22 is defined under AASHTO M 320 (and ASTM D6373) as a Performance Graded asphalt binder meeting two critical temperature thresholds:
| Parameter | Specification | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature grade | 76°C | Withstands rutting under extreme heat + slow traffic |
| Low-temperature grade | -22°C | Resists thermal cracking in cold climates |
| Polymer type | SBS / SBR (typically 3–5%) | Elastic recovery, deformation resistance |
| Original binder G/sin δ @ 76°C | ≥ 1.00 kPa | Rutting resistance (unaged) |
| RTFO residue G/sin δ @ 76°C | ≥ 2.20 kPa | Rutting resistance (aged) |
| PAV residue G·sin δ @ 25°C | ≤ 5,000 kPa | Fatigue cracking resistance |
| BBR stiffness @ -12°C | ≤ 300 MPa, m-value ≥ 0.300 | Low-temperature cracking |
| Flash point | ≥ 230°C | Handling safety |
| Elastic recovery @ 25°C | ≥ 70% (typical) | Polymer modification indicator |
Unlike penetration-graded (60/70, 40/50) or viscosity-graded binders, PG 76-22 is selected by climate and traffic load, not by penetration value. This makes it the default choice for:
- Airport runways and taxiways (ICAO and FAA heavy-load zones)
- Interstate highways with ESALs above 30 million
- Bus rapid transit lanes and port terminals with slow, channelized loading
- Desert and tropical climates where surface temperatures exceed 65°C
PG 76-22 vs Other Common Grades: Comparison Table
| Grade | High-Temp Limit | Low-Temp Limit | Rutting Resistance | Typical Cost (USD/MT) | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG 58-22 | 58°C | -22°C | Moderate | 380–430 | Moderate traffic, mild heat |
| PG 64-22 | 64°C | -22°C | Good | 420–470 | Standard highways |
| PG 76-22 | 76°C | -22°C | Very High | 480–620 | Heavy traffic, high heat |
| PG 76-28 | 76°C | -28°C | Very High | 530–680 | Heavy traffic + severe cold |
| PG 82-22 | 82°C | -22°C | Extreme | 600–750 | Airports, extreme heat |
Key takeaway: PG 76-22 costs 12–35% more than PG 64-22 but can extend pavement life by 3–7 years in rutting-prone corridors, often justifying the premium on lifecycle cost.
Price Factors and Market Data
PG 76-22 pricing is driven by a stack of variables, not a single benchmark. Here's a breakdown of the main cost drivers:
| Cost Driver | Impact on Price (USD/MT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base bitumen (pen 60/70 or PG 64-22) | 350–450 | Tracks crude oil and regional supply |
| SBS polymer (3–5%) | 80–140 | SBS resin price volatility is the biggest swing factor |
| Sulfur / crosslinker / stabilizer | 10–25 | Prevents phase separation during storage |
| Blending and QA/QC | 15–30 | Lab certification per AASHTO M 320 |
| Packaging (drum / flexitank / bulk) | 20–60 | Bulk is cheapest per MT; drums highest |
| Freight and logistics | 30–120 | Depends on origin-destination lane |
| Total FOB range | 480–620 | Varies by month and supplier |
| Origin | Typical FOB (USD/MT) | Common Export Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi, Iran) | 470–560 | Bulk vessel, flexitank |
| Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia) | 500–600 | Flexitank, ISO tank |
| South Korea / Japan | 540–650 | Drum, ISO tank |
| Europe (Rotterdam, Antwerp) | 560–680 | Bulk, ISO tank |
Note: Prices move weekly. For a live estimate, use a bitumen cost calculator that adjusts for grade, polymer content, packaging, and freight lane.
Specifications and Test Methods (AASHTO M 320)
Buyers should always request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) referencing AASHTO M 320. The critical tests:
| Test | Standard | Requirement for PG 76-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Shear (original) | AASHTO T 315 | G/sin δ ≥ 1.00 kPa @ 76°C |
| Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) | AASHTO T 240 | Mass loss ≤ 1.00% |
| Dynamic Shear (RTFO residue) | AASHTO T 315 | G/sin δ ≥ 2.20 kPa @ 76°C |
| Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) | AASHTO R 28 | 20 hours @ 100°C |
| Dynamic Shear (PAV residue) | AASHTO T 315 | G·sin δ ≤ 5,000 kPa @ 25°C |
| Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) | AASHTO T 313 | Stiffness ≤ 300 MPa, m ≥ 0.300 @ -12°C |
| Direct Tension (optional) | AASHTO T 314 | Failure strain ≥ 1.0% @ -12°C |
| Separation Test | ASTM D7173 | ≤ 2°C difference top/bottom |
- Storage temperature: 160–175°C with continuous low-shear agitation
- Maximum storage time: 3–7 days before re-testing for separation
- Pump and line temperature: 150–165°C
- Mixing temperature with aggregate: 165–180°C
- Compaction temperature: 145–155°C
Improper storage — no agitation, or temperature above 180°C — causes polymer degradation and phase separation, which voids the grade certification.
