PG BITUMEN SELECTION GUIDE
How to Select the Right PG Bitumen Grade: Climate, Traffic and Project Conditions
Selecting the right Performance Grade (PG) bitumen is not simply a matter of choosing a commonly available binder. The appropriate grade depends on the temperatures the pavement is expected to experience, traffic loading, pavement design, project specifications and other service conditions.
Understanding designations such as PG 64-22 or PG 70-16 helps engineers and buyers communicate binder requirements more accurately and reduces the risk of selecting a grade that does not match the intended pavement conditions.
Quick Answer: How Do You Choose a PG Bitumen Grade?
A PG bitumen grade is selected primarily according to the expected high and low pavement temperatures, while traffic level, loading speed, pavement structure and project specifications may introduce additional requirements. The first number represents the high-temperature performance grade, while the second number represents the low-temperature performance grade.
For example, PG 64-22 is intended to satisfy defined binder performance requirements associated with a high pavement design temperature of 64°C and a low pavement design temperature of -22°C under the applicable grading system.
PG binder selection considers pavement temperature, traffic conditions and project-specific performance requirements.
What Do the Numbers in PG 64-22 Mean?
Performance Grade bitumen uses two temperature-related numbers. Unlike penetration grades such as 60/70 or 40/60, the PG system is designed around the temperature conditions under which the binder is expected to perform in the pavement.
Example: PG 64-22
64 refers to the high-temperature grade used to characterize binder performance under hot pavement conditions.
-22 refers to the low-temperature grade associated with binder performance under cold pavement conditions.
The grade therefore describes a temperature-related performance range rather than a simple measure of hardness or softness. This is one of the main differences between PG classification and conventional penetration grading.
For a broader explanation of Performance Grade classification, testing and applications, see Dejpa’s complete guide to PG bitumen .
What Is the Difference Between PG 64-22 and PG 70-16?
PG 64-22 and PG 70-16 are different performance grades intended for different temperature requirements. The higher first number in PG 70-16 indicates a higher high-temperature grade, while the low-temperature designations also differ.
| Grade |
High-Temperature Grade |
Low-Temperature Grade |
What It Indicates |
| PG 64-22 |
64°C |
-22°C |
Binder requirements associated with the specified high- and low-temperature grades |
| PG 70-16 |
70°C |
-16°C |
Higher high-temperature grade with a different low-temperature requirement |
Important
A higher first PG number does not automatically mean that a binder is “better.” It means the grade addresses a different high-temperature requirement. The correct grade is the one that matches the project specification and expected service conditions.
Why Does Pavement Temperature Matter More Than Air Temperature?
One of the most important concepts in PG selection is that the grading system is related to pavement temperature conditions, not simply the temperature shown in a weather forecast.
A pavement surface exposed to solar radiation can become considerably hotter than the surrounding air. At the same time, low-temperature pavement conditions can also differ from ordinary daytime air temperatures. For this reason, binder selection should be based on the temperature criteria and calculation method required by the applicable pavement specification rather than on a single local weather value.
Do Not Select a PG Grade from Maximum Air Temperature Alone
A city with a recorded air temperature of 45°C does not automatically require “PG 46.” PG selection uses pavement design temperatures and the methodology defined by the relevant specification. Traffic and project requirements may further influence the final binder grade.
How Does Climate Affect PG Bitumen Selection?
Climate directly influences the temperature range that the binder must tolerate during pavement service. Hot regions place greater emphasis on high-temperature performance, while colder climates require sufficient low-temperature performance to limit excessive binder stiffness under cold conditions.
Regions with large seasonal temperature differences can require careful consideration of both sides of the PG designation because the pavement may experience very hot summers and cold winters.
| Project Condition |
What It Means for PG Selection |
| Higher pavement temperatures |
A higher high-temperature PG may be required, subject to the project specification |
| Lower winter pavement temperatures |
Low-temperature grade becomes increasingly important |
| Large seasonal temperature range |
Both high- and low-temperature performance requirements must be considered |
| Hot climate with heavy loading |
Temperature and traffic requirements should be evaluated together |
Technical Note
The examples in this guide are intended to explain the logic of PG selection. They are not a substitute for the applicable road authority specification, pavement design, laboratory evaluation or project-specific engineering requirements.
