Bitumen 6070
Definitive guide to bitumen grades, properties and commercial specs
Bitumen 60/70 — everything you need in one page
Bitumen 60/70 (also written 6070 or 60–70) is one of the most widely used paving bitumens worldwide. Engineered for road construction and asphalt mixes, its consistency and physical properties strike a balance between workability and performance. This page collects practical guidance, exact specification tables, comparative analysis across common grades, application notes, and ready-to-use commercial contact information so buyers and sellers can act quickly.
Quick facts
Bitumen 60/70 is classified by penetration — traditionally measured in tenths of a millimeter (dmm) at 25°C. For 60/70 the penetration range is 60–70 dmm. It is commonly used in hot mixes and provides a balance of stiffness and flexibility suitable for moderate climatic zones and heavily trafficked roads when properly designed in mix with aggregates.
Analytical table (typical properties)
Below is a consolidated analysis table showing commonly inspected properties. Values are indicative — always confirm with the supplier's Certificate of Analysis (COA).
| Property | Unit | 60/70 (typical) | 80/100 | 40/50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration (25°C) | dmm | 60–70 | 80–100 | 40–50 |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | °C | 48–54 | 46–54 | 52–58 |
| Flash Point | °C | >230 | >230 | >240 |
| Specific Gravity | — | 1.01–1.05 | 1.01–1.06 | 1.02–1.06 |
| Loss on Heating (TFOT) | % | <1.5 | <1.5 | <1.5 |
| Penetration Index | — | -1 to +1 | -1 to +1 | -1.5 to +0.5 |
The above values are a practical baseline. For export contracts always specify test method (e.g., ASTM D5 for penetration, ASTM D36 for softening point) and require COA and sample testing prior to shipment.
Detailed specifications & grades
Standards and test methods vary by region. Below are typical test items and recommended minimums used in international trade. Always include the test method and acceptable tolerance in the sale contract.
Common test items
- Penetration at 25°C (ASTM D5 / EN 1426)
- Softening point (Ring & Ball) (ASTM D36 / EN 1427)
- Flash point (ASTM D92)
- Loss on heating (TFOT) (EN 12607)
- Viscosity at 60°C (ASTM D4402)
- Density / Specific gravity (ASTM D70)
Standard grade table (example)
| Grade | Penetration (25°C) | Softening (°C) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30/40 | 30–40 | 55–67 | Heavy duty pavements, exceptionally hard binder |
| 40/50 | 40–50 | 52–66 | High temperature resistance for warm climates |
| 60/70 | 60–70 | 48–54 | Mainstream paving bitumen for many road projects |
| 80/100 | 80–100 | 44–52 | Softer binder for cold climates or specific mix designs |
Application notes
Designing with 60/70 requires understanding aggregate gradation, climate conditions, and traffic loading. For dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA), 60/70 often provides improved compactability while maintaining adequate rutting resistance. In cold regions consider using modified binders or polymer-modified bitumen to avoid low-temperature cracking.
Handling & storage
Bitumen must be stored in insulated heated tanks or drums to maintain pumpable viscosity. Avoid repeated overheating; keep temperature within recommended storage ranges (typically 140–170°C for pumping) and always follow safety protocols for handling hot hydrocarbons.
Quality control checklist for buyers
- Always request a recent Certificate of Analysis (COA) and sample for independent lab testing.
- Specify test methods and acceptance criteria in the contract.
- Confirm package type and number of drums per pallet for logistics planning.
- Confirm payment terms (TT, LC) and incoterms (FOB, CIF).
Comparative analysis: 60/70 vs other grades
This comparative section explains where 60/70 sits relative to softer and harder classes and how that impacts performance.
60/70 vs 80/100
80/100 is softer and more workable at lower temperatures — useful in colder climates or for certain emulsions. 60/70 provides higher stiffness and better rutting resistance for heavy traffic. Choose 60/70 where higher load-bearing capacity and temperature susceptibility control are needed.
