Bitumen Performance Grade (PG)
Last updated: 2026-09-30
Bitumen Performance Grade (PG)
Bitumen Performance Grade (PG) is a classification system that specifies bitumen's physical properties at high and low pavement temperatures, expressed as two numbers (e.g., PG 64-22), where the first number is the average 7-day maximum pavement temperature in °C and the second is the minimum pavement temperature in °C. For example, PG 64-22 bitumen must not exceed a rutting factor (G/sin δ) of 1.00 kPa at 64°C unaged and must resist low-temperature cracking down to -22°C, verified through Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) testing. Premium PG grades like PG 70-22 typically trade at $520–$610 per metric ton FOB versus $430–$495 per metric ton for standard penetration-grade bitumen, reflecting a 15–25% price premium driven by polymer modification (typically 2.5–3.5% SBS by weight).
What Is Bitumen Performance Grade (PG)?
The PG system, developed under the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and standardized in AASHTO M 320 and ASTM D6373, replaced the older penetration and viscosity grading systems in the United States in the early 1990s. Rather than grading bitumen by a single laboratory test at an arbitrary temperature, PG grading ties binder properties directly to climate-specific pavement temperatures.
The system uses two critical temperatures:
- High-temperature grade (e.g., PG 64, PG 70, PG 76): The binder must resist permanent deformation (rutting) at the 7-day average maximum pavement temperature.
- Low-temperature grade (e.g., PG -16, -22, -28, -34): The binder must resist thermal cracking at the minimum pavement temperature.
Each grade is verified through three core tests:
| Test | Equipment | Property Measured | Specified Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original binder | DSR | G/sin δ | ≥ 1.00 kPa |
| RTFO-aged binder | DSR | G/sin δ | ≥ 2.20 kPa |
| PAV-aged binder | DSR | G·sin δ | ≤ 5,000 kPa |
| PAV-aged binder | BBR | Creep stiffness (S) | ≤ 300 MPa |
| PAV-aged binder | BBR | m-value | ≥ 0.300 |
Key takeaway: A PG grade is not a single product spec — it is a performance envelope that guarantees the binder behaves correctly across a defined temperature range.
Bitumen PG Grades: Comparison Table
The table below compares the most commonly traded PG grades in global export markets, including typical polymer content, price bands, and primary applications.
| PG Grade | Polymer (SBS) Content | Price Range (USD/MT, FOB) | Common Applications | Climate Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG 58-22 | 0% (neat) | $430–$470 | Low-traffic roads, parking areas | Moderate |
| PG 64-22 | 0–1.0% | $470–$520 | Interstate highways, arterial roads | Temperate |
| PG 70-22 | 2.5–3.5% | $520–$610 | Heavy traffic, high-stress intersections | Hot summers, cold winters |
| PG 76-22 | 3.0–4.0% | $560–$650 | Airports, racetracks, port pavements | Extreme heat |
| PG 64-28 | 1.5–2.5% | $510–$580 | Cold-region highways | Cold winters |
| PG 70-28 | 3.0–4.5% | $580–$680 | Heavy traffic in cold climates | Extreme heat + cold |
| PG 82-22 | 4.0–5.0% | $650–$780 | Very high temperature, slow traffic | Desert/equatorial |
Notes on pricing:
- Prices reflect bulk export volumes of 5,000–30,000 MT per shipment.
- A $40–$90 per MT premium is standard for polymer-modified PG grades over neat 60/70 penetration bitumen.
- Freight from major export hubs (South Korea, UAE, Singapore, Iran) to West Africa or Latin America typically adds $45–$95 per MT.
How PG Grades Differ from Penetration Grades
Export buyers frequently compare PG grades against traditional penetration grades (40/50, 60/70, 80/100, 85/100). The differences are substantial:
| Parameter | Penetration Grade (60/70) | PG Grade (PG 64-22) |
|---|---|---|
| Grading basis | Needle penetration at 25°C | Pavement temperature performance |
| Temperature range | Single point (25°C) | Dual range (64°C to -22°C) |
| Rutting resistance | Not directly specified | G/sin δ ≥ 1.00 kPa |
| Low-temp cracking | Not specified | BBR test at -12°C |
| Aging simulation | Not required | RTFO + PAV mandatory |
| Polymer use | Optional | Often required (1.0–4.0% SBS) |
| Price (USD/MT FOB) | $430–$495 | $470–$610 |
| Specification | ASTM D946 / EN 12591 | AASHTO M 320 / ASTM D6373 |
Practical implication: A 5,000 MT shipment of PG 64-22 costs roughly $200,000–$350,000 more than an equivalent volume of 60/70 penetration bitumen, but delivers 30–50% longer pavement service life in high-stress applications, according to FHWA long-term pavement performance (LTPP) data.
