Bitumen 60/70 is a penetration-grade petroleum binder widely used in asphalt production, road construction, highways, airport pavements and infrastructure projects. Its balance of consistency, adhesion and flexibility makes it suitable for many demanding paving applications.
The grade is defined by a penetration range of 60–70 × 0.1 mm at 25°C under the applicable test method. ASTM D5/D5M identifies penetration testing as a method for evaluating the consistency of semi-solid and solid bituminous materials. ASTM D946/D946M also includes the 60–70 penetration range in its specification for penetration-graded asphalt binders. ASTM International
Alps Asphalt supplies this paving grade with technical documentation, flexible packaging and international shipping solutions based on the customer’s specification, quantity, destination and handling requirements.
What Is Bitumen 60/70?
The numbers 60 and 70 represent the permitted penetration range measured under specified laboratory conditions. Lower penetration values generally indicate a harder binder, while higher values indicate a softer consistency.
This grade offers a practical balance between stiffness and flexibility. However, material selection should never be based on penetration alone. Climate, traffic loading, aggregate characteristics, asphalt mix design, pavement structure and project standards must also be evaluated.
Main Applications
Road Construction
Road construction is the principal application for this penetration grade. It may be incorporated into asphalt mixtures used for:
- Highways and major roads
- Urban streets
- Airport pavements
- Wearing courses
- Binder courses
- Road rehabilitation
- Surface dressing
- Bridges and transportation infrastructure
The performance of the finished pavement depends on the complete system, including aggregates, binder content, mixture design, compaction, drainage, construction quality, climate and traffic conditions.
Hot-Mix Asphalt Production
Bitumen 60/70 is commonly used as the binding component in hot-mix asphalt. It coats and binds mineral aggregates, providing cohesion within the asphalt mixture.
Production and application temperatures must be determined from the supplier’s technical guidance, mixture design and applicable safety requirements. The final asphalt mixture should be tested against the relevant project specification.
Selected Industrial Uses
Subject to formulation and performance requirements, the material may also be considered for:
- Bituminous coatings
- Damp-proofing products
- Pipe coatings
- Bituminous paints
- Adhesives and sealants
- Selected waterproofing systems
Suitability for a non-paving application must be confirmed through product testing and the requirements of the final formulation.
Technical Specifications
The table below provides a general technical framework. Final requirements must be confirmed through the applicable Technical Data Sheet, Certificate of Analysis and contractual specification.
| Property | Test method | General requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration at 25°C | ASTM D5/D5M or EN 1426 | 60–70 × 0.1 mm |
| Softening point | ASTM D36/D36M or EN 1427 | According to agreed specification |
| Ductility | Applicable test standard | According to agreed specification |
| Flash point | Applicable test standard | According to agreed specification |
| Solubility | Applicable test standard | According to agreed specification |
| Loss on heating/ageing | Applicable test standard | According to agreed specification |
ASTM D946/D946M covers penetration-graded asphalt binder used in pavement construction and lists penetration, ductility, flash point and solubility among the relevant properties. The ordered material should be evaluated against the standard specified in the purchase contract.
Packaging Options
Alps Asphalt can arrange Bitumen 60/70 packaging according to order volume, destination, unloading facilities and transportation method.
Steel Drums
Steel drums, commonly within the 150–200 kg net-weight range, provide individual units that can be handled, stored and transported without dedicated bulk-bitumen facilities. Exact drum weight and construction must be confirmed in the order.
Jumbo Bags
Polyethylene-lined jumbo bags may be available for suitable shipments, typically around one metric ton per unit. Availability depends on the material, climate, destination, handling system and agreed packaging specification.
Bitutainers and Bulk Supply
For larger orders, the product may be transported in bitutainers, insulated tankers or other suitable bulk systems. Bulk transport requires appropriate loading, heating, unloading and safety facilities.
Shipping and Export Documentation
International supply can be arranged by sea, road or multimodal transport according to destination and shipment requirements.
Depending on the order and destination country, the documentation may include:
- Technical Data Sheet
- Certificate of Analysis
- Safety Data Sheet
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Export and shipping documents
Documentation requirements should be confirmed before production and loading because they may vary according to destination regulations and agreed Incoterms.
Choosing a Bitumen 60/70 Supplier
International buyers should evaluate more than the quoted price. Important purchasing criteria include:
- Compliance with the agreed specification
- Product consistency
- Technical and quality documentation
- Packaging suitability
- Loading capability
- Shipment schedule
- Storage and handling requirements
- Commercial terms
- Communication and technical support
Alps Asphalt operates as a Producer, Supplier & Trader of Bitumen, coordinating grade selection, packaging, documentation and transportation according to the requirements of each transaction.
Bitumen 60/70 Price Factors
The current price may change according to:
- Petroleum and refinery market conditions
- Production source and availability
- Order quantity
- Packaging type
- Loading and handling costs
- Freight and insurance
- Destination
- Incoterms
- Currency movements
A reliable quotation should therefore specify the required quantity, packaging, destination port, delivery terms and technical standard.
For current availability and pricing, contact Alps Asphalt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 60/70 mean?
It indicates a penetration range of 60–70 × 0.1 mm at 25°C under the applicable laboratory test conditions.
Is Bitumen 60/70 suitable for road construction?
Yes. It is widely used in asphalt paving and infrastructure projects. Final suitability depends on climate, traffic, pavement design, asphalt mixture and the applicable project specification.
Is this grade suitable for hot climates?
Its relatively firm consistency may be considered for moderate to warm conditions, but climate alone is not enough to select a binder. Pavement temperature, traffic loading, mix design and engineering standards must also be evaluated.
How is the product packaged?
Available options may include steel drums, polyethylene-lined jumbo bags, bitutainers and suitable bulk-transport systems, subject to the agreed order and destination.
Which documents can be supplied?
Depending on the transaction, buyers may request a TDS, COA, SDS/MSDS, packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin and relevant shipping documents.
How can buyers request a quotation?
Send the required quantity, destination, packaging type, technical specification and preferred Incoterm through the Alps Asphalt contact page
