Bitumen standards & Grades

Standardizing Bodies

In different regions and countries, different Standards and Grading systems are used for determining the quality of petroleum bituminous Binders. The most recognized standards for petroleum bitumen are published by

European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
- Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN EN)
- Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR – NF EN)
- BSI Standards - the UK's National Standards Body (NSB - BS EN)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
South African Standard Organization (SABS)
Standards Australia (AS)

Most Commonly Used Bitumen Specifications

Standard Petroleum Bitumen Grades

ASTM D 946 and AASHTO M 20 (Penetration @ 25°C)
ASTM D 3381 and AASHTO M 226 (Viscosity @ 60°C)
ASTM D 6373 and AASHTO M 320 (PG-Graded Binder)
EN 12591 (Penetration @ 25°C) → NF EN; BS EN; DIN EN; etc.
AS 2008 (Viscosity @ 60°C)
SABS 307 (Penetration @ 25°C; Viscosity @ 60°C after RTFOT)
IS 73 (India) changed in 2006 from PEN grades to VG Grades (based on Viscosity @ 60°C); however, CRMB modified bitumen is still graded based on penetration.

Polymer Modified Bitumen

ASTM D 5976; ASTM D 5840; ASTM D 5841 (based on polymer type; now outdated and not used in the USA, but still used in some developing countries)
ASTM 6373 and AASHTO M 320 (PG-Graded Binder; applicable to Unmodified and Polymer Modified Bitumen)
EN 14023 (Framework Standard for Polymer Modified Binder)
AUSTROADS Framework Specifications (Australia)

Bitumen Emulsions

USA Anionic Emulsions: ASTM D 977 and AASHTO M 140
USA Cationic Emulsions: ASTM D 2397 and AASHTO M 208; Polymer Modified Cationic Emulsion: AASHTO M 316
Europe: Harmonized Framework Standard EN 13808 for Cationic Unmodified and Polymer Modified Emulsions; many different national
Annexes. (Note: Internationally there exist a very broad range of emulsion specifications; many of them are technically inaccurate and confusing.)

Cutback Bitumen

ASTM D 2026, D 2027 and D 2028 for Slow, Medium and Rapid Curing Cutback
AASHTO M 81, M 82 for Rapid and Medium Curing Cutback
EN 15522 Cutback and Fluxed Bituminous Binder