Bitumen 60/70 is one of the most common and widely used types of bitumen in the road construction and construction industry. Due to its balanced physical and chemical properties, this type of bitumen is used in many construction projects as the main material in the production of asphalt and insulation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the specifications, production method, applications and benefits of bitumen 60/70.
60/70 bitumen is a penetration grade bitumen, classified based on the penetration rate of a standard needle at 25°C. The number 60/70 indicates that the needle will penetrate between 60 and 70 tenths of a millimeter. This penetration grade represents the average hardness of the bitumen, indicating that the bitumen is neither too hard nor too soft—a characteristic that makes it well suited for temperate climates.
Bitumen 60/70 is produced by distillation of crude oil in refineries. The production process includes the following steps:
Primary distillation of crude oil to separate lighter components such as gasoline and diesel
Vacuum distillation to extract the heavier residue, which is the basis for bitumen production
Controlled aeration of the oil feed to adjust the final properties of the bitumen such as softening point, viscosity and penetration degree
This process can be carried out continuously or discontinuously. In the continuous method, the oil feed is continuously fed into the aeration tower and after reaching the desired properties, the final product is extracted. In the discontinuous method, a certain volume of feed is first fed into the tower and after going through the process, it is discharged.
Feature | Amount |
Degree of penetration | 60–70 tenths of a millimeter |
Soft spot | 49–56 °C |
Density | 1.01–1.06 kg/liter |
Flash point | About 250 degrees Celsius |
Elasticity | At least 100 cm at 25°C |
Weight loss due to heat | Less than 0.2% |
Stain test | Negative (absence of impurities) |
Bitumen 60/70 is used in the following projects due to its suitable mechanical and thermal properties:
Asphalting of roads and highways
As the main ingredient in the production of hot asphalt, which has high resistance to pressure and temperature changes.
Airport runway and parking lot subgrade
Due to its ability to withstand heavy loads and high durability.
Damp insulation of buildings
On roofs, bathrooms and foundations to prevent water infiltration.
Production of bitumen products such as isogum and mastic
Which are used in the construction and sealing industry.
✅ Benefits of using 60/70 bitumen
Excellent balance between hardness and flexibility
High resistance to temperature changes and environmental conditions
Long useful life in construction projects
Ability to combine with various materials to produce high-quality asphalt
🧠 Conclusion
60/70 bitumen, with its balanced technical characteristics, controlled production and wide applications, is one of the main pillars of the modern road construction and construction industry. Choosing this type of bitumen in construction projects can significantly increase the quality, durability and final performance.