Packaging, Shipping, and Lead Times
PG 76-22 is a modified binder, so it requires heated logistics and faster turnaround than unmodified grades. Common shipping formats:
| Packaging | Capacity | Best For | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexitank (20ft container) | 20–28 MT | Mid-size projects, landlocked destinations | 7–14 days |
| ISO Tank | 24–26 MT | Repeat buyers, easy discharge | 10–18 days |
| Steel Drum (new/used) | 150–180 kg/drum | Small jobs, remote sites | 14–21 days |
| Bulk Bitumen Vessel | 1,000–30,000 MT | Refineries, terminals, large contracts | 15–45 days |
| Bitutank / heated container | 22–26 MT | Cold-climate discharge | 12–20 days |
- Polymer sourcing: SBS supply tightness can add 5–10 days
- Blending schedule: Most suppliers blend to order, adding 2–5 days
- Port congestion: Flexitank stuffing at origin ports (Jebel Ali, Singapore, Busan) can add 3–8 days
- Customs and inspection: Adds 2–6 days depending on destination
For project planning, assume 14–21 days door-to-door for containerized shipments and 25–45 days for bulk vessel parcels.
Applications and Performance Data
PG 76-22 is specified where rutting and shoving are the dominant failure modes. Field data:
| Application | Typical Layer | Performance Benefit vs PG 64-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate wearing course | 40–50 mm | 40–60% reduction in rut depth after 5 years |
| Airport runway | 50–75 mm | Withstands 100+ daily wide-body aircraft |
| Bus lane / BRT | 40–60 mm | 2–3× resistance to channelized deformation |
| Port container yard | 60–100 mm | Handles 8,000+ TEU movements/day |
| High-stress intersections | 40–50 mm | Reduces shoving and shoving-related repairs by ~50% |
- Optimum binder content: typically 5.0–6.0% by weight of mix (higher than PG 64-22 due to polymer)
- Mixing temperature: 165–180°C
- Compaction: 92–94% of theoretical maximum density
- Recommended additive: warm-mix additives can lower production temperature by 20–30°C without losing grade compliance
How to Buy PG 76-22: Checklist
Before placing an order, confirm:
- [ ] COA per AASHTO M 320 — not just a generic spec sheet
- [ ] Polymer type and content — SBS is preferred over SBR for high-stress roads
- [ ] Separation test result — must be ≤ 2°C difference
- [ ] Storage history — ask how long the binder has been held above 160°C
- [ ] Packaging match — flexitank vs ISO tank vs bulk affects unit cost and discharge
- [ ] Freight lane and Incoterms — FOB vs CIF vs DAP changes landed cost by 15–30%
- [ ] Lead time buffer — add 5–7 days to any quoted schedule during peak season
- [ ] Payment terms — LC at sight is standard; TT for repeat buyers
For fast landed-cost estimates, run the numbers through a 6Tar cost calculator that factors in grade premium, packaging, freight, insurance, and port charges.
FAQ: PG 76-22 Bitumen
1. What does PG 76-22 mean?
PG 76-22 is an AASHTO M 320 performance grade. The "76" is the high pavement temperature in °C the binder must resist rutting at, and the "-22" is the low pavement temperature in °C it must resist thermal cracking at. It is a polymer-modified binder, usually with 3–5% SBS.
2. How much does PG 76-22 bitumen cost per ton?
Typical FOB pricing ranges from USD 480 to 620 per metric ton, depending on origin, polymer content, packaging, and freight lane. Middle East bulk cargo sits at the lower end; drummed or ISO-tank cargo from Europe or East Asia sits at the upper end. Prices move weekly with crude and SBS resin markets.
3. What is the difference between PG 76-22 and PG 64-22?
PG 76-22 resists rutting at 76°C versus 64°C for PG 64-22 — a 12°C higher threshold — and both share a -22°C low-temperature grade. PG 76-22 contains polymer (typically SBS) and costs 12–35% more, but delivers 2–3× better rutting resistance in heavy, slow, or hot-traffic conditions.
4. How many tons fit in a 20ft container of PG 76-22?
A standard 20ft flexitank holds 20–28 metric tons of PG 76-22, with 24–26 MT being the most common loading. ISO tanks carry 24–26 MT. Bulk bitumen vessels carry 1,000–30,000 MT per parcel. Flexitank is the most cost-effective for mid-size projects under 100 MT.
5. What is the lead time for PG 76-22 export orders?
Containerized shipments (flexitank or ISO tank) typically ship in 7–21 days from order confirmation, depending on blending schedule and port congestion. Bulk vessel parcels take 15–45 days depending on vessel availability and route. Add 5–10 days during peak construction season (Q2–Q3) when SBS supply tightens.
Closing: Calculate Your PG 76-22 Landed Cost
PG 76-22 bitumen is a premium polymer-modified binder with a USD 480–620/MT FOB price band, 20–28 MT per 20ft container, and 7–21 day container lead times. It outperforms PG 64-22 by