CHINESE STANDARD BITUMEN

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In China, bitumen (also known as asphalt) is produced in various grades, tailored to different applications such as road construction, waterproofing, and industrial use. The Chinese bitumen grading system is based on a set of parameters such as penetration, softening point, and viscosity. Below is a list of common Chinese bitumen grades:

What are AH Standards?

The AH standards are part of a classification system for bitumen grades used in China, primarily for asphalt or bitumen materials used in road construction, paving, and other industrial applications. The “AH” grades generally refer to Modified Asphalt grades, where the bitumen has been modified with additives such as polymers or other substances to improve its performance, durability, and resistance to various conditions.

While the exact formulation of each AH grade can vary, the AH standard grades are typically identified by the following numbers:

AH 50
AH 70
AH 90

Common AH Standards for Bitumen Grades:

AH 50
- Properties: Moderate hardness with improved durability compared to standard unmodified bitumen.
- Applications: Commonly used in road construction, especially in regions with moderate traffic volumes or milder weather conditions.
- Performance: Designed for good performance in both high and low temperatures.
AH 70
- Properties: Higher performance compared to AH 50, providing increased resistance to traffic stress and high temperatures.
- Applications: Suitable for roads with high traffic volumes, airport runways, and heavy-duty industrial applications.
- Performance: Excellent resistance to deformation and better stability in hot climates.
AH 90
- Properties: One of the harder and most durable grades, designed for the most demanding environments and heavy-duty traffic.
- Applications: Used in the construction of highways, expressways, and airports, particularly where high load-bearing capacity is required.
- Performance: Offers superior resistance to deformation under heavy traffic and high temperatures.

Key Characteristics of AH Grades

Modified Bitumen: AH grades are typically polymer-modified or polymer-enhanced bitumen, meaning that additives like Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) are used to increase the bitumen’s elasticity, flexibility, and resistance to aging.
Temperature Resistance: AH grades are designed to offer good performance across a wide range of temperatures, ensuring that they do not soften excessively in high temperatures or become too brittle in cold climates.
Durability: These grades are known for their long-lasting properties, providing excellent performance in areas with heavy traffic, high temperatures, and areas that experience significant wear and tear.
Penetration, Softening Point, and Viscosity: The grading of AH bitumen is based on tests for properties like penetration, softening point, and viscosity, ensuring the product is suitable for specific applications.

General Applications for AH Bitumen Grades:

Road Construction: AH grades are widely used in high-traffic roadways and expressways, ensuring that the roads maintain their integrity under heavy use.
Airport Runways: The durability and load-bearing capacity of AH bitumen grades make them perfect for airport runway construction, where high traffic and environmental stresses need to be withstood.
Industrial Uses: AH bitumen grades are also used for waterproofing, roofing, and industrial coatings, where high durability and resistance to temperature variations are crucial.
Paving: These grades are used to produce high-performance asphalt mixes for paving projects that demand long-lasting roads and surfaces.

Performance Benefits of AH Bitumen:

Improved Stability: Modified bitumen grades like AH 50, AH 70, and AH 90 provide better resistance to oxidation, making them last longer under extreme conditions.
Resistance to Cracking and Deformation: The polymer modification allows AH grades to better resist cracking and deformation under stress, improving the longevity of roads and surfaces.
Increased Flexibility: The elasticity of AH grades ensures that they can withstand temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress without compromising the structure of the road or surface.

Conclusion

The AH standard bitumen grades (AH 50, AH 70, AH 90) represent some of the highest quality modified bitumen products available in China. These grades are primarily designed for various environmental conditions, project requirements, and intended uses, providing flexibility in road construction and other industrial needs. The precise formulation of these grades ensures that the bitumen performs optimally for its intended application, be it in high-traffic roadways, infrastructure projects, or specialized industrial applications. With properties tailored for high-performance applications, these grades offer outstanding durability, elasticity, and resistance to environmental stressors, making them ideal for heavy-duty infrastructure projects. Whether you’re involved in road construction, airport runway development, or other industrial applications, the AH series ensures superior results for long-lasting, reliable surfaces.