Classified based on their penetration values, which measure the depth a standard needle penetrates into the bitumen under specified conditions. Common grades include 40/50, 60/70, and 80/100, with the numbers indicating the penetration range.

This type focuses on the viscosity of the bitumen at specific temperatures rather than penetration levels. Grades such as VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, and VG-40 are used, offering a more reliable measure of performance in high temperatures.5

Designed to perform in specific climatic conditions, PG bitumen grades are specified by temperature ranges. They consider factors like traffic load, environmental conditions, and pavement design, ensuring the bitumen can withstand the specific stresses it will face.

This type has added polymers to improve its elasticity, cohesion, and temperature susceptibility. PMBs are used in high-stress environments like busy intersections, airports, and steep roads.

Produced by passing air through bitumen at elevated temperatures, which alters its physical properties. This process increases the bitumen's viscosity and hardness, making it suitable for industrial applications such as roofing, insulation, and pipe coating.

Bitumen that has been diluted with a solvent to reduce its viscosity and make it easier to work with at lower temperatures. Once the solvent evaporates, the bitumen returns to its original state. Cutback bitumens are classified into rapid-curing (RC), medium-curing (MC), and slow-curing (SC) types.

These are mixtures of bitumen and water, stabilized by an emulsifying agent. They can be applied in wet conditions and are used for road maintenance and repair, tack coating, and surface dressing. Bitumen emulsions are classified into cationic, anionic, and non-ionic types.

A naturally occurring form of bitumen, known for its unique binding properties, high melting point, and resistance to deformation. It's used in a variety of industries, including oil and gas drilling, asphalt paving, and in the production of waterproofing products.

This is a harder grade of bitumen with a penetration between 40 and 50 decimillimeters. It's suitable for warm climates and is commonly used in road construction where high temperatures can cause softer bitumen to become too fluid.

This grade has moderate hardness with a penetration between 60 and 70 decimillimeters. It's the most commonly used grade for road construction worldwide, balancing durability and workability across a wide range of temperatures.

This is a softer bitumen with a penetration between 80 and 100 decimillimeters. It's suitable for cooler climates where lower temperatures can make harder bitumen grades brittle and prone to cracking.

Even softer than 80/100, this grade is used in very cold climates or in low-stress applications like walking paths or bike paths where flexibility is more important than high temperature stability.

Approximate penetration grade =80-100

Approximate penetration grade =60-70

Approximate penetration grade =30-40/40-50