Bitumen 120/150

Bitumen 120/150 is a softer grade of bitumen, mainly used in road construction and maintenance in colder climates and low-traffic areas. Its flexibility helps prevent pavement cracks and makes it suitable for surface dressing, asphalt production, and industrial applications such as waterproofing and roofing.

Appearance: Black solid or a viscous liquid
Standards: ASTM D946, AASHTO M 20-70(2004)
HS Code: 27132000

Package: Bitumen are packed in

New Steel Drums of 200Kg / 180Kg / 156Kg / Customized
Bulk in Bitumen Tank Container

Bitumen 120/150 (ASTM D946, AASHTO M20-70) - Technical Specifications

Properties	Units	Limits	Test Methods
Penetration @25°C (77°F), 100gm, 5sec	0.1MM	120-150	ASTM D5
Softening Point °C	°C	Min. 38.0	ASTM D36
Flash Point Cleveland open cup	°C	Min. 218	ASTM D92
Ductility @25°C, 5 cm/min	CM	Min. 100	ASTM D113
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	% Wt	Min. 99.0	ASTM D2042
After Rolling Thin-Film Oven Test (RTFO)			ASTM D1754
Loss on Heating	%Wt	Max. 1.3	ASTM D6
Drop in Penetration	%	Max. 20	ASTM D5
Retained Penetration	%	Min. 42	ASTM D5
Ductility of residue @25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min	CM	Min. 100	ASTM D113
Spot Test	-	Negative	AASHTO T102

*American association of state highway officials

Main Applications Of Bitumen 120/150

The main application of Bitumen 120/150 is in road construction and maintenance where flexibility is crucial, particularly in regions with colder climates or lower traffic volumes.

Road Construction:

Low to Medium Traffic Roads: Bitumen 120/150 is used in the construction of roads with lighter traffic loads, such as rural roads, residential streets, and parking lots. Its softer nature allows for greater flexibility, making it ideal for areas that do not experience heavy traffic.

Flexible Pavements: It is used in flexible pavement construction to accommodate slight movements in the road surface caused by temperature fluctuations or ground settlement, reducing the risk of cracking.
Cold Climate Applications:

Regions with Temperature Variations: Bitumen 120/150 is highly suited for cold climates because its flexibility prevents cracking due to the expansion and contraction of pavement caused by temperature changes. It remains pliable in lower temperatures, unlike harder bitumen grades that may become brittle.
Surface Dressing:

Road Maintenance: It is used in surface dressing, where a thin layer of bitumen is applied to the surface of an existing road and covered with aggregates. This process improves skid resistance, seals the surface from water, and extends the lifespan of the road by preventing wear and tear.
Asphalt Production:

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): Bitumen 120/150 is commonly used as a binder in asphalt mixes for road construction. Its softness allows for more flexibility in the asphalt, which helps prevent cracks in the road surface, especially in cold regions or areas prone to temperature changes.
Industrial Uses:

Waterproofing and Roofing: Beyond road construction, Bitumen 120/150 is also used in waterproofing applications and the production of roofing materials due to its durability and flexibility, making it suitable for weatherproofing structures.

Various Packing Method for Bitumen

Packing bitumen is an essential process to ensure its safe transportation, storage, and handling. The method of packing often depends on the type of bitumen, the transportation method, and the end-use. Here are the various methods used to pack bitumen: