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Bitumen & Asphalt6 min read•2026-08-28
Bitumen 60/70 vs 80/100: Asphalt Penetration Grades Explained
Highway Materials Team
Birka Bitumen Quality Specialist
Penetration grading classifies bitumen based on needle penetration depth at 25°C. Understanding the differences between 60/70 and 80/100 ensures road surfaces resist heavy vehicle rutting and thermal cracking.
1. Penetration Testing (ASTM D5 & EN 1426)
Penetration grade measures the distance (in tenths of a millimeter, dmm) that a standard 100g needle penetrates a bitumen sample at 25°C for 5 seconds.
Bitumen 60/70 has a penetration depth of 60 to 70 dmm (harder consistency), whereas Bitumen 80/100 penetrates 80 to 100 dmm (softer consistency).
| Technical Property | Bitumen 60/70 | Bitumen 80/100 | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C (0.1 mm) | 60 – 70 | 80 – 100 | ASTM D5 / EN 1426 |
| Softening Point (°C) | 49 – 56°C | 45 – 52°C | ASTM D36 / EN 1427 |
| Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | > 100 cm | > 100 cm | ASTM D113 |
| Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup) | > 250°C | > 250°C | ASTM D92 |
| Climate Suitability | Hot climates / Heavy traffic | Moderate & colder climates | Standard Specification |
2. Regional Selection in Iraq & Kurdistan
In central and southern Iraq (Baghdad, Basra, Najaf), where pavement surface temperatures exceed 60°C in summer, Bitumen 60/70 is mandatory to prevent permanent deformation (rutting) on heavy transport corridors.
In mountainous regions of Kurdistan with severe winter freezing cycles, Bitumen 80/100 offers superior flexibility to resist low-temperature thermal cracking.
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