Regional PG Requirements and Climate Matching
PG grades are selected based on local climate data, which is why the same project specification varies dramatically by geography.
| Region | Typical High-Temp Grade | Typical Low-Temp Grade | Popular PG Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Gulf Coast | 64–70 | -10 to -16 | PG 64-16 |
| US Midwest | 58–64 | -22 to -28 | PG 64-22 |
| US Northeast | 58–64 | -28 to -34 | PG 58-28 |
| Canada (Prairies) | 58 | -34 to -40 | PG 58-34 |
| Middle East | 70–82 | -10 | PG 76-10 |
| West Africa (coastal) | 64–70 | -10 | PG 64-10 |
| Southeast Asia | 70–76 | -10 | PG 70-10 |
| Northern Europe | 58–64 | -22 to -28 | PG 64-28 |
Key data point: PG grades with a low-temperature rating below -28°C require base bitumen with low wax content (typically Middle East or Canadian crude origins), because wax crystallization causes BBR failures even when the high-temperature grade passes.
Testing, Certification, and Quality Verification
Every PG shipment should be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifying the following test results. Exporters shipping to US or EU markets must supply third-party lab verification (e.g., SGS, Intertek, or Saybolt) — typically costing $800–$1,500 per batch and taking 3–7 working days.
Typical specification tolerances for PG 64-22:
| Test | Method | Specification | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | AASHTO T48 | ≥ 230°C | ±5°C |
| Viscosity @ 135°C | AASHTO T316 | ≤ 3.0 Pa·s | ±0.2 Pa·s |
| G/sin δ @ 64°C (original) | AASHTO T315 | ≥ 1.00 kPa | ±0.05 kPa |
| G/sin δ @ 64°C (RTFO) | AASHTO T315 | ≥ 2.20 kPa | ±0.10 kPa |
| Creep stiffness @ -12°C | AASHTO T313 | ≤ 300 MPa | ±15 MPa |
| m-value @ -12°C | AASHTO T313 | ≥ 0.300 | ±0.010 |
| Mass loss (RTFO) | AASHTO T240 | ≤ 1.0% | ±0.1% |
Storage and handling: PG binders must be stored at 150–165°C with continuous circulation. Exceeding 180°C for more than 4 hours causes polymer degradation and irreversible grade loss — a common cause of failed field performance claims.
FAQ: Bitumen Performance Grade (PG)
1. What does PG 64-22 mean in bitumen?
PG 64-22 means the bitumen is rated for a 7-day average maximum pavement temperature of 64°C and a minimum pavement temperature of -22°C. It must pass DSR rutting tests at 64°C and BBR cracking tests at -12°C (the low-temp test is offset 10°C above the service temperature).
2. Is PG 70 better than PG 64?
PG 70 resists rutting at a higher temperature (70°C vs. 64°C), making it superior for heavy traffic and hot climates, but it costs $50–$90 more per metric ton due to higher SBS content. The "better" grade depends entirely on project climate and traffic loading — PG 70-22 would be over-specified in a moderate climate.
3. How much does PG bitumen cost per ton?
As of standard export pricing, neat PG 64-22 costs $470–$520 per metric ton FOB, while polymer-modified PG 70-22 costs $520–$610 per metric ton FOB. Prices vary with crude oil benchmarks, shipment size, and freight destination.
4. What is the difference between PG and penetration grade bitumen?
PG grades are performance-based and tested across a temperature range using DSR and BBR equipment, while penetration grades (60/70, 80/100) are single-point tests at 25°C. PG grades cost 15–25% more but offer verified rutting and cracking resistance.
5. Which PG grade is best for hot climates?
For hot climates such as the Middle East and West Africa, PG 70-10 or PG 76-10 are standard, with PG 82-10 used in extreme desert conditions. These grades require 3.0–5.0% SBS polymer to maintain stiffness at pavement temperatures exceeding 70°C.
Calculate Your Exact PG Bitumen Landed Cost with 6Tar
Export-grade PG bitumen pricing depends on grade, volume, freight route, and port charges — variables that shift weekly. Rather than requesting multiple quotes, use the 6Tar cost calculator to generate an instant, itemized landed-cost estimate for PG 58-22 through PG 82-22, including FOB pricing, ocean freight, insurance, and destination port fees.
What you get in under 30 seconds:
- Per-MT and total shipment cost (5,000–30,000 MT range)
- Grade-by-grade price comparison
- Freight-adjusted delivered price to your port
- Full cost breakdown suitable for procurement approval
Whether you are sourcing 5,000 MT of PG 64-22 for a West African highway project or 20,000 MT of PG 70-22 for a Middle East airport expansion, the 6Tar calculator gives you a defensible budget number before you contact suppliers. Try it now and price your next PG bitumen shipment with accuracy.