What is the difference between 40/60, 60/70 and 80/100 bitumen?

The main difference between 40/60, 60/70 and 80/100 bitumen is the penetration value. Lower penetration grades such as 40/60 are harder, while higher penetration grades such as 80/100 are softer. Bitumen 60/70 provides a balanced middle range and is widely used in asphalt and road construction.

Choosing the right bitumen grade depends on climate, traffic load, pavement design, asphalt mix design, project specifications, and purchasing conditions.

Penetration grade bitumen is one of the most widely used classifications for paving-grade bitumen in road construction and asphalt production. The grading system is based on the penetration value of bitumen, which indicates the relative hardness or softness of the material under standardized testing conditions.

Among the most common penetration grades are bitumen 40/60, bitumen 60/70, and bitumen 80/100. Each grade has different behavior in terms of hardness, flexibility, temperature sensitivity, deformation resistance, and suitability for different pavement conditions.

This guide compares 40/60, 60/70 and 80/100 bitumen to help contractors, asphalt producers, engineers, traders, and B2B buyers understand how to select the right bitumen grade for road construction and infrastructure projects.

The penetration value is commonly determined using the standard needle penetration test described in ASTM D5/D5M. The test measures how deeply a standard needle penetrates into a bitumen sample under defined temperature, load, and time conditions.

In simple terms, lower penetration means harder bitumen, and higher penetration means softer bitumen. This is why bitumen 40/60 is harder than 60/70, while bitumen 80/100 is softer than 60/70.

Bitumen 40/60 is a relatively hard penetration grade bitumen. Because of its lower penetration value, it may provide greater resistance to permanent deformation and rutting under heavy traffic and elevated pavement temperatures.

Common applications may include heavy-traffic roads, industrial zones, highways, container terminals, and projects that require higher stiffness. However, lower flexibility can be a limitation in colder environments or projects where cracking resistance is more important.

Bitumen 60/70 is one of the most commonly used paving grades in asphalt production and road construction. Its popularity comes from its balanced combination of stiffness, flexibility, workability, and availability.

For many standard road construction projects, bitumen 60/70 provides suitable performance under a wide range of traffic and climate conditions. For a more detailed technical review, read What Is Bitumen 60/70?

Bitumen 80/100 has a higher penetration value and is therefore softer than both 40/60 and 60/70 grades. Its greater flexibility may be useful under specific environmental and pavement design conditions.

This grade may be considered for moderate traffic roads, certain cooler regions, and applications requiring greater flexibility. However, under high-temperature or heavy-traffic conditions, softer grades may have lower resistance to deformation.

Important Technical Note

The table above is a simplified guide. The final grade must be selected based on project specifications, climate conditions, traffic loading, pavement design, asphalt mix design, and laboratory requirements.

Dejpa is active in bitumen production, quality control, and B2B bitumen supply. The company provides different bitumen products including penetration grade bitumen, polymer modified bitumen, bitumen emulsion, and other industrial bitumen grades according to technical and commercial requirements.

For professional buyers, Dejpa focuses on clear product information, laboratory control, supply coordination, and practical support for more informed bitumen procurement decisions.

This article was prepared based on practical B2B bitumen procurement considerations, technical classification of penetration grade bitumen, laboratory quality-control parameters, and internationally recognized test methods for bituminous materials.

The topics discussed in this article are aligned with ASTM D5/D5M, AASHTO M20, Asphalt Institute technical publications, and FHWA asphalt binder guidance. Final grade selection should always be verified against project specifications, climate conditions, traffic requirements, and engineering design criteria.

What is penetration grade bitumen?

Penetration grade bitumen is classified according to the penetration value measured under standardized laboratory conditions. It is commonly used in asphalt production and road construction.

What is the difference between 40/60 and 60/70 bitumen?

Bitumen 40/60 has lower penetration and is harder, while bitumen 60/70 has higher penetration and offers a more balanced combination of stiffness and flexibility.

Is 40/60 harder than 60/70?

Yes. Bitumen 40/60 is harder than bitumen 60/70 because it has a lower penetration range.

Is 80/100 softer than 60/70?

Yes. Bitumen 80/100 has a higher penetration range and is softer than bitumen 60/70.

Which bitumen grade is most commonly used?

Bitumen 60/70 is among the most commonly used penetration grades for asphalt production and road construction because it provides balanced performance in many project conditions.

Which grade is better for highways?

Highway projects may use 40/60 or 60/70 depending on traffic load, climate, pavement design, and project specifications. The final grade should be selected by technical evaluation.

How does bitumen grade affect price?

Bitumen grade can influence price through demand, production planning, regional specifications, and supply availability. However, packaging, order volume, delivery terms, and technical documents also affect the final quotation.

Bitumen 40/60, 60/70 and 80/100 are widely used penetration-grade bitumens, each offering different performance characteristics. Bitumen 40/60 provides greater hardness and rutting resistance, bitumen 60/70 offers balanced performance for general road construction, and bitumen 80/100 provides greater flexibility for specific climate and engineering conditions.

The best grade depends on climate, traffic loading, pavement design, asphalt mix requirements, and project specifications. Buyers should evaluate technical specifications, laboratory data, delivery conditions, packaging, and supplier reliability before making purchasing decisions.

For broader pricing considerations, buyers can also review the Iran Bitumen Price Guide and product-specific guides such as Bitumen 60/70 and Bitumen 40/60.

ASTM D5/D5M – Standard Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials

AASHTO M20 – Standard Specification for Penetration-Graded Asphalt Binder

Federal Highway Administration – Asphalt Binder Technical Resources

The Asphalt Institute – Asphalt Binder Specification Database

UNSD Classification Detail – HS Code 271320 Petroleum Bitumen