AH Grades
AH Grades (Asphalt Hard) represent a standardized classification of bitumen based on their hardness and performance under specific temperature and load conditions. These grades are designed to meet the requirements of modern road construction, particularly in regions with heavy traffic and varying climate conditions. Bitumen in the AH category is produced through vacuum distillation of crude petroleum and is further processed to achieve precise hardness and viscosity levels suitable for asphalt applications.
The AH grades are typically identified by numbers such as AH-70, AH-90, AH-110, and so on, where each number indicates the bitumen’s hardness and viscosity characteristics. Lower numbers, such as AH-70, are softer with higher penetration values, making them more flexible, while higher numbers like AH-110 are harder and better suited for high-temperature regions or roads with heavy load demands.
Because of their durability, strong bonding ability, and balanced flexibility, AH grades are widely used in:
- Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) production
- High-traffic road pavements
- Surface dressing and asphalt coating
- Waterproofing in construction
- Industrial and infrastructure applications
Overall, AH grade bitumen is regarded as a reliable and high-performance category essential for sustainable road development and long-lasting pavement structures.
| Test Items | Unit | Specifications | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration (25°C/5s/100g) | 0.1mm | 60~80 | T0604-2011 |
| Penetration Index | – | -1.5~1.0 | T0604-2011 |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | °C | Min 46 | T0606-2011 |
| Dynamic Viscosity at 60 °C | Pa.s | Min 140 | T0620-2000 |
| Ductility (5cm/min @10°C) | cm | Min 25 | T0605-2011 |
| Ductility (5cm/min @15°C) | cm | Min 100 | T0605-2011 |
| Wax Content (Distillation Method) | % | Max 2.2 | T0615-2011 |
| Flash Point (COC) | °C | Min 260 | T0611-2011 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | % | Min 99.5 | T0607-2011 |
| Density (@15°C) | g/cm³ | Report | T0603-2011 |
| After Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) or Rolling TFOT (RTOFT): | T609 or T0610 | ||
| Weight Change After TFOT or RTFOT | % | ±0.8 | T609 or T0610 |
| Penetration Ratio of Residue after TFOT or RTFOT | % | Min 61 | T0604-2011 |
| Ductility @10°C after TFOT or RTFOT | cm | Min 6 | T0605-2011 |
| Ductility @15°C after TFOT or RTFOT | cm | Min 30 | T0605-2011 |
Bitumen AH-70 Specifications
Bitumen AH-70, which is also referred to as Bitumen 60/80 due to its penetration range, is a high-quality petroleum bitumen commonly used in road construction and various industrial applications. This grade is produced through the process of vacuum distillation of crude oil and is well-recognized for its excellent binding properties, durability, and resistance to deformation in moderate climates.
AH-70 bitumen offers an optimal balance between hardness and flexibility, making it suitable for hot mix asphalt production, surface coating, pavement sealing, and waterproofing purposes. Because of its stable performance, it is widely demanded in countries with high traffic load requirements.
Below you can find the detailed specifications of Bitumen AH-70:
| Bitumen AH-70 Specifications | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SPECIFICATION | UNIT | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
| Penetration 25°C | 0.1 mm | 60-80 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | °C | Min 42 | ASTM D36 |
| Density, 15°C | kg/m³ | 1.000/1.060 | ASTM D70 |
| Ductility, 15°C, 5cm/min | cm | Min 100 | ASTM D113 |
| Ductility, 10°C, 5cm/min | cm | Min 20 | ASTM D113 |
| Flash Point | °C | Min 260 | ASTM D92 |
| Dynamic Viscosity 60°C | Poises | Min 130 | ASTM D2171 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | WT% | Min 99.5 | ASTM D2042 |
| Penetration Index | – | -1.5/1.0 | – |
| AFTER TFOT AT 163 ˚C ASTM D1754 | |||
| Loss of Weight | – | -0.8/0.8 | ASTM D1754 |
| Retained Penetration Ratio | % | Min 61 | ASTM D5 |
| Ductility, 10°C, 5cm/min | cm | Min 6 | ASTM D113 |