How Does Traffic Affect PG Bitumen Selection?
Temperature is not the only condition that affects binder selection. Traffic volume, axle loading and the speed at which vehicles apply loads to the pavement can also influence the performance requirements placed on the binder.
Heavy or slow-moving traffic can place greater stress on the pavement than lighter, faster-moving traffic. For this reason, projects such as heavily trafficked highways, industrial access roads, intersections, freight corridors and certain airport pavements may require additional consideration beyond a basic climate-based grade.
PG Selection Is a Project Decision
Climate establishes an important temperature basis for binder selection, but the final requirement may also depend on traffic loading, loading speed, pavement design, applicable grading specification and whether a modified binder is required.
How Is PG Bitumen Selected for Heavy Traffic?
Heavy traffic can increase the stresses applied to an asphalt pavement, particularly when high axle loads are combined with elevated pavement temperatures or slow-moving vehicles. Under these conditions, binder selection may require more than simply matching the basic climate-related PG grade.
Depending on the governing specification, traffic level and loading conditions may result in additional performance requirements or an adjustment to the binder grade. The appropriate approach should therefore follow the project specification rather than assuming that one particular PG grade is suitable for every heavily trafficked pavement.
Traffic Conditions That Require Additional Attention
- High volumes of heavy commercial vehicles
- Frequent or concentrated axle loading
- Slow-moving or standing traffic
- Intersections, climbing lanes and freight corridors
- Industrial roads and heavily loaded access areas
- Airport pavements with demanding loading conditions
How Should PG Bitumen Be Selected for Highways?
Highway binder selection should consider both environmental and traffic conditions. The base climate-related PG grade provides an important starting point, but traffic speed, axle loading, pavement structure, expected service life and the applicable road authority specification may affect the final requirement.
Two highways located in the same climate may therefore require different binder specifications if their traffic conditions, pavement structures or performance requirements are different.
For Highway Projects, Review:
- Design pavement temperature range
- Expected traffic volume
- Percentage of heavy vehicles
- Vehicle operating speed and loading conditions
- Pavement layer and structural design
- Required road authority or project specification
How Is PG Bitumen Selected for Airport Pavements?
Airport pavements can involve demanding combinations of temperature, heavy wheel loads, slow movement, braking, turning and concentrated loading. Because these conditions vary between runways, taxiways, aprons and other airport areas, binder requirements should be based on the specific pavement design and applicable aviation or project specification.
It would therefore be misleading to identify one PG grade as the universal “airport grade.” The correct binder depends on the climatic conditions, aircraft loading, pavement function, asphalt mixture and engineering requirements of the project.
| Project Type |
Important Conditions to Review |
PG Selection Consideration |
| Urban road |
Climate, traffic volume, intersections and slow traffic |
Temperature grade plus traffic-related requirements |
| Highway |
Climate, heavy vehicle percentage, axle loads and speed |
Project specification may require additional binder performance |
| Industrial or freight road |
Heavy and potentially slow-moving loads |
Loading conditions require careful evaluation |
| Airport pavement |
Aircraft loading, pavement function, braking, turning and climate |
Binder must follow the specific pavement and project requirements |
Which PG Grade Is Suitable for Hot Climates?
Hot climates generally increase the importance of the first number in the PG designation because this number relates to high pavement temperature performance. A project experiencing higher pavement temperatures may therefore require a higher high-temperature PG than a similar project in a milder climate.
However, the correct grade cannot be selected from the words “hot climate” alone. Actual pavement design temperatures, traffic conditions, pavement structure and the governing specification must still be evaluated.
Example
A project in a hot region may require consideration of a grade such as PG 70-16 rather than PG 64-22, but this cannot be determined from geographic location alone. The required grade must be confirmed using the applicable temperature data, traffic conditions and project specification.
