Penetration Grade Bitumen in Iraq: ASTM 60–70 vs 85–100

Penetration Grade Bitumen remains the backbone of Iraq’s road-building industry. It provides the strength and flexibility needed for highways, airports, and industrial pavements. But when specifications call for ASTM 60–70 or ASTM 85–100, how do you decide which grade fits your project best?

This article compares both, explaining how climate, traffic, and mix design influence performance in Iraq’s diverse regions.

What Is Penetration Grade Bitumen?

Penetration Grade Bitumen, often referred to simply as paving bitumen, is classified by its hardness, measured through the penetration test (ASTM D5 / EN 1426). The test measures how far a standard needle penetrates the bitumen sample under set conditions.

In simple terms:

• Lower numbers (40–50) = harder bitumen → suits hot climates, heavy loads.
  
• Higher numbers (120–150, 200–300) = softer bitumen → suits cold climates, flexible pavements.
  

Comparing ASTM 60–70 and ASTM 85–100

Property	ASTM 60–70	ASTM 85–100
Penetration (dmm)	60–70	85–100
Softening Point (°C)	46–54	42–50
Viscosity (135°C, mm²/s)	300–400	200–300
Ideal Climate	Hot to moderate	Moderate to cold
Typical Use	National highways, industrial roads	City roads, parking areas

Climate and Regional Fit

• Basra, Najaf, Karbala: Choose ASTM 60–70 for high temperatures and heavy traffic.
  
• Baghdad and central Iraq: Either grade works depending on surface design.
  
• Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok: ASTM 85–100 provides more flexibility for colder winters.
  

Why Penetration Grade Still Dominates in Iraq

Despite newer classifications like PG and VG, penetration grades remain widely used because:

• Specifications from Iraqi ministries and municipalities still cite ASTM D946.
  
• Testing equipment and mix designs are already standardized for these grades.
  
• Supply and blending flexibility are higher for local asphalt plants.
  

Testing and Certification

Every batch undergoes:

1. Penetration test (ASTM D5) – confirms grade.
   
2. Softening point (ASTM D36) – checks heat stability.
   
3. Flash point (ASTM D92) – ensures safe handling.
   
4. Specific gravity (ASTM D70) – used for mix design.
   

Buyers should always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to verify compliance.

Packaging and Delivery Options

Penetration grades can be supplied in:

• Bulk tankers for large highway projects.
  
• Flexitanks for marine or cross-border shipments.
  
• Steel drums (150–220 kg) for smaller contractors.
  
• Jumbo bags (1 MT) for cost-effective storage.
  

Each batch includes the batch number, grade, standard, and test summary for traceability.

Common Buyer Questions

1. What’s the best grade for urban paving in Baghdad?
Usually ASTM 85–100 for flexibility.

2. Can I use BS EN grades instead?
Yes, BS EN 50–70 is roughly equivalent to ASTM 60–70 in hardness.

3. How do I ensure quality?
Request CoAs and ensure testing matches ASTM D946 or BS EN 12591.

Speak to our expert

Not sure which penetration grade fits your project?
Get in touch with our technical team for free grade matching and sample CoAs. We’ll help you balance cost, durability, and compliance.