60/70 Penetration Bitumen Specification
Last updated: 2026-10-01
60/70 Penetration Bitumen Specification
60/70 penetration bitumen is a standard paving-grade bitumen with a penetration value of 60 to 70 (0.1 mm at 25°C) and a softening point typically between 46°C and 54°C. It is used in hot mix asphalt for roads, highways, and airfields, and is most commonly exported from refineries in the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. This specification outlines the critical test parameters, global standards, pricing, and shipping details for buyers and traders.
Key Test Parameters of 60/70 Penetration Bitumen
Manufacturers and buyers rely on a set of standard tests to verify that the bitumen meets the 60/70 grade. The table below shows the typical specification limits derived from ASTM D946 and AASHTO M20.
| Test Parameter | Test Method | Specification Range | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration at 25°C, 100g, 5s | ASTM D5 | 60 – 70 (0.1 mm) | 65 |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | ASTM D36 | 46 – 54°C | 49°C |
| Ductility at 25°C, 5 cm/min | ASTM D113 | Min. 100 cm | >100 cm |
| Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup) | ASTM D92 | Min. 232°C | 250°C |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | Min. 99.0% | 99.5% |
| Specific Gravity at 25°C | ASTM D70 | 1.01 – 1.06 | 1.03 |
| Viscosity at 135°C | ASTM D4402 | Min. 300 cSt | 350 cSt |
| Loss on Heating (Thin Film Oven) | ASTM D1754 | Max. 0.5% | 0.2% |
| Penetration after TFO | ASTM D5 | Min. 54% of original | 60% |
| Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | Negative | Negative |
- Penetration: The range 60–70 indicates medium hardness, suitable for moderate to hot climates.
- Softening Point: Must stay between 46°C and 54°C to ensure proper compaction and rutting resistance.
- Ductility: Minimum 100 cm ensures flexibility and resistance to cracking.
Comparison of 60/70 with Other Common Bitumen Grades
60/70 bitumen competes with 40/50, 80/100, and 85/100 grades. The differences matter for climate and traffic loading.
| Property | 40/50 Penetration | 60/70 Penetration | 80/100 Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration (25°C) | 40 – 50 | 60 – 70 | 80 – 100 |
| Softening Point Range | 50 – 58°C | 46 – 54°C | 42 – 50°C |
| Suitable Climate | Hot | Moderate to Hot | Moderate to Cold |
| Common Use | Heavy traffic roads | Highways, runways | Light traffic, cold regions |
| Average FOB Price (per MT) | $480 – $520 | $450 – $490 | $440 – $480 |
| Viscosity at 135°C (cSt) | 450 – 550 | 300 – 400 | 200 – 300 |
- 40/50 is harder and better for hot climates but costs 5–8% more per ton.
- 80/100 is softer and cheaper but can rut in high temperatures.
- 60/70 offers a balance of cost, durability, and performance, making it the most traded grade globally.
60/70 Penetration Bitumen Standards and Grades Comparison
Different countries and regions have their own naming and testing standards. 60/70 bitumen is equivalent to several other grades but not always identical.
| Region / Standard | Equivalent Grade | Penetration Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM D946 / AASHTO M20 | 60–70 | 60 – 70 | US standard |
| EN 12591 (Europe) | 50/70 | 50 – 70 | Similar but wider range |
| JIS K2207 (Japan) | 60/70 | 60 – 70 | Matches exactly |
| IS 73 (India) | VG-30 | 50 – 70 | VG-30 is viscosity graded |
| BS 3690 (UK) | 60/70 | 60 – 70 | Historically used |
| GOST 22245 (Russia) | BND 60/90 | 60 – 90 | Softer than 60/70 |
- VG-30 from India is closer to 60/70 but uses viscosity at 60°C, not penetration.
- BND 60/90 from Russia is softer and may not meet 60/70 penetration requirements.
- Always confirm the test method and limits before buying from a new supplier.
