Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen (AC Grade) | Properties & Applications

🛢️ Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen (AC Grade Bitumen): Properties, Production & Applications

Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen, also known as AC Grade Bitumen, is a highly refined bituminous binder commonly used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) for road construction. It is categorized based on its viscosity at 60°C and performance under high-temperature conditions. This grading system ensures better performance and consistency, especially in demanding environments.

In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the world of AC Grade Bitumen, its significance, and why Peak Universal Business emerges as the premier supplier for this essential construction material.

❓ What is Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen?

AC Grade Bitumen refers to bitumen classified based on its absolute viscosity, measured in Poise at 60°C. The common grades include AC-2.5, AC-5, AC-10, AC-20, AC-30, and AC-40. Each grade indicates its flow characteristics under set temperature conditions, making it ideal for tailored applications in flexible pavement design.

🔍 Key Features:

• Viscosity-Based Grading: Ensures consistency under high-heat environments.

• Thermal Resistance: Stable at elevated temperatures.

• Strong Adhesion: Binds aggregates firmly in asphalt mixtures.

• Durability: Resistant to rutting and cracking over time.

High Viscosity: AC Grade Bitumen exhibits high viscosity at high temperatures, ensuring proper coating and binding of aggregate particles in asphalt mixtures.

Temperature Susceptibility: It possesses the ideal balance of temperature susceptibility, allowing it to remain flexible at high temperatures and resistant to cracking at low temperatures.

Adhesive Properties: AC Grade Bitumen forms a strong adhesive bond with aggregate materials, providing excellent cohesion and resistance to rutting and deformation under traffic loads.

🏭 How is AC Grade Bitumen Produced?

The manufacturing of AC Grade Bitumen involves a systematic refining process. Here’s a simplified view:

1. ⚗️ Crude Oil Distillation

Crude oil is heated in a distillation column, where lighter hydrocarbons are removed. The remaining residue forms the base bitumen.

2. 🔬 Vacuum Distillation

The residue is further refined under vacuum conditions to avoid thermal cracking, producing a heavier, more stable binder.

3. 🧪 Viscosity Adjustment

Bitumen is blended or mildly oxidized to achieve the target viscosity. Additives may be included to improve performance properties.

4. ✅ Quality Testing

Before packaging, it undergoes rigorous testing for viscosity, flash point, ductility, and solubility to match the required AC Grade.

📊 Technical Specifications of AC Grade Bitumen

Grade	Viscosity @ 60°C (Poise)	Penetration @25°C (dmm)	Ductility @25°C (cm)	Flash Point (°C)	Solubility (%)
AC-2.5	250 ± 50	100 – 150	>100	> 230	> 99
AC-10	1000 ± 200	60 – 100	>75	> 240	> 99
AC-20	2000 ± 400	40 – 60	>50	> 250	> 99
AC-30	3000 ± 600	30 – 50	>25	> 260	> 99

🏗️ Applications of Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen

Road Construction

One of the primary applications of  Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen is in road construction. It serves as the binder in asphalt concrete mixtures, providing the necessary strength, flexibility, and durability to withstand heavy traffic loads and environmental factors. AC Grade Bitumen helps to create smooth and durable road surfaces that offer superior performance and longevity.

Pavement Rehabilitation

Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen is also used in pavement rehabilitation projects to repair and maintain existing asphalt pavements. It can be incorporated into rejuvenating agents and asphalt emulsions to restore the integrity and functionality of worn-out pavements, extending their service life and reducing the need for costly replacements.

Airport Runways

The demanding requirements of airport runways necessitate the use of high-performance materials, and AC Grade Bitumen fits the bill perfectly. Its superior adhesive properties and temperature resistance make it the preferred choice for constructing reliable and safe airport pavements that can withstand the stress of frequent aircraft movements.

Industrial Flooring

In industrial settings where heavy machinery and equipment are in operation, durable flooring systems are essential to withstand the wear and tear of daily operations. AC Grade Bitumen-based coatings and overlays offer a cost-effective solution for creating high-performance industrial floors that are resistant to abrasion, chemical spills, and thermal cycling.

