Performance Graded Bitumen

Performance Grade (PG) Bitumen is bitumen which is graded based on its performance at different temperatures. In the Superpave grading system, binders are classified according to their performance in extreme hot and cold temperatures and are called performance grade (PG) bitumen. The main purpose of grading and selecting asphalt binders using the PG system is to make certain that the binder has the appropriate properties for environmental conditions in the field. PG asphalt binders are selected to meet expected climatic conditions as well as traffic speed and volume adjustments. Therefore, the PG system uses a common set of tests to measure the physical properties of the binder that can be directly related to the field performance of the pavement at its service temperatures by engineering principles. It is one of the most important changes introduced in Super Pave that acceptance limits are the same but have to be met at specific pavement temperatures and traffic conditions.