Typical Uses and Application Rates of 60/70 Bitumen
60/70 penetration bitumen is the workhorse for asphalt pavement. Typical applications and the amount needed per kilometer are shown below.
| Application | Layer Type | Bitumen Content (% by weight of mix) | Tonnage per km (4-lane road, 7m width, 50mm thick) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Mix Asphalt (wearing course) | Surface | 5.0 – 6.0% | 105 – 126 MT |
| Hot Mix Asphalt (base course) | Base | 4.0 – 5.0% | 84 – 105 MT |
| Bituminous Macadam | Base | 3.5 – 4.5% | 74 – 95 MT |
| Dense Bituminous Macadam | Binder | 4.5 – 5.5% | 95 – 116 MT |
| Prime Coat | Surface treatment | 0.5 – 1.0 kg/m² | 3.5 – 7 MT |
| Tack Coat | Surface treatment | 0.2 – 0.4 kg/m² | 1.4 – 2.8 MT |
- For a 1 km, 4-lane highway with a 50mm wearing course, expect to use 100–130 MT of 60/70 bitumen.
- A 20-ton truckload of asphalt mix typically contains 4–6% bitumen, or 0.8–1.2 MT of bitumen.
- Airport runways often use 60/70 for the base and 40/50 for the surface due to higher loads.
Pricing, Packaging, and Shipping for 60/70 Bitumen
As of Q2 2025, the FOB price for 60/70 penetration bitumen ranges from $450 to $490 per metric ton, depending on origin, volume, and payment terms.
| Origin | FOB Price (per MT) | Packaging | Minimum Order | Lead Time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | $450 – $470 | New steel drums, 150/180 kg | 100 MT | 20 – 30 |
| UAE | $460 – $480 | Bulk in flexitank, 20–24 MT | 20 MT | 10 – 15 |
| Saudi Arabia | $470 – $490 | New steel drums, 180 kg | 200 MT | 25 – 35 |
| South Korea | $480 – $500 | Bulk vessel, 5,000 MT | 5,000 MT | 30 – 45 |
| USA | $520 – $550 | Bulk tanker, 20–25 MT | 20 MT | 7 – 12 |
- Packaging options: New steel drums (150 kg or 180 kg), polybags (for small orders), flexitanks (20–24 MT), or bulk vessel (5,000–30,000 MT).
- Shipping: A 20-foot container holds 80–100 drums (about 15–18 MT). A flexitank holds 20–24 MT in one container.
- Payment terms: 100% LC at sight is standard; some suppliers accept 30% TT deposit and 70% against B/L copy.
- Price volatility: Bitumen prices track crude oil. A $10/barrel change in Brent crude moves bitumen by $25–$35 per MT within 2–3 weeks.
FAQ: 60/70 Penetration Bitumen Specification
Q1: What is the penetration range for 60/70 bitumen?
The penetration range is 60 to 70 (0.1 mm) when tested at 25°C with a 100g load for 5 seconds per ASTM D5. This means the needle penetrates 6.0 to 7.0 mm into the sample. Any result outside this range fails the specification.
Q2: What is the difference between 60/70 and VG-30 bitumen?
60/70 is graded by penetration at 25°C, while VG-30 is graded by viscosity at 60°C (minimum 2400 Poise). They perform similarly in hot climates, but VG-30 is the standard grade in India. 60/70 bitumen typically meets VG-30 requirements but not always.
Q3: How many tons of 60/70 bitumen are in a 20-foot container?
A 20-foot container holds 80 to 100 steel drums of 150–180 kg each, totaling 15 to 18 metric tons. If using a flexitank, the same container can hold 20 to 24 metric tons of bulk bitumen. Flexitanks are more cost-effective per ton.
Q4: What is the softening point of 60/70 penetration bitumen?
The softening point (Ring & Ball) is typically 46°C to 54°C, with a common value of 49°C. A higher softening point means better resistance to rutting in hot weather. Buyers in hot climates should specify a minimum of 49°C.
Q5: What is the current price of 60/70 bitumen per ton?
As of Q2 2025, FOB prices range from $450 to $490 per metric ton depending on origin and volume. Iranian and UAE origins are the cheapest, while US and South Korean origins are premium. Prices change weekly with crude oil markets.
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