
Bitumen Penetration grade 35/50 Description
Bitumen Penetration Grade 35/50 is a standard penetration grade Bitumen usually used as a Paving Grade Bitumen suitable for road construction and for the production of asphalt pavements with superior properties. This grade of Bitumen is mainly used in the manufacture of hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses. Penetration Grade Bitumen supplied by ZUMRUT Co is petroleum grade bitumen, manufactured from fractional / vacuum distillation of crude oil. The Bitumen supplied by ZUMRUT Co is produced from the vacuum residue (short residue) feedstock. Penetration Grade bitumens are specified by the penetration and softening point test. The designation is by penetration range only. The penetration grade bitumens have a thermoplastic property which causes the material to soften at high temperatures and to harden at lower temperatures. This unique temperature/ viscosity relationship is important when determining the performance parameters such as the adhesion, rheology, durability and application temperatures of bitumen.
Penetration Grade Bitumen is a standard bitumen usually used as a Paving Grade Bitumen essential for road construction and for the production of asphalt pavements with superior properties, and it’s very important once it bounds the aggregates and creates a unique cohesion and stability to the bituminous mix.
Properties of Bitumen Penetration Grade 35/50
Bitumen Penetration Grade 35/50 is a specific type of bitumen characterized by its penetration value, which signifies its hardness and consistency. Here are the key properties of Bitumen Penetration Grade 35/50:
Physical and Chemical Properties:
- Penetration Value :
– Range : 35 to 50 tenths of a millimeter (dmm)
– Test Method : ASTM D5 / AASHTO T49
– Significance : Indicates the hardness of the bitumen. A lower penetration value means harder bitumen. - Softening Point :
– Range : Typically between 46°C and 56°C
– Test Method : ASTM D36 / AASHTO T53
– Significance : The temperature at which the bitumen becomes soft enough to flow. A higher softening point indicates better performance in high temperatures. - Ductility :
– Range : Typically >100 cm
– Test Method : ASTM D113 / AASHTO T51
– Significance : Measures the bitumen’s ability to stretch without breaking, indicating flexibility. - Viscosity :
– Range : Generally measured at 60°C and 135°C
– Test Method : ASTM D2171 (absolute) and ASTM D4402 (dynamic)
– Significance : Indicates the bitumen’s resistance to flow. Important for processing and application. - Flash Point :
– Range : Typically >230°C
– Test Method : ASTM D92 / AASHTO T48
– Significance : The temperature at which bitumen vapors ignite. Higher values indicate better safety during heating. - Solubility in Trichloroethylene :
– Range : Typically >99%
– Test Method : ASTM D2042
– Significance : Indicates purity by measuring the percentage of bitumen that dissolves in a solvent.
Bitumen Penetration grade 35/50 Application
Bitumen Penetration Grade 35/50 is widely used in various applications within the construction and maintenance of pavements and roads. Its balanced properties make it suitable for a range of uses, particularly where a durable and relatively hard binder is required. Here are the primary applications:
1-Road Construction
Highways and Major Roads
– Application : Used as a binder in asphalt concrete mixes for constructing highways and major roads.
– Reason : The hardness and durability of Bitumen 35/50 ensure it can withstand heavy traffic loads and high stresses.
Urban Roads
– Application : Utilized in the construction of urban roads and streets.
– Reason : Provides a stable and long-lasting surface that can handle frequent stop-and-go traffic and varied loads.
2-Asphalt Paving
Wearing Course
– Application : Commonly used in the top layer (wearing course) of pavement structures.
– Reason : Offers good resistance to deformation, ensuring a smooth and durable surface for vehicular traffic.
Base and Binder Course
– Application : Suitable for lower layers (base and binder courses) in pavement structures.
– Reason : Its properties provide structural support and durability, improving the overall lifespan of the pavement.
3- Airport Runways and Taxiways
Application
– Used in the construction and resurfacing of airport runways and taxiways.
– Reason : The high resistance to deformation and ability to handle heavy loads from aircraft landings and takeoffs.
4- Industrial and Commercial Areas
Application
– Used in paving applications for industrial and commercial areas, including loading docks, parking lots, and logistics centers.
– Reason : Provides a robust and durable surface capable of withstanding heavy machinery and vehicle loads.
5- Bridge Decks and Flyovers
Application
– Applied in the construction and resurfacing of bridge decks and flyovers.
– Reason : The material’s ability to resist high traffic stresses and environmental conditions ensures longevity and reduced maintenance.
6- Pavement Maintenance and Repairs
Patching and Repair Work
– Application : Used for repairing potholes, cracks, and other surface damages in existing pavements.
– Reason : Its adhesive and cohesive properties ensure effective bonding with the existing asphalt, providing a durable repair.
Overlay and Resurfacing
– Application : Employed in overlay and resurfacing projects to extend the life of existing pavements.
– Reason : Adds a new layer of bitumen, enhancing the structural integrity and surface smoothness of the pavement.
7- Specialty Applications
Racing Tracks
– Application : Used in the construction of racing tracks for cars and motorcycles.
– Reason : Provides a smooth, durable, and stable surface capable of handling high-speed traffic and extreme stresses.
Sports Courts
– Application : Suitable for paving sports courts, such as tennis courts and basketball courts.
– Reason : Ensures a level and durable playing surface with good traction and stability.
Advantages in Applications:
- Durability : High resistance to deformation and wear, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
- Adhesion : Excellent bonding with aggregates ensures a strong and durable asphalt mix.
- Temperature Stability : Performs well across a range of temperatures, maintaining integrity in both hot and cold climates.
- Water Resistance : Resists water infiltration, reducing the risk of moisture damage and increasing pavement life.
Packing of Bitumen 35/50
Paving Bitumen 35/50 is commonly packed in new steel drums, 150, 180 & 220 Kg barrels and 1MT and 500Kg Jumbo Bags or 300kg Bitubag.
Likewise, the rest of the grades are ready to load Ex-work bulk ZUMRUT Co. by truck.

Guaranty and safety of bitumen 35/50
ZUMRUT Company guarantees the quality of bitumen penetration grade 35/50 with the arrangement of the international inspector to check quality and quantity during the loading to the vessel and controlling the production by QC by batch test report before shipping. ZUMRUT Company guarantees the quality to meet with European Standard DIN EN 12591:99.
Bitumen Penetration grade 35/50 Specification
| Bitumen 35/50 | Test method | Unit | Specification |
| Penetration – 25°C, 100g, 5s | EN 1426 | mm | 35-50 |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | EN 1427 | °C | 50/58 |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 135⁰C | EN 12595 | mm²/s | 370 Min |
| Penetration Index | EN 12591 | – | -0.8 |
| Solubility in Xylene | EN 12592 | % | 99 Min |
| Flashpoint (Cleveland Open) | EN 22592 | °C | 240 Min |
| Recistance to Hardening at 163 °C | |||
| Change in mass (m/m) | EN12607-1 | % | 0.5 Max |
| Retained Penetration 25°C, 100g, 5s (% of original) | EN 1426 | % | 53 Min |
| Increase in softening point | EN 1427 | °C | 8 Max |
Bitumen Penetration grade 35.50 Specifications