60/70 vs 40/50 and 30/40
40/50 and 30/40 are harder grades offering improved high-temperature performance but can be less workable during mixing. For ultra-heavy traffic and extremely hot climates, harder grades may be chosen; however, they can increase the risk of low-temperature cracking if not properly modified.
When to modify bitumen
Polymer modification (SBS, EVA) or crumb rubber modification can adjust the binder's viscoelastic properties to improve rutting, fatigue and cracking performance. Consider modified bitumen when standard 60/70 cannot meet design or climatic requirements.
Large analysis matrix (sample COA table)
Below is a more complete sample COA that exporters commonly provide. Numbers are illustrative and should be replaced by supplier COA values.
| Test | Method | 60/70 (min-max) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration (@25°C) | ASTM D5 | 60-70 | dmm |
| Softening Point | ASTM D36 | 48-54 | °C |
| Flash Point | ASTM D92 | >230 | °C |
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D70 | 1.01-1.05 | — |
| Viscosity @60°C | ASTM D4402 | 500-1200 | Poise |
| Loss on Heating (TFOT) | EN 12607 | <1.5 | % |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | >99 | % |
| Penetration Index | — | -1 to +1 | — |
If your project requires special tests (DSR, BBR, MSCR), state them clearly in the technical enquiry. Contractors and specifiers working on high-performance pavements often ask for rheological tests (Dynamic Shear Rheometer, Bending Beam Rheometer) especially when using modified bitumen.
Full product description (sample marketing copy)
Product: Bitumen 60/70 (penetration grade)
Description: High-quality penetration grade bitumen suitable for hot mix asphalt, paving, and industrial applications. Manufactured to comply with international standards and supplied with full COA and logistic documentation. The binder demonstrates consistent rheological behaviour, low volatility under handling, and good adhesion to aggregate.
Applications
- Paving mixes for highways, municipal roads and airport pavements.
- Binder for surface dressing and tack coats where specified.
- Waterproofing membranes and industrial roofing when blended/formulated.
Key considerations for use
- Confirm mix design compatibility with local aggregates and climate.
- Review storage & heating requirements to prevent thermal degradation.
- Specify acceptance criteria for COA and on-site testing.
FAQ — Practical questions answered
Q: Is 60/70 suitable for heavy traffic?
A: Yes, in many regions 60/70 is used for main roads. For extreme high-temperature rutting concerns, consider harder grades or polymer-modified bitumen.
Q: Can I mix 60/70 with polymer modifiers?
A: Absolutely. Polymer modification improves elasticity and rutting resistance. Always verify compatibility and adjust mixing temperatures.
Q: What's the normal shipping temperature?
A: Pumpable temperatures are typically 140–170°C. Shipping and handling must follow safety guidelines for hot materials.
Q: How to check quality on arrival?
A: Take representative samples during discharge and request an independent lab test for penetration, softening point, density and loss on heating.
Technical support & contact
Our technical desk can help with mix design recommendations, material substitution guidance, and export documentation. Use the WhatsApp link below to send your RFQ (request for quotation) — include grade, quantity, loading port, and target incoterm.
Chat / Sales: +98 910 545 294
Minimum RFQ template (copy & send)
Grade: 60/70
Quantity (MT):
Loading port:
Destination port:
Packaging (Drum/Bulk):
Required documents: FCO, COA, CI, BL
Preferred incoterm (FOB/CIF):
Target shipment date:
Safety & environmental notes
Bitumen handling involves hot material; use heat-protective equipment and follow MSDS guidelines. Ensure environmental compliance for any residues and wastewater from tank cleaning operations.
MSDS checklist
- Fire-fighting measures and flash point data.
- Personal protective equipment recommendations.
- Spill handling and containment procedures.
Buyer considerations — negotiation tips
Negotiate based on quantity, delivery flexibility and payment. Ask for sample shipments or staged shipments for first-time suppliers and insist on testing and acceptance criteria to be written into the contract. Consider freight rate fluctuations and destination port handling constraints in your landed cost calculations.
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