Performance Grade
The PG system is a method used to evaluate asphalt binder performance. In the Superpave grading system, binders are classified based on how they perform under extreme hot and cold temperatures, which is why they are referred to as Performance Grade (PG) bitumen.
The primary goal of selecting an asphalt binder through the PG system is to ensure that its properties match the environmental conditions of the project site. Performance Grade binders are chosen according to expected climate conditions, as well as traffic speed and volume.
To achieve this, the PG system applies a standardized set of tests that measure the binder’s physical characteristics. These results are directly tied to real-world pavement performance through established engineering principles, ensuring optimal behavior of the asphalt at its service temperatures.
| High temperature degrees of efficiency | Low temperature degrees of efficiency |
|---|---|
| PG 46 | -34, -40, -46 |
| PG 52 | -10, -16, -22, -28, -34, -40, -46 |
| PG 58 | -10, -16, -22, -28, -34, -40 |
| PG 64 | -10, -16, -22, -28, -34, -40 |
| PG 70 | -10, -16, -22, -28, -34, -40 |