Initial PG Bitumen Selection by Project Conditions
The following table provides a practical way to understand how different project conditions can influence PG binder selection. It is intended as an initial screening guide rather than a final specification.
| Project Condition |
What to Review |
Possible Effect on PG Selection |
| High pavement temperature |
Maximum pavement design temperature |
May require a higher high-temperature PG |
| Cold winter conditions |
Minimum pavement design temperature |
May require a lower low-temperature grade |
| Heavy traffic |
Axle loads and traffic volume |
May introduce additional high-temperature or performance requirements |
| Slow-moving traffic |
Loading duration and operating speed |
Can increase the severity of loading on the pavement |
| Large seasonal temperature range |
Both summer and winter pavement temperatures |
Both sides of the PG designation become important |
| Airport or specialized pavement |
Loading, climate, pavement function and project specification |
Project-specific binder performance may be required |
Selection Rule
Use climate to establish the basic temperature requirement, then review traffic, pavement function and the governing specification before confirming the final binder grade.
Is PG Bitumen the Same as Polymer Modified Bitumen?
No. PG and PMB describe different concepts. PG is a performance grading system used to classify a binder according to defined performance-related requirements. Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB), on the other hand, refers to bitumen whose properties have been modified using polymers.
A binder can therefore be classified by a PG designation while also being polymer modified if modification is required to achieve the specified performance. Conversely, a PG designation by itself does not automatically prove that the binder contains polymer.
| Term |
What It Describes |
Key Point |
| PG Bitumen |
Performance classification of the binder |
Defined by performance-related grading requirements |
| PMB |
Binder modified using polymers |
Describes modification rather than the grading system itself |
For more information about modified binders, see Dejpa’s guide to Polymer Modified Bitumen .
Is PG 70-16 Always Polymer Modified?
Not necessarily. A PG designation identifies the performance grade that the binder must satisfy; it does not, by itself, identify how that performance was achieved.
Depending on the binder source, formulation, applicable standard and required performance level, a particular PG grade may be achieved with an unmodified binder or may require modification. Buyers should therefore avoid assuming polymer content solely from the PG number.
For Procurement, Specify Both When Necessary
If the project requires both a specific Performance Grade and polymer modification, both requirements should be stated clearly in the technical specification or RFQ rather than assuming one automatically implies the other.
Why Does Laboratory Testing Matter in PG Selection?
PG classification depends on laboratory evaluation of binder behavior under defined test conditions. These tests are intended to assess performance-related properties at different temperatures and aging conditions rather than relying on one conventional property alone.
For buyers, the practical point is that a PG designation should be supported by the applicable test results and quality documentation. The exact test program depends on the standard and project requirements.
For a broader overview of bitumen laboratory evaluation, see Dejpa’s bitumen quality control tests guide .
Buyers reviewing shipment documentation can also refer to Dejpa’s guide to reading a Bitumen Certificate of Analysis (COA) .
What Information Should Buyers Provide Before Requesting a PG Grade?
A request for PG bitumen should include more than the grade name alone. The more complete the project information, the easier it is to evaluate whether the requested binder matches the actual pavement conditions and technical specification.
| Information to Provide |
Why It Matters |
| Project location or city |
Helps identify the relevant climatic and pavement temperature conditions |
| Required PG grade |
Confirms the grade stated in the project specification |
| Applicable standard |
Defines the required grading and testing framework |
| Traffic conditions |
Heavy or slow-moving traffic may create additional binder performance requirements |
| Project type |
Highways, airports, urban roads and industrial pavements may have different design requirements |
| Quantity |
Required for supply planning and quotation |
| Packaging or supply mode |
Bulk, drum or other supply requirements can affect logistics |
| Required quality documents |
COA, test results or inspection requirements should be defined in advance |
Recommended Buyer Information
For an initial technical review, provide the project location, required PG grade or specification, traffic conditions, project type, quantity and quality documentation requirements.
Common Mistakes When Selecting PG Bitumen
Several common assumptions can lead to an incorrect or incomplete binder specification. Avoiding these mistakes helps buyers and project teams communicate technical requirements more accurately.
