Description of AC Bitumen
AC bitumen Asphalt cement grade of bitumen is one of the main categories of viscosity grade bitumen. With AC grading, asphalt binder is specified by properties it possesses before it undergoes HMA making process.
Asphalt binder samples Viscosity of standard bitumen measured at 60 ºC (the maximum pavement temperature). Good to know that the measurement unit of the viscosity grading system is Poise (cm-g-s = dyne-second/cm2).
The viscosity grading is done on both original (as-supplied) asphalt binder called AC grading and aged residue binder called AR grading. The AC grading is related to absolute viscosity at 60 c in 100 poises.
The classification into grades ranging from AC-2.5 to AC-40 facilitates a precise match between bitumen and the environmental as well as traffic demands it will face, guaranteeing the pavement’s durability and efficacy.
Grasping the nuances of Viscosity Graded Bitumen is critical for those engaged in road construction and maintenance, providing a clear guide for selecting the most appropriate bitumen grade for any project’s specific needs.
Common Types of AC Bitumen
| Grade | Viscosity (Poises at 60°C) | Typical Use |
| AC-2.5 | ~250 poises | Cold climates, light traffic roads |
| AC-5 | ~500 poises | Moderate climates, moderate traffic |
| AC-10 | ~1000 poises | Common use for highway paving |
| AC-20 | ~2000 poises | Warmer climates, heavy traffic roads |
| AC-30 | ~3000 poises | High-temperature zones, heavy-duty pavements |
| AC-40 | ~4000 poises | Very high temperature and load conditions |
Application of Supplier AC Bitumen
Applications of Supplier AC Bitumen (Asphalt Cement Bitumen):
AC Bitumen, also known as Asphalt Cement, is a highly viscous and semi-solid form of petroleum used primarily in road construction and other industrial applications. Its grading is typically based on viscosity (e.g., AC-10, AC-20), indicating its hardness and suitable climate/application. Below are the main applications:
- Road Construction
Pavement Binder: AC bitumen is a key binder in hot mix asphalt (HMA), bonding aggregates to form durable pavement.
Highways and Expressways: Commonly used for high-traffic roads due to its strength and weather resistance.
Airport Runways: AC bitumen provides smooth surfaces with high load-bearing capacity.
Urban Roads and Streets: Offers good workability and long-lasting performance. - Pavement Maintenance
Overlay and Resurfacing: Used in rehabilitation projects to restore surface properties of worn-out roads.
Crack Sealing: Prevents water infiltration and extends pavement life. - Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
Bridge Decks and Tunnels: AC bitumen acts as a waterproofing layer, protecting infrastructure from moisture damage.
Building Foundations: Prevents dampness from seeping into structural bases. - Roofing
Used in asphalt shingles and rolled roofing products for waterproof and durable solutions. - Industrial Applications
Pipe Coating: Protects against corrosion in pipelines.
Expansion Joints: Fills joints in concrete structures to accommodate thermal movements.
Adhesives: Used in industrial adhesives where strong, waterproof bonds are required. - Railway Ballast Binding
Binds stones in railway tracks to reduce movement and improve load transfer.
Packing of Supplier AC Bitumen
AC bitumen is liquid so it packed in new steel drums. In addition this drums can be palletized and load in 20` Full Container Load (FCL). Also this grade of bitumen can load as bulk in vessel.
