80/100 Penetration Bitumen Specification
Last updated: 2026-10-03
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80/100 Penetration Bitumen Specification
80/100 penetration bitumen is a standard paving-grade bitumen with a penetration depth of 80 to 100 tenths of a millimeter (0.1 mm) at 25°C, a softening point typically between 42°C and 51°C, and a kinematic viscosity at 135°C in the range of 285–380 cSt. It is softer than 60/70 penetration grade and is designed for cold to moderate climates, medium-traffic roads, and applications where flexibility and low-temperature crack resistance matter more than high-temperature stiffness. A 20-tonne container of 80/100 bitumen typically ships within 7–14 days from Middle East and Asian refineries, with FOB prices ranging from $420 to $510 per tonne depending on origin, packaging, and market conditions.
This article breaks down the full 80/100 penetration bitumen specification using the ASTM D946 / AASHTO M20 framework, compares it against 60/70 and 40/50 grades, explains testing methods, and answers the questions buyers ask most before placing an order.
What Is 80/100 Penetration Bitumen?
Penetration grade bitumen is classified by how far a standard needle penetrates a bitumen sample under fixed conditions — 100 g load, 5 seconds, 25°C, per ASTM D5 or EN 1426. The number "80/100" means the needle penetrates between 80 and 100 units (0.1 mm). The higher the penetration number, the softer the bitumen.
80/100 grade sits in the middle-soft range of common paving grades:
| Grade | Penetration @ 25°C (0.1 mm) | Softening Point (°C) | Typical Climate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40/50 | 40–50 | 52–60 | Hot, heavy traffic |
| 60/70 | 60–70 | 49–56 | Warm, standard paving |
| 80/100 | 80–100 | 42–51 | Cold/moderate, medium traffic |
| 120/150 | 120–150 | 38–45 | Cold, light traffic |
| 200/300 | 200–300 | 30–38 | Very cold, spray applications |
Because 80/100 is softer, it remains flexible at lower temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal cracking in winter. The trade-off is lower resistance to rutting in hot weather, which is why it is rarely specified for high-temperature, high-load highways.
Full 80/100 Penetration Bitumen Specification Table
The table below reflects the widely accepted specification for 80/100 penetration bitumen under ASTM D946 and equivalent regional standards. Always confirm the exact spec sheet from your supplier, since refinery outputs and target markets vary slightly.
| Property | Test Method | Unit | Specification Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C, 100 g, 5 s | ASTM D5 / EN 1426 | 0.1 mm | 80–100 |
| Softening Point (R&B) | ASTM D36 / EN 1427 | °C | 42–51 |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 135°C | ASTM D2170 | cSt (mm²/s) | 285–380 |
| Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup) | ASTM D92 | °C | Min. 225 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | % wt | Min. 99.0 |
| Penetration Index (PI) | Calculated | — | –1.0 to +1.0 |
| Density @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | kg/m³ | 1,010–1,050 |
| Loss on Heating (Thin Film Oven) | ASTM D1754 | % wt | Max. 0.8 |
| Penetration After TFOT (% of original) | ASTM D5 | % | Min. 50 |
| Ductility @ 25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | Min. 100 |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | — | 1.01–1.05 |
| Asphaltene Content | ASTM D4124 | % wt | 5–15 (typical) |
Key takeaways from the table:
- The softening point range of 42–51°C is the defining thermal property — it tells you when the binder starts to flow.
- Viscosity of 285–380 cSt at 135°C is the practical mixing and pumping window for asphalt plants.
- Flash point above 225°C is a safety threshold for storage and transport.
- TFOT residue penetration of at least 50% confirms the bitumen resists aging during hot mixing.
80/100 vs 60/70: Which Grade Should You Choose?
The most common question from buyers is whether to specify 80/100 or 60/70. The answer depends on climate, traffic load, and pavement design.
| Factor | 80/100 | 60/70 |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C | 80–100 | 60–70 |
| Stiffness | Softer, more flexible | Harder, more rigid |
| Low-temp cracking resistance | Better | Moderate |
| High-temp rutting resistance | Moderate | Better |
| Ideal mean temperature | Below 25°C | 25–40°C |
| Typical use | Cold regions, medium traffic, surface courses | Warm regions, heavy traffic, base courses |
| Cost per tonne (FOB, indicative) | $420–$510 | $430–$520 |
| Density @ 25°C | ~1,010–1,050 kg/m³ | ~1,015–1,055 kg/m³ |
Rule of thumb: If your project's average annual pavement temperature is below 25°C, or if winter cracking is a documented problem, 80/100 is usually the better fit. If summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C and traffic is heavy, 60/70 (or a polymer-modified binder) protects against rutting more effectively.
In some markets, 80/100 is also blended or used in cutback bitumen and bitumen emulsion production because its softness disperses more easily.
Testing Methods Behind the Specification
Every number in an 80/100 spec sheet comes from a defined lab test. Understanding these tests helps buyers verify supplier claims and avoid off-spec material.
- Penetration Test (ASTM D5 / EN 1426): A needle under 100 g load penetrates the sample for 5 seconds at 25°C. Result is read in 0.1 mm units. This is the primary grading test.
