Multigrade bitumen verses conventional bitumen

Abstract

To evaluate field performance at hot and cold climatic regions, test tracks were laid using multigrade bitumen (MB) and conventional bitumen (CB) following 2 cm thick premix carpet, mix seal surfacing, semi-dense bituminous concrete and dense bituminous concrete road specifications at hot climatic region of Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) in May 2006 and cold climatic region of Drass, Kargil (J&K) in September 2005. Laboratory test results indicate that MB (softer grade) behaves better than bitumen 80/100 at low temperatures and better/comparable with bitumen 60/70 at high temperatures. MB has been characterized for conventional, mechanical properties and Strategic Highway Research Programme (SHRP) protocol. Field trial indicates that performance of MB is superior to CB in both cold and hot climatic regions.