85/100 Penetration Grade Bitumen / Asphalt Cement
85/100 penetration grade bitumen is a medium-soft asphalt cement, a binder used to build road pavements. Its needle penetration at 25°C measures between 85 and 100 tenths of a millimetre (0.1 mm).
That high penetration makes it softer and more flexible than the harder 60/70 and 40/50 grades. The softness suits pavements that must stay flexible at lower service temperatures. Pro-Road Global manufactures and exports 85/100 asphalt cement to contractors in Latin America and Africa. We supply it as one grade in our penetration graded bitumen range.
Where does 85/100 bitumen fit?
85/100 fits temperate and cool climates, where low-temperature flexibility matters more than summer heat resistance. It sits toward the softer end of the paving grades. In mild conditions its soft consistency helps the asphalt layer absorb thermal movement and traffic loads. That flexibility lowers the risk of cracking. It also copes well with wet and freeze-thaw climates, where stiffer binders can crack. Contractors in consistently hot regions usually step up to a harder 40/50 penetration grade bitumen or 60/70. Milder, wetter and colder networks are its natural home.
Typical placements for the grade include:
- Surface courses on secondary and rural road networks.
- Medium-traffic roads and urban streets.
- Surface dressing and chip-seal work at moderate temperatures.
- Resurfacing and maintenance on lower-volume routes.
Pro-Road supplies the grade for export projects across Latin America and Africa, including Tanzania, South Africa and Senegal.
What is 85/100 asphalt cement used for?
85/100 is used mainly as the binder in hot-mix asphalt, coating and bonding mineral aggregate. Its medium-soft consistency wets the aggregate well and compacts at normal mixing temperatures. In service it stays flexible enough to resist thermal and fatigue cracking. The grade also stays workable during laying and rolling, which helps crews achieve good compaction. That makes it a practical choice for surface and binder courses on medium-traffic roads.
Beyond dense-graded hot mix, the grade also serves several other uses:
- Surface dressing and chip-seal treatments that renew worn surfaces and restore skid resistance.
- Feedstock for cutbacks, emulsions and modified binders.
- Patching, crack sealing and other maintenance on lower-volume routes.
For projects that need a different hardness, Pro-Road offers a full range of bitumen and asphalt products.
How is 85/100 asphalt cement produced?
85/100 asphalt cement is produced by the fractional distillation of crude oil. The crude is heated and separated into fractions by boiling point. Bitumen is drawn from the heaviest fraction. It is processed further until its penetration falls within the 85 to 100 band. This band gives the grade its medium-soft, flexible character.
At Pro-Road Global the material is analyzed and, where needed, modified to the client’s specification. This makes sure each consignment meets the ordered grade before shipment. Our technical team controls quality using AASHTO, ASTM and BS EN test methods. AASHTO stands for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. We also confirm conformity with the construction and material specifications of each destination country.
What are the specifications for 85/100 penetration grade bitumen?
The table below lists the 85/100 limits with their British Standard (BS EN) and AASHTO test methods. Each row shows one property, its two test-method codes and the required value.
| Property | Test Method (BS EN) | Test Method (AASHTO) | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration at 25°C (0.1 mm) | BS EN 1426 | AASHTO T 49 | 85-100 |
| Softening Point (°C) | BS EN 1427 | AASHTO T 53 | 43-51 |
| Ductility at 25°C (cm) | BS EN 13589/BS EN 13398 | AASHTO T 51 | Minimum 100 |
| Flash Point (°C) | BS EN ISO 2592 | AASHTO T 48 | Minimum 230 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%) | BS EN 12592 | AASHTO T 44 | Minimum 99.0 |
| Specific Gravity at 25°C | BS EN 15326 | AASHTO T 228 | 1.01-1.06 |
| Loss on Heating (wt%) | BS EN 12607-1 | AASHTO T 47 | Maximum 0.5 |
| Residue Penetration after Heating (%) | BS EN 1426 | AASHTO T 49 | Minimum 55 |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 135°C (mm²/s) | BS EN 12595 | AASHTO T 201 | 350-450 |
| Fraass Breaking Point (°C) | BS EN 12593 | AASHTO T 314 | Maximum -5 |
| Storage Stability (Difference in Softening Point, °C) | BS EN 13399 | AASHTO T 316 | Maximum 2 |
Download the 85/100 bitumen datasheet (PDF).
How is 85/100 packaged for export?
Pro-Road packs 85/100 asphalt cement in three export presentations:
- New steel drums. Each holds 150 kg to 200 kg.
- Big bags (bitu-bags). These hold 250 kg to 1,200 kg for bulk shipments.
- Bitutainers. Purpose-built containers for secure bulk transport.
Big bags are the most common format. They use container space well and protect the binder in transit.
Why buy 85/100 from Pro-Road Global?
You buy 85/100 from Pro-Road Global because we manage every stage from production to delivery. We are a vertically integrated manufacturer and exporter of bitumen and asphalt cement. We supply the grade from leading international refineries and production plants. This gives buyers in Latin America and Africa a consistent, alternative source. Our storage and production capacity also lets us hold asphalt prices for up to thirty days. Many suppliers revise their prices weekly or even daily, so that stability helps buyers budget an export project. That control from refinery to shipment keeps the grade consistent from one order to the next.
What do buyers ask about 85/100 bitumen?
Buyers most often ask about climate fit, cold-weather use and penetration value.
When should I choose 85/100 instead of 60/70?
Choose 85/100 when the pavement serves a temperate or cool climate. There, low-temperature flexibility matters more than resistance to high summer heat. Its softer consistency resists thermal and fatigue cracking better than the harder 60/70 penetration grade bitumen. On medium-traffic and rural roads in milder regions, 85/100 gives the better balance.
Is 85/100 suitable for very cold conditions?
85/100 performs well in cool and temperate climates. For genuinely cold regions with very low winter temperatures, a softer binder is often specified. The even softer 120/150 penetration grade bitumen gives greater low-temperature flexibility and crack resistance. 85/100 stays the choice where winters are cool rather than severe.
What is the penetration value of 85/100 bitumen?
The 85 and 100 are the lower and upper penetration limits at 25°C. They are expressed in tenths of a millimetre (0.1 mm). A value in this range means a medium-soft bitumen. It is softer than 60/70 and much softer than 40/50.
Ready to Order 85/100 Penetration Bitumen?
To request a quote for 85/100 asphalt cement, contact Pro-Road Global on our contact page or email info@proroadglobal.com. Our team will help match the grade and packaging to your project.
Contact us to get to work
We have a talented team, the best materials, tools, and equipment at your disposal.