Bitumen Tables
Bitumen Tables
6 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1.1 Product specifications – Paving and hard paving grade bitumens
Polymer-modified bitumens are not currently covered by any British Standard. However, BS EN 14023 Bitumen
and bituminous binders – Specifications for polymer modified bitumens, is being developed by the Comité
Européen de Normalisation (European Committee for Standardisation, CEN).
For polymer-modified bitumens, information on specifications and MSDSs should be obtained from the binder
supplier.
Property Grade
A1- A1- A1- A2- A2- A3 A4
60 55 40 57 50
Residue on 710 µm BS sieve (% by mass maximum) 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,05
Residue on 150 µm BS sieve (g per 100 ml maximum) 0,15 0,15 0,15 0,15 0,15 0,15 0,15
Stability to mixing with coarse aggregate(% coagulation) 20-80 20-80 20-80 <40 <40 <5 <5
Stability to mixing with cement (% coagulation) – – – >2 >2 >2 –
Binder content (minimum % by mass) 58 53 38 55 48 55 56
Viscosity (º Engler 20 ºC) 6-9 5-8 4 max. 8 max. 5 max. 9 max. 8 max.
Coagulation of emulsion at low temperature nil nil nil nil nil nil nil
Storage stability (short period test) 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
(inversions to clear sediment, maximum)
Storage stability (long period test) 2 2 – 2 2 2 2
(water content difference %, maximum)
Particle charge negative
Table 1.6b Product specifications – Cationic bitumen emulsions
(BS 434/1)
Property Grade
K1-70 K1-60 K1-40 K2 K3
Residue on 710 µm BS sieve (% by mass maximum) – 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,05
Residue on 150 µm BS sieve (g per 100 ml maximum) – 0,15 0,15 0,15 0,15
Binder content (minimum % by mass) 67 57 38 57 56
Viscosity (º Engler 20 ºC) – 6–9 4 max. 10 max. 10 max.
Viscosity Redwood No. II (s at 85 ºC) 25 – 35 – – – –
(Note 1)
Coagulation of emulsion at low temperature – nil Nil nil nil
Storage stability (short period test) – 60 60 60 60
(inversions to clear sediment, maximum)
Storage stability (long period test) – 2 – 2 2
(water content difference %, maximum)
Particle charge positive
Note 1 The viscosity range in the table is intended to serve as a guide only and viscosities greater than 35 s can
be used provided that the emulsion can meet the transverse distribution requirements of BS 1707 when sprayed
in hot binder distributors conforming to BS 1707.
Table B.1 Recommended bitumen handling and storage temperatures
Notes:
1. Maximum pumping viscosity – approx. 2 000 cSt (all grades).
2. Mixing / Coating viscosity – approx. 200 cSt (all grades).
3. Spraying viscosity – approx. 60 cSt (penetration grades).
4. Spraying viscosity – approx. 30 cSt (cutback grades).
5. Based on generally satisfactory experience of the storage and handling of paving, hard paving and
oxidised grades in contact with air. Subject to avoidance of flammable atmospheres in the vapour
spaces of storage tanks.
6. In oxidised bitumen rundown tanks, i.e. those that are, or can be, directly connected to the process
plant, and except where oxygen depletion is applied temperatures should not exceed 200°C.
7. Based on generally satisfactory experience of storage and handling cutback grades in contact with
air. Subject to avoidance of sources of ignition in the vicinity of tank vents and open air operations.
8. For polymer-modified bitumens and proprietary products advice on handling requirements should be
contained in an MSDS obtained from the binder supplier.
REFERENCES
The references pertinent to the above tables are reproduced here from the full listing given in Annex E of IP
Bitumen safety code.