Why do roads last so long despite extreme temperatures and heavy traffic? The solution lies in the materials used, and one such ingredient is viscosity graded bitumen, which is transforming road construction in Punjab and Haryana. Bitumen, a vital component of asphalt paving, is essential for building strong, long-lasting roads. Among the many varieties of bitumen, VG30 bitumen stands out for its balanced penetration value and flexibility, making it excellent for building long-lasting bituminous pavements. This form of bitumen not only provides a high-quality road surface, but also requires low maintenance, reducing the need for asphalt repairs.
The road network in Punjab and Haryana has seen significant advancements due to innovative road construction methods. The Public Works Department (PWD) manages road infrastructure projects ranging from urban roads to highways, procuring materials through a regulated tender process. By combining bitumen emulsion, cold mix asphalt and natural bitumen materials, the PWD ensures that roads can withstand heavy traffic and various weather conditions. The use of VG30 bitumen along with other new materials is having a significant impact on the future of regional road development.
Understanding Viscosity Grade Bitumen
Viscosity grade bitumen is a refined bitumen type that is distinguished by its ability to maintain a constant viscosity at varying temperatures. This makes it ideal for asphalt road construction and pavement surfaces. It is classified into grades such as VG 10 and VG 40 based on its viscosity levels, which are determined by tests such as the softening point test and flash point test of bitumen. Viscosity grade bitumen is used to make asphalt mixtures, asphalt binders and asphalt emulsions for high-performance road construction. Its properties make it exceptionally strong, flexible and wear-resistant, making roads last longer, especially in places where temperatures fluctuate significantly.
Viscosity Grade Bitumen vs Penetration Grade Bitumen
Viscosity grade bitumen and penetration grade bitumen are two forms of bitumen often used in road construction, each with different properties and applications. Understanding the differences between these two types of bitumen helps in selecting the best material for a particular road construction project.
Advantages of Using Viscosity Grade Bitumen in Road Construction
There are several significant advantages of using viscosity grade bitumen in road construction:
Improved Durability: The high viscosity of bitumen ensures increased wear resistance, which is especially useful on heavily trafficked roads. It also requires less repairs and maintenance, making it a more cost-effective option.
Better Performance Under Temperature Fluctuations: It operates consistently in both hot and cold conditions, making it excellent for the road network in Haryana.
Enhanced Flexibility: When combined with modified bitumen or polymer modified bitumen, it can increase flexibility and reduce the risk of pavement cracking.
Longer Lifespan: The improved performance of viscosity grade bitumen results in longer life of the road surface, reducing maintenance costs over time.
Cost-Effectiveness: Due to its longevity and durability, viscosity grade bitumen reduces the overall cost of road construction and maintenance, making it a popular choice for large-scale projects.
Benefits of Viscosity Grade Bitumen for Roads
Viscosity grade bitumen is extremely durable, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. It resists wear and tear, eliminating the need for regular repairs.
It maintains a constant viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring stability in both hot and cold environments.
VG30 resists softening in extreme heat and maintains flexibility even in cold conditions, making it ideal for locations with changing temperatures like Punjab and Haryana.
Bitumen improves the flexibility of the road surface, increasing elasticity and reducing damage caused by heavy traffic or temperature changes.
Application in Punjab and Haryana PWD Projects
Current Practices: PWD extensively uses viscosity grade bitumen to construct durable, long-lasting infrastructure. The following materials are frequently utilized in PWD projects:
Bitumen 60/70: Entry grade bitumen commonly used in road construction.
Cold Mix Bitumen: Suitable for repairs and low temperature applications.
VG30 Bitumen: A viscosity grade bitumen known for its durability and tolerance to temperature changes.
Bitumen Emulsion: Often used for surface treatments and cold mix asphalt.
Innovative Approaches: To increase the life of roads, PWDs are using eco-friendly technology and materials, such as bitumen in Punjab projects, which now use recycled or reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and polymer-modified asphalt. These improved materials contribute to the ongoing road expansion in the region, while also meeting sustainability goals.
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Integrating recycled materials to save resources and improve sustainability.
Polymer-Modified Asphalt: Increasing the resilience and durability of the road, especially in areas with heavy traffic and unstable weather conditions.
Nano-Technology: Nanoparticles are used to improve the physical and mechanical properties of bitumen, thereby reducing road wear and increasing its life.