🏗️ Industrial AC Grade Bitumen Usage

🛣️ Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)

AC Bitumen is the primary binder in HMA for roads, highways, and airport runways due to its optimal flow properties.

🏗️ Flexible Pavement Design

Its predictable viscosity makes it ideal for structural pavement layers that handle high stress and temperature fluctuations.

🌉 Bridge Decks and Overlays

Used in high-temperature zones and heavy-traffic areas to reduce thermal fatigue and rutting.

🏭 Manufacturing of Bituminous Mixtures

It is used in pre-mixed asphalt products and coatings, offering strength, adhesion, and flexibility.

✅ Benefits of AC Grade Bitumen

• 🧪 Stable Viscosity: Provides consistent flow and coating under hot conditions.

• 🛣️ Improved Pavement Lifespan: Minimizes rutting and cracking.

• 🌡️ Thermal Flexibility: Adapts well to temperature changes.

• 🔍 Predictable Performance: Helps engineers design reliable pavements.

• 📉 Cost Efficiency: Reduces maintenance and repair costs.

Peak Universal Business: As Your Supplier of AC Grade Bitumen

1. High-Quality Products

At Peak Universal Business, we are committed to providing our customers with only the highest quality AC Grade Bitumen. Our products undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure consistency, performance, and reliability.

2. Comprehensive Range

We offer a comprehensive range of AC Grade Bitumen grades to suit various project requirements and specifications. Whether you need a high-temperature grade for hot climates or a low-temperature grade for cold regions, we have the right solution to meet your needs.

3. Technical Support

Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing technical support and guidance to help you choose the right AC Grade Bitumen grade for your project. From product selection to formulation advice, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

4. Global Reach

With our extensive network of suppliers and distributors, we can efficiently cater to customers worldwide. Whether you are located in North America, Europe, Asia, or beyond, you can rely on Peak Universal Business to deliver your AC Grade Bitumen order promptly and reliably.

❓ FAQs about Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen

🧪 What does “AC” stand for in AC Grade Bitumen?

AC stands for Asphalt Cement. It refers to the viscosity-graded form of bitumen used in flexible pavement design.

🛣️ What is the difference between AC Grade and Penetration Grade Bitumen?

AC Grade is classified based on viscosity, while Penetration Grade is categorized based on how deep a needle penetrates the bitumen under specific conditions.

🌍 Is AC Grade Bitumen suitable for all climates?

Yes, especially when the correct viscosity grade is chosen. For hot climates, higher AC grades like AC-20 or AC-30 offer better performance.

⚙️ Can AC Bitumen be customized for specific projects?

Absolutely. Blends can be adjusted to meet local road requirements, traffic load, and temperature zones.

📦 How is AC Grade Bitumen supplied?

It is generally supplied in bulk tankers or heated containers, ensuring ease of application on-site.

🧾 Conclusion- Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen

Asphalt Cement Grade Bitumen is a versatile and essential material in road construction and infrastructure development, offering a wide range of benefits from durability and flexibility to temperature resistance and adhesive properties. When it comes to sourcing high-quality AC Grade Bitumen for your projects, Peak Universal Business is the trusted supplier you can depend on.

With our commitment to quality, comprehensive range of products, technical support, and global reach, Peak Universal Business is the preferred choice for all your AC Grade Bitumen requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you achieve success with your construction projects.

Remember, when you choose Peak Universal Business as your supplier of AC Grade Bitumen, you are choosing reliability, quality, and excellence. Let us be your partner in building the roads of tomorrow with AC Grade Bitumen.

You can Read More about AC Grade Bitumen Here: 

Viscosity Bitumen

What is Gilsonite & its Usage in Oil & Gas well Cementing?

Gilsonite for Oil and Gas Well Cementing

Powder Gilsonite as Oil & Gas Additive

📞 Call to Peak Universal Business

👉Need the right grade of AC Bitumen for your next project?

We in Peak Universal Business, can help with:

• 📊 Technical specifications and documentation

• 🚚 Bulk delivery to your construction site

• 💪 Expert advice on grade selection

👉 Get in touch with our technical team today for expert advice, custom supply options, and bulk pricing.

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📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: +971 4 878 2031

🌐 Visit: PUBLtd.Bitumens

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