- Softening Point, Ring & Ball (ASTM D36 / EN 1427): A steel ball sinks through a bitumen ring in a heated water/glycerin bath. The temperature at which it drops 25 mm is the softening point.
- Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D2170): Measures flow resistance at 135°C — critical for pump and pipe sizing at asphalt plants.
- Flash Point (ASTM D92): Determines the lowest temperature at which vapors ignite. Safety-critical for shipping and storage.
- Thin Film Oven Test (ASTM D1754): Simulates aging during mixing; measures loss on heating and retained penetration.
- Ductility (ASTM D113): Stretches a bitumen briquette at 25°C; minimum 100 cm confirms flexibility.
When evaluating a Certificate of Analysis (COA), check that penetration, softening point, and viscosity all fall in range — a single out-of-range value can indicate contamination or blending issues.
Packaging, Pricing, and Shipping Data
80/100 penetration bitumen is traded in several formats, each with different cost and handling implications.
| Packaging | Typical Net Weight | Best For | Indicative Cost Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| New steel drums | 150–182 kg | Small projects, remote sites | +$30–$50/tonne |
| Polybag (bulk) | 1,000–1,300 kg | Ocean freight, low labor cost | +$15–$30/tonne |
| Bulk tanker | 20–30 tonnes | Asphalt plants, high volume | Base price |
| Flexitank | 20–24 tonnes | Container shipping, no drums | +$10–$20/tonne |
| Bitutainer | 20–24 tonnes | Reusable, insulated container | +$25–$40/tonne |
Indicative pricing (FOB, Q1 benchmarks):
- Middle East (Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia): $420–$470 per tonne
- Southeast Asia (Singapore, Thailand): $460–$510 per tonne
- Europe (Spain, Italy): $490–$560 per tonne
Shipping timelines:
- Drummed cargo, 1 × 20 ft container (~20 tonnes): 7–10 days loading + transit
- Bulk vessel, 5,000–30,000 tonnes: 14–30 days depending on route
- Flexitank, 1 × 20 ft container (~22 tonnes): 10–14 days
Buyers should factor in payment terms (LC at sight is standard; TT with 30% advance is common), inspection (SGS or Intertek at loading port), and demurrage risk for bulk shipments.
How to Verify 80/100 Bitumen Quality Before Purchase
Off-spec or blended bitumen is a real risk in export markets. Use this checklist before confirming an order:
1. Request a third-party COA from SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas at the loading port — not just a supplier-issued sheet.
2. Confirm penetration, softening point, and viscosity fall within the ranges in the specification table above.
3. Check the batch date — bitumen older than 6 months can show oxidation and reduced penetration.
4. Verify packaging integrity — drums should be free of dents and leaks; polybags should be heat-sealed.
5. Cross-check density (~1,010–1,050 kg/m³ at 25°C) against weight claims to detect shortfills.
6. Ask for a retained sample sealed and stored for at least 90 days in case of disputes.
7. Confirm the grade is not a blend of 60/70 cut with flux oil — a common shortcut that fails TFOT tests.
A properly specified 80/100 shipment should pass all ASTM D946 parameters on arrival, not just at origin.
FAQ: 80/100 Penetration Bitumen Specification
Q1: What is the penetration range of 80/100 bitumen?
80/100 penetration bitumen has a penetration value of 80 to 100 units (0.1 mm) when tested at 25°C with a 100 g load for 5 seconds under ASTM D5. This makes it a mid-soft grade, softer than 60/70 but harder than 120/150.
Q2: What is the softening point of 80/100 bitumen?
The Ring & Ball softening point for 80/100 grade typically falls between 42°C and 51°C per ASTM D36. This range indicates the temperature at which the binder begins to flow, which is lower than 60/70 due to its softer consistency.
Q3: What is the difference between 80/100 and 60/70 bitumen?
80/100 is softer with a penetration of 80–100 and a softening point of 42–51°C, while 60/70 is harder at 60–70 penetration and 49–56°C softening point. 80/100 is preferred in colder climates for crack resistance, whereas 60/70 suits warmer regions and heavier traffic.
Q4: What is the price of 80/100 penetration bitumen?
Indicative FOB prices range from $420 to $510 per tonne, depending on origin, packaging, and order volume. Middle East suppliers tend to be at the lower end, while European and Southeast Asian suppliers price higher.
Q5: Where is 80/100 penetration bitumen used?
It is used in cold and moderate climate road construction, surface courses, medium-traffic pavements, bitumen emulsions, and cutback bitumen production. It is not recommended for high-temperature, heavy-load highways where rutting resistance is critical.
Calculate Your 80/100 Bitumen Cost Instantly
Pricing for 80/100 penetration bitumen shifts with crude benchmarks, freight rates, and packaging choice — a single quote can be outdated within days. Instead of chasing spreadsheets, use the 6Tar cost calculator to get a live, landed-cost estimate for your exact tonnage, port of discharge, and packaging format. Input your order size, select 80/100 grade, and see FOB, freight, and total cost in seconds. Start your calculation now and lock in accurate numbers before your next supplier negotiation.