Performance Bitumen Grades

Performance Bitumen Grades based on two factors: Traffic and Pavement Temperature. Adjustments are made to the PG Grade of Asphalt based on Traffic Conditions and Traffic Volumes which are intended to enhance the design life of the pavement.

The PG grading system defined by two numbers, which represent pavement temperatures. The first number PG 64-XX represents the High pavement temperature in degrees Celsius, while the second number PG XX-22 represents the Low pavement temperature. Notice that these numbers are pavement temperatures and not air temperatures (these pavement temperatures are estimated from air temperatures using an algorithm contained in the LTPP Bind program). All adjustments to the PG Grading System are made in six (6) degree increments. The High temperature relates to the effects of rutting and the Low temperature relates to cold temperature and fatigue cracking.