Performance Grades of Bitumen Needed for Paving in Iran

Grading system of bitumen is slightly moving from penetration grading towards performance grading. At present only 3 grade of bitumen, that is 40/50, 60/70 and 85/100 are produced by Iranian bitumen producing companies (Pasargad Oil Company and Jey Oil Refining Company). Of course, a cut-back grade MC-250 is also mainly produced by these companies. We are aware of some emulsion grade in these companies. Meanwhile, it is a controversial question about the real number of bitumen grades needed for paving construction in the country. In this contribution we report on the number of bitumens are necessary to be produced in a PG based evaluation for different climates and traffic load design in Iranian territories.

Keywords:

Performance grade , bitumen , asphalt , Iran