Bitumen 10/20 penetration grade

Bitumen 10/20 is a hard penetration grade bitumen produced during the refining of crude oil. The designation 10/20 indicates that the penetration value ranges from 10 to 20 dmm (0.1 mm) when tested according to ASTM standards at 25°C. Compared with softer grades such as Bitumen 60/70 or Bitumen 80/100, this product has significantly higher hardness, making it suitable for demanding engineering applications.

Its excellent resistance to deformation, high softening point, and superior load-bearing capacity make Bitumen 10/20 an ideal binder for roads exposed to heavy traffic and high temperatures. It is widely used in airports, highways, industrial pavements, bridge decks, and heavy-duty asphalt mixtures.

Bitumen 10/20 is a hard penetration-grade bitumen produced from the vacuum distillation of crude oil and widely used in heavy-duty road construction, airport runways, bridge decks, and industrial asphalt pavements. Its low penetration value provides excellent resistance to rutting and deformation under heavy traffic and high temperatures. The product is internationally classified under CAS No. 8052-42-4 and HS Code 27132000, the standard customs classification for petroleum bitumen. Bitumen 10/20 is also commonly referred to as Penetration Grade, Asphalt Cement 10/20, Paving Grade Bitumen, Road Bitumen 10/20, and Petroleum. It is manufactured in accordance with internationally recognized paving bitumen standards and is supplied in drums, jumbo bags, bitubags, bitutainers, and bulk shipments for global export.

As a trusted Bitumen supplier in UAE, BASEKIM supplies premium-quality hard grade bitumen that complies with international standards, ensuring consistent performance and reliable worldwide delivery.

Key Features

Bitumen 10/20 offers outstanding engineering properties for infrastructure projects requiring maximum durability.

Key advantages include:

  • Extremely high resistance to rutting
  • Excellent performance under heavy traffic loads
  • High softening point
  • Superior resistance to permanent deformation
  • Excellent adhesion to mineral aggregates
  • Good resistance to oxidation and aging
  • Long pavement service life
  • Stable performance in hot climates
  • Consistent viscosity during asphalt production
  • Suitable for premium asphalt mixtures

These properties make Bitumen 10/20 one of the preferred grades for long-life pavement construction.

Applications of Bitumen 10/20

Because of its hardness and mechanical strength, this product is used in projects where pavement durability is critical.

Typical applications include:

  • Highway construction
  • Airport runways
  • Heavy-duty asphalt pavements
  • Industrial roads
  • Container terminals
  • Port facilities
  • Bridge decks
  • Urban expressways
  • Bus lanes
  • High-load intersections
  • Asphalt concrete production
  • Polymer modified bitumen manufacturing

Its resistance to heavy axle loads helps reduce rutting and surface deformation over long service periods.

Technical Specification of Bitumen 10/20

Property Test Method Unit Typical Value
Penetration at 25°C ASTM D5 0.1 mm 10–20
Softening Point ASTM D36 °C 58–66
Ductility at 25°C ASTM D113 cm Min 100
Flash Point ASTM D92 °C Min 250
Solubility in Trichloroethylene ASTM D2042 % Min 99
Specific Gravity at 25°C ASTM D70 – 1.01–1.06
Loss on Heating ASTM D6 % Max 0.2

Actual values may vary slightly depending on refinery production.

Benefits of Bitumen 10/20

Selecting the correct penetration grade directly influences pavement performance and maintenance costs. Bitumen 10/20 offers numerous long-term benefits.

Outstanding Rutting Resistance

Its high stiffness minimizes permanent deformation caused by heavy truck traffic.

Longer Pavement Life

Harder asphalt mixtures maintain structural integrity for many years, reducing repair frequency.

Excellent High-Temperature Performance

Bitumen 10/20 performs exceptionally well in hot climates where softer grades may soften excessively.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Reduced cracking and rutting lead to fewer maintenance operations and lower lifecycle costs.

High Structural Stability

The grade provides excellent support for heavily loaded pavements and industrial flooring.

Packing Options

BASEKIM supplies Bitumen 10/20 in various export packing options to meet different logistics requirements.

Available packing includes:

  • New Steel Drum (180 kg)
  • Jumbo Bag
  • Poly Bag
  • Bitutainer
  • Bulk Shipment

Packing can be customized according to project requirements and destination country.

Storage and Handling

For optimum quality, Bitumen 10/20 should be stored under appropriate conditions.

Recommendations include:

  • Store in dry, well-ventilated areas.
  • Protect from water contamination.
  • Heat gradually using indirect heating systems.
  • Avoid overheating above recommended temperatures.
  • Use insulated tanks during transportation.
  • Follow standard industrial safety procedures.

Proper handling preserves product quality and extends storage life.

1.What does Bitumen 10/20 mean?

The number represents the penetration range of the bitumen measured at 25°C. Lower penetration values indicate a harder bitumen grade.

2.Is Bitumen 10/20 suitable for hot climates?

Yes. Its high softening point and excellent rutting resistance make it particularly suitable for regions with high ambient temperatures and heavy traffic.

3.What packing options are available?

Bitumen 10/20 is available in steel drums, jumbo bags, poly bags, Bitubags, Bitutainers, and bulk shipments.

MSDS of Bitumen 10/20
Specification of Bitumen 10/20