- Selecting a PG grade only from maximum air temperature
- Assuming a higher first PG number always means a better binder
- Ignoring low-temperature requirements in regions with cold winters
- Selecting a grade without considering heavy or slow-moving traffic
- Assuming every high PG grade is automatically polymer modified
- Using a grade commonly purchased for another project without checking the current specification
- Ordering PG bitumen without identifying the applicable standard or required laboratory documentation
Can You Choose PG Bitumen Based on City or Country Alone?
Location is useful because it provides a starting point for evaluating climatic conditions, but city or country alone is not sufficient for final PG selection. Projects in the same region may have different traffic levels, pavement structures, elevations, loading conditions and technical specifications.
For this reason, geographic information should be considered together with pavement temperature criteria, traffic data and the project specification before a binder grade is confirmed.
How Should a PG Bitumen Specification Be Verified Before Purchase?
Before purchase, buyers should verify that the offered binder is evaluated according to the applicable specification and that the supporting quality documents correspond to the product being supplied.
Depending on the contract and project requirements, this may include reviewing laboratory test results, the Certificate of Analysis, product identification, inspection requirements and relevant technical documentation.
Understanding how to interpret these documents is important because the grade name alone does not provide a complete picture of product compliance. Dejpa’s Bitumen COA guide explains how buyers can review specifications, test values and possible discrepancies.
Technical Capability and Quality Evaluation at Dejpa
PG bitumen selection and verification require reliable technical evaluation, particularly when project specifications include performance-related requirements. Laboratory testing, product documentation and consistent quality-control procedures are therefore important parts of the supply process.
Dejpa Oil & Bitumen Refinery Co. has also received an A+ certificate from the Road, Housing and Urban Development Research Center. This recognition can be considered alongside the company’s laboratory, quality-control and technical capabilities when buyers evaluate supply options for bitumen products.
Information about Dejpa’s certificates and recognitions is available on the company’s Honors & Opportunities page.
Frequently Asked Questions About PG Bitumen Selection
What does PG 64-22 mean?
PG 64-22 is a Performance Grade designation. The first number refers to the high-temperature grade and the second number refers to the low-temperature grade under the applicable PG grading system.
What does PG 70-16 mean?
PG 70-16 identifies a binder with a high-temperature grade of 70°C and a low-temperature grade of -16°C under the relevant Performance Grade specification.
Is PG 70-16 better than PG 64-22?
Not necessarily. The two grades address different temperature requirements. The appropriate binder is the one that meets the project specification, pavement temperature range, traffic conditions and performance requirements.
Which PG bitumen is suitable for hot climates?
Hot climates generally place greater emphasis on the high-temperature side of the PG designation, but the exact grade should be determined from pavement design temperatures, traffic conditions and the applicable specification rather than from air temperature alone.
Which PG grade should be used for heavy traffic?
There is no universal heavy-traffic PG grade. Heavy loading, traffic speed, pavement temperature, structural design and the governing specification must all be considered when determining the binder requirement.
Is PG bitumen always polymer modified?
No. PG is a performance grading system, while polymer modification is a method of changing binder properties. A PG binder may be modified or unmodified depending on the specification and the performance required.
Can PG grade be selected from air temperature?
Not from air temperature alone. The PG system uses pavement-related temperature criteria defined by the applicable grading methodology, and traffic or project conditions may also influence the final binder specification.
Is there one PG grade for airport pavements?
No. Airport binder requirements depend on climate, aircraft loading, pavement function, mixture design and the applicable aviation or project specification.
Final Considerations
Selecting the right PG bitumen begins with understanding the pavement temperature range, but temperature alone does not complete the specification. Traffic loading, vehicle speed, pavement function, structural design and project requirements can all influence the final binder selection.
The two numbers in a PG designation should therefore be viewed as part of a performance-based grading system rather than as a simple indication of product quality. A higher numerical grade is not automatically better; it is appropriate only when it matches the service conditions and technical requirements of the project.
For buyers, providing complete project information and reviewing the relevant quality documentation can make the procurement process more accurate and reduce the risk of specifying a binder that does not match the intended application.
Need Help Reviewing a PG Bitumen Requirement?
Send Dejpa your required PG grade or project specification together with the project location, quantity, traffic conditions and quality documentation requirements for technical and supply review.
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