Digital Technology Integration: Sensors, robotics and machine-to-machine communication will be used to apply asphalt more precisely and efficiently.
Sustainable Emulsion Technologies: Environmentally friendly bitumen emulsions are used to reduce the carbon footprint of asphalt production while also enhancing long-term performance.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Cost Efficiency:
Viscosity grade bitumen reduces maintenance costs by increasing road strength, reducing the need for frequent repairs. Its compatibility with sophisticated technologies such as HMA paving and asphalt levelling enables cost-effective solutions for large-scale projects, benefiting the PWDs of Punjab and Haryana.
Environmental Benefits:
This material promotes sustainability by reducing emissions during use and increasing recyclability. Polymer-modified asphalt and bituminous concrete projects reduce environmental impact by avoiding waste of resources, which aligns with global sustainability goals. Bitumen in Haryana increases road strength and also reduces the carbon footprint of asphalt construction.
Facts About Road Networks in Haryana and Punjab
Road Network in Haryana
The state of Haryana in North India has a vast road network with 34 National Highways (NH) with a total length of 2,484 km, 11 Expressways (including 3 National Expressways), State Highways (SH) with a total length of 1,801 km, major district roads (MDR) with a length of 1,395 km and other district roads with a length of 26,022 km (2016).[1]
Road Network in Punjab
Punjab data was reported at 147,862,000 km in 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 142,635.000 km for 2018. Length of Roads: Punjab data is updated yearly, averaging 84,193.000 km from Mar 2003 (Median) to 2019, with 17 observations.[2]
Classic Bitumen has played a vital role in the construction and maintenance of road networks across Haryana and Punjab. Classic Bitumen is a trusted supplier of key materials such as Bitumen, Bitumen Emulsion, Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) and Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB), which have contributed significantly to the development of long-lasting, high-quality roads. These materials have helped build robust highways, district roads and other key infrastructure, improving connectivity and boosting economic growth in both states.
Role of Bitumen Suppliers
Bitumen providers are vital for the road construction business, especially in places like Punjab and Haryana where quality and durability are essential. These companies supply high-quality products such as VG bitumen, bitumen emulsion and cold mix bitumen, ensuring that the Public Works Department (PWD) has the most resources for their infrastructure projects. Classic Group of Companies(CGOC) is one of the largest private bitumen suppliers in India, with 18 years of experience as a bitumen company and a reputation as a prominent bitumen manufacturer. Whether it’s national highways or state roads, CGOC continues to deliver unmatched value, contributing to the nation’s infrastructure goals.
Conclusion
Viscosity grade bitumen, especially VG30, is redefining road construction in Punjab and Haryana, as it offers remarkable durability, flexibility and wear resistance, making it perfect for harsh weather and high-traffic areas. Its ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and create a long-lasting road surface reduces maintenance costs while ensuring sustainability. The Public Works Department (PWD) is using cutting-edge technology including recycled asphalt and polymer-modified bitumen to improve road performance. By using these sophisticated materials, PWD ensures the production of high-quality, long-lasting and environmentally friendly roads that meet the region's infrastructure needs while also supporting long-term sustainability goals.
About Classic Bitumen
Classic Bitumen is dedicated to redefining the standards of quality and service in the petroleum products industry. CGOC is also a PWD Rajasthan Empanelled Vendor, assuring compliance with the highest requirements for government infrastructure projects throughout Rajasthan. Their state-of-the-art R&D facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology to enable continuous innovation in bitumen products, with an emphasis on producing superior grades of bitumen specifically designed to withstand India's harsh road conditions, providing optimum performance and longevity. Classic Group's strong technical team, comprising industry experts and experienced professionals committed to maintaining the highest quality standards, is supporting this innovation.
CGOC has also worked with contractors serving for organizations such as NHAI, B.R.O, PWD, and MORTH. With a robust logistics service fleet of 75+ vehicles, Classic Bitumen handles over 1 lakh metric tons of material annually, making it the go-to partner for national and state highway projects. With nearly two decades of experience, Classic Bitumen is a preferred choice for contractors and road developers. They operate processing units PAN India, ensuring robust bitumen supply and service. If you're looking to buy bitumen or need information on bitumen prices, get in touch with us at www.cgoc.in.
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