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Bitumen 80/100: the soft grade for temperate and cold climates
The 80/100 is a soft bitumen: where a hard grade would crack at low temperatures, it keeps its elasticity. It is the grade of temperate to cold climates, moderate traffic, and certain soils that call for a more penetrating binder. Historically, it is also one of the most produced grades in the world.
Definition and specifications
At 25 °C, the standardised needle penetrates 80 to 100 tenths of a millimetre (8 to 10 mm) under the ASTM D5 test. The grade falls under ASTM D946 and AASHTO M20.
| Characteristic | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration at 25 °C | 80–100 (0.1 mm) | ASTM D5 |
| Softening point | 42–50 °C | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility at 25 °C | > 100 cm | ASTM D113 |
| Density at 25 °C | 0.98–1.05 | ASTM D70 |
Usual market values (ASTM D946 / AASHTO M20). The contractual values are those of the refinery’s certificate of analysis, verifiable by independent pre-shipment inspection. independent pre-shipment inspection.
Applications
Hot mix asphalt for base and wearing courses in temperate to cold climates: its softness limits winter thermal cracking. It suits roads with moderate traffic, secondary roads, and certain fine soils where a softer binder adheres better. To be avoided in very hot climates under heavy traffic: its low softening point exposes it to rutting. Its close equivalent in the European EN 12591 nomenclature is the 70/100. EN 12591 est le 70/100.
Which grade for which climate?
✓40/50: very hot, heavy traffic — see the bitume 40/50.
✓60/70: hot to temperate, the international standard — see the bitumen 60/70.
✓80/100: temperate to cold, moderate traffic.
The full selection method is in our grade selection guide. grade selection guide.
Packaging
Bulk, 180 to 190 kg steel drums, big bags of around 1 tonne. About 110 drums per 20-foot container.
E-Station supply
E-Station fournit du bitume 80/100 issu de son réseau de raffineries du Kurdistan irakien. MOQ 500 MT, paiement par letter of credit, inspection indépendante sur demande, livraison CIF. Consultez notre bitumen supplier, our page to buy bitumen in bulk and the price of bitumen.
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Request your bitumen 80/100 quotation
State your grade, your quantity, your port of destination and the desired Incoterm. An expert replies with a firm offer within 48 hours.
Request a quotationBuying 80/100 bitumen well for export
The bitumen 80/100 is valued for its softness at low temperature, which limits thermal cracking of pavements in temperate and cold regions. This grade also suits many waterproofing works. Before purchase, it is useful to check that the workability of the binder matches the laying conditions of the intended site.
On the supply side, securing a lot of 80/100 bitumen involves confirming the refinery origin, obtaining a certificate of analysis and choosing a suitable Incoterm. An independent pre-shipment inspection and settlement by letter of credit strengthen risk control on large volumes intended for export. bitumen 80/100 passe par la confirmation de l’origine raffinerie, l’obtention d’un certificat d’analyse et le choix d’un Incoterm adapté. Une inspection indépendante avant embarquement et un règlement par lettre de crédit renforcent la maîtrise du risque sur les volumes importants destinés à l’export.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 80/100 suitable for West Africa?
Rarely in a wearing course: pavement temperatures there favour harder grades (60/70, 40/50). It can be justified for specific uses defined by the project owner.
80/100 or 70/100, are they the same thing?
The ranges overlap. The 70/100 is the European EN 12591 class, the 80/100 the ASTM designation. It is the contract’s standard that decides.
Why is it cheaper than hard grades in some offers?
The price depends mainly on origin, freight and packaging, not on hardness. Always compare at identical Incoterm, grade and packaging.