60/70 Penetration Bitumen Specification
Last updated: 2026-10-03
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60/70 Penetration Bitumen Specification: Complete Technical Data & Export Guide
60/70 penetration bitumen is a standard-grade paving bitumen with a penetration value of 60 to 70 dmm (0.1 mm) at 25°C, a softening point between 49°C and 56°C, and a kinematic viscosity of at least 350 cSt at 135°C. It complies with ASTM D946/D946M, EN 12591 (Grade 70/100 equivalent in some mappings), and IS 73:2013 (Grade VG-30). It is the most widely specified bitumen grade for hot mix asphalt (HMA) in hot climates, representing roughly 35–40% of global bitumen export volume.
What Is 60/70 Penetration Bitumen?
60/70 penetration grade bitumen is a penetration-graded (pen grade) bitumen classified by the depth a standard needle penetrates a sample under fixed conditions (100 g load, 5 seconds, 25°C). A "60/70" designation means the penetration falls between 60 and 70 units of 0.1 mm.
It is produced by vacuum distillation of crude oil or by air-blowing, and is used primarily as a binder in asphalt mixtures for:
- Highways and motorways in hot/warm climates
- Airport runways and taxiways
- Bituminous base, binder, and wearing courses
- Waterproofing membranes (secondary use)
Key distinction: 60/70 pen bitumen is harder than 80/100 and softer than 40/50. It is the "middle" grade preferred in tropical and subtropical markets including India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
60/70 Penetration Bitumen Specification Tables
| Property | Test Method | Unit | Specification Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C, 100g, 5s | ASTM D5 | 0.1 mm (dmm) | 60–70 |
| Softening Point (R&B) | ASTM D36 | °C | 49–56 |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 135°C | ASTM D2170 | cSt (mm²/s) | ≥ 350 |
| Flash Point (COC) | ASTM D92 | °C | ≥ 232 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | % wt | ≥ 99.0 |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | — | 1.01–1.06 |
| Ductility @ 25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | ≥ 100 |
| Loss on Heating (163°C, 5h) | ASTM D1754 | % wt | ≤ 0.8 |
| Penetration after heating (retained) | ASTM D5 | % of original | ≥ 52 |
| Ductility after heating | ASTM D113 | cm | ≥ 50 |
| Spot test (Toluene) | AASHTO T102 | — | Negative |
| Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) | ASTM D1754 | % wt | ≤ 0.8 |
| Parameter | 40/50 | 60/70 | 80/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | 40–50 | 60–70 | 80–100 |
| Softening Point (°C) | 52–60 | 49–56 | 45–52 |
| Viscosity @ 135°C (cSt) | 400–500 | 350–450 | 250–350 |
| Climate Suitability | Very hot | Hot / Warm | Temperate / Cool |
| Typical Use | Runways, heavy traffic | Highways, HMA | Cold mixes, spray seals |
| Relative Hardness | Hardest | Medium | Softest |
| Price Index (base=100) | 103–106 | 100 | 96–98 |
| Region | Standard | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM D946 / AASHTO M20 | 60/70 Pen |
| Europe | EN 12591 | 70/100 (closest) / 50/70 |
| India | IS 73:2013 | VG-30 |
| UK | BS 3690 | 60/70 Pen |
| Australia | AS 2008 | Class 170 / Class 320 |
| China | GB/T 15180 | Grade 70 (AH-70) |
> Note for buyers: VG-30 (India) and AH-70 (China) are the closest performance equivalents to 60/70 pen and are often accepted as substitutes in tenders — always confirm with the specifying engineer.
Key Performance Characteristics and Why They Matter
Penetration measures consistency/hardness at service temperature. A 60/70 grade sits in the sweet spot:
- Too hard (40/50) → cracking in cold snaps
- Too soft (80/100) → rutting in hot weather
A value of 62–68 dmm is considered ideal for highway paving in ambient temperatures of 20°C to 45°C.
Higher softening point = better resistance to rutting and shoving under heavy traffic loads. 60/70 bitumen maintains structural integrity up to approximately 50°C road surface temperature.
This governs pumping and mixing temperature. For 60/70 grade:
- Mixing temperature: 150–160°C
- Compaction temperature: 140–150°C
- Storage temperature: 130–150°C (max 7 days)
A safety parameter — ensures the bitumen does not ignite during heating. Importers should reject cargo below 230°C.
Measures the stretchability of the binder. Higher ductility = better fatigue resistance and crack bridging.
Packaging, Export Quantities & Logistics
| Format | Net Weight | Typical MOQ | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| New steel drums | 150 kg / 180 kg | 1 x 20'FCL (≈ 18–19 MT) | Small/medium importers |
| Jumbo bags | 1,000 kg | 1 x 20'FCL (≈ 20 MT) | Regional distributors |
| Flexitanks / bulk | 20–24 MT | 1 x 20'FCL | Price-sensitive bulk buyers |
| Bulk vessel / ISO tank | 1,000–30,000 MT | Full cargo | Refiners & terminals |
Shipping benchmarks:
- Port-to-port lead time (Middle East → India): 5–9 days
- (Middle East → West Africa): 18–25 days
- (Southeast Asia → East Africa): 20–28 days
- Documentation set: BL, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, COA, MSDS, Certificate of Origin, Insurance Certificate
Pricing Benchmarks (Indicative, 2024–2025)
| Market | Price Range (USD/MT, FOB) |
|---|---|
| Bulk, FOB Middle East | $440 – $520 |
| Drums, FOB Middle East | $480 – $560 |
| CIF India (drums) | $540 – $620 |
| CIF West Africa (drums) | $600 – $720 |
| Bulk CIF Northwest Europe | $500 – $580 |
> Prices fluctuate with crude benchmarks. A $10/bbl Brent move typically shifts bitumen prices by $8–$14/MT.
Quality Checks Before Purchase
- Request a COA per batch — not per shipment
- Verify penetration, softening point, viscosity, flash point independently at a third-party lab (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas)
- Confirm ASTM or EN standard stated in the contract
- Inspect drum condition — dented or rusted drums risk contamination
- Check loss on heating ≤ 0.8% to confirm aging stability
- Insist on a pre-shipment sample retained by both parties
FAQ: 60/70 Penetration Bitumen Specification
Q1: What is the penetration value of 60/70 bitumen?
60/70 bitumen has a penetration value of 60 to 70 dmm measured at 25°C with a 100 g load for 5 seconds per ASTM D5. A typical commercial COA reads 62–68 dmm. This range makes it suitable for hot climates and heavy-traffic roads.
Q2: What is the softening point of 60/70 grade bitumen?
The Ring & Ball softening point of 60/70 bitumen is 49°C to 56°C (ASTM D36). Values above 52°C indicate better rutting resistance. Buyers in tropical markets typically specify a minimum of 50°C.
Q3: Is 60/70 bitumen the same as VG-30?
VG-30 (IS 73:2013) and 60/70 pen bitumen are functionally similar but not identical. VG-30 uses viscosity-based grading with stricter temperature susceptibility requirements. In Indian tenders, VG-30 is preferred, while 60/70 is accepted for older specifications.
Q4: What is the price of 60/70 bitumen per ton?
Indicative prices range from $440–$520/MT FOB Middle East for bulk and $480–$560/MT for drummed cargo. CIF prices to India or West Africa typically add $80–$180/MT depending on freight and volume.
Q5: How many tons of 60/70 bitumen fit in one 20-foot container?
A standard 20-foot FCL holds approximately 18–19 MT in drums (150 kg each) or 20–24 MT in flexitanks. Bulk ISO tank shipments are more economical for volumes above 100 MT.
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