Bitumen Grade 115/15

Bitumen Grade 115/15

Bitumen grade 115/15 is a penetration-grade bitumen with a penetration value of 115 dmm (0.1 mm at 25°C) and a softening point of approximately 15°C above ambient reference — typically cited at 39–43°C by ring-and-ball method — making it one of the softest standard grades in the 60/70–115/15 family. It is supplied in bulk at roughly $380–$460 per metric ton FOB (2024–2025 range), packed in 150 kg–1,000 kg jumbo bags or bulk tankers of 25–30 MT capacity. This grade is specified for cold-climate road construction, crack sealing, and industrial waterproofing where flexibility at low temperature matters more than rutting resistance.

The "115/15" designation follows the widely used grading convention where 115 = penetration at 25°C and 15 = the low-temperature or softening-related parameter, depending on the national standard applied.

What Is Bitumen Grade 115/15?

Penetration-grade bitumen is classified by how far a standard needle penetrates a sample under fixed conditions (100 g load, 5 seconds, 25°C). A 115 dmm penetration means the material is significantly softer than the common 60/70 or 80/100 grades used in hot-mix asphalt.

Key physical properties:

The high penetration value means the binder stays ductile and crack-resistant at low temperatures — down to roughly –10°C to –15°C in typical service — which is precisely why cold-region contractors prefer it over harder grades.

Bitumen Grade 115/15 vs Other Penetration Grades

Choosing between grades is a balance between low-temperature flexibility and high-temperature rutting resistance. Softer grades resist cracking; harder grades resist deformation under heavy axle loads.

Practical takeaway:

• Harder grade (40/50) → better rutting resistance, worse cracking.
• Softer grade (115/15) → better cracking resistance, must not be used in hot heavy-traffic zones.
• Moving one grade softer typically reduces softening point by 4–6°C.

Specifications and Standards for 115/15

The 115/15 grade is most commonly specified under national penetration grading systems (Indian IS 73, some Middle East and African standards) and cross-referenced to EN 12591 soft-pen classes. As of 2024–2025, the dominant sourcing origins are:

• Iran — largest exporter of penetration grades, including 115/15
• Iraq — Basrah-origin penetration grades
• UAE — Jebel Ali re-export hub
• India — domestic production against IS 73

Compliance checklist before purchase:

• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) issued per batch
• Penetration within 115 ± 10 dmm (do not accept out-of-window)
• Softening point 39–43°C
• Flash point ≥ 220°C for safe handling
• TFOT residue penetration ≥ 60% of original
• Solubility ≥ 99.0%

Packing formats and typical MOQ:

Pricing, Logistics, and Lead Times (2024–2025)

Prices for 115/15 track crude oil benchmarks, freight rates, and container availability. The table below reflects indicative FOB ranges — always confirm live quotes, since soft grades are traded in smaller volumes than 60/70.

Cost drivers to monitor:

• Freight rates — swing of $30–$80/MT depending on route and season
• Container availability — tight supply can add 5–10 days to lead time
• Origin premiums — Iranian material is typically $20–$40/MT cheaper but faces stricter export documentation
• Payment terms — LC at sight vs TT changes landed cost by 1–3%

Typical order timeline:

Applications: Where 115/15 Performs Best

Because of its low softening point, 115/15 is not a highway surface grade for hot, heavy-traffic conditions. Its strengths lie elsewhere:

• Crack sealing and joint filling — high penetration allows the material to flow into narrow cracks and stay flexible through freeze-thaw cycles.
• Cold-climate paving — used in surface treatments, prime coats, and low-volume roads in northern latitudes and high-altitude regions.
• Waterproofing membranes — roofing felts and below-grade membranes benefit from the grade's flexibility.
• Emulsion and cutback feedstock — softer base bitumen is easier to emulsify and cut back for spray applications.
• Damp-proofing and industrial coatings — where permanent tack and low-temperature flex are required.

Do-not-use list:

• Intersections with stop-start heavy truck traffic
• Hot desert climate surface courses
• High-pressure pavement sections

Getting the grade wrong is expensive. A soft binder in a hot heavy-load zone can rut within one summer season, while an unnecessarily hard binder in a cold zone can crack within the first winter.

FAQ: Bitumen Grade 115/15

Q1: What does "115/15" mean in bitumen grading?

A: The "115" refers to the penetration value of 115 dmm at 25°C, and "15" denotes the grading parameter under the applicable national standard, commonly tied to a softening point in the 39–43°C range. Together they identify a soft penetration-grade bitumen designed for cold-climate and crack-sealing applications.

Q2: How much does bitumen grade 115/15 cost per ton?

A: As of 2024–2025, indicative FOB prices range from $380 to $460 per metric ton, depending on origin (Iran, Iraq, or UAE), packing format, and order volume. Freight and payment terms can shift the landed cost by $30–$80/MT.

Q3: Is 115/15 better than 60/70 for road construction?

A: Not universally — 115/15 offers superior low-temperature cracking resistance, while 60/70 provides better rutting resistance for heavy traffic in warm climates. Choose 115/15 for cold regions and crack sealing, and 60/70 for standard hot-mix paving under heavy loads.

Q4: What is the minimum order quantity for 115/15 bitumen?

A: Standard MOQ is one 20-foot container, equivalent to approximately 19–20 MT in drums or jumbo bags, or one flexitank of 20–25 MT for bulk shipments. Smaller trial orders are sometimes available but carry a price premium of 5–10%.

Q5: How long does shipping take for a 115/15 order?

A: Total lead time is typically 24–61 days, broken down into quotation (2–5 days), payment setup (3–7 days), production and packing (5–10 days), and ocean transit (12–35 days depending on route). Transit from the Middle East to Asia averages 18–28 days.

Calculate Your Bitumen 115/15 Landed Cost Instantly

Landed cost is where margins are won or lost. Freight, insurance, port fees, and documentation can add 15–30% to the FOB price — and guessing wrong on a 20 MT container means a $1,500–$3,000 swing per shipment.

Use the 6Tar cost calculator to model your exact scenario in seconds:

• Enter origin, destination, and volume (MT)
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Stop pricing bitumen on assumptions. Run your numbers with 6Tar today and quote your customers with confidence.