Asphalt, also known as bitumen is a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product, and is classed as a pitch. Before the 20th century, the term asphaltum was also used. The word is derived from the Ancient Greek ásphaltos.
The primary use (70%) of asphalt is in road construction, where it is used as the glue or binder mixed with aggregate particles to create asphalt concrete. Its other main uses are for bituminous waterproofing products, including production of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs.
Naturally occurring asphalt is sometimes specified by the term “crude bitumen”. Its viscosity is similar to that of cold molasses while the material obtained from the fractional distillation of crude oil boiling at 525 °C (977 °F) is sometimes referred to as “refined bitumen”.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF BITUMEN GRADE 60/70
| Characteristics | Specification | Units | Test Method |
| Penetration (at 25°c) 100g , 5s | 60 Min / 70 Max | 0.1 mm | ASTM D-5 |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 49 Min/ 56 Max | °c | ASTM D-36 |
| Ductility (at 25°c) , 5 cm/min | 100 Min | Cm | ASTM D-113 |
| Specific Gravity (at 25°c) | 1.01 Min/1.06 Max | gr/cm3 | ASTM D-70 |
| Flash point (Cleveland open cup) | 250 Min | °c | ASTM D-92 |
| Spot Point | Negative | Report | A.A.S.H.O.T.102 |
| Solubility in CS2 | 99.5 (wt%) Min | Report | ASTM D-4 |
| Thin-Film Oven Test (5 hrs at 163°c) | |||
| Drop in penetration after heating | 20% Max | Report | ASTM D-5, D-6 |
| Loss on heating | 0.2 (Wt.%) Max | Report | ASTM D-6 |