Performance Grade (PG) Asphalt Binder Specification
Performance Grade (PG) is the Superpave asphalt binder classification system that specifies binder properties at climate-appropriate high and low service temper...
Viscosity-graded (VG) asphalt binders are classified by their absolute viscosity at 60°C — VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, and VG-40 — with higher numbers indicating stiffer binders for hotter climates and heavier aircraft loading. Covers ASTM D2171 testing, climate-based grade selection, VG-40 for airport runways, and comparison with penetration grade and PG systems.
Viscosity-graded (VG) asphalt binders represent a rational, performance-oriented approach to classifying paving bitumen based on its resistance to flow at critical service and construction temperatures. Unlike the traditional penetration grading system that measures binder hardness at a single temperature (25°C), the VG system evaluates binder consistency at 60°C — the temperature approximating maximum pavement surface temperature during summer — and at 135°C — the typical mixing and compaction temperature for hot-mix asphalt. This dual-temperature characterization provides engineers with a significantly more accurate prediction of binder behavior in the field.
The VG system designates four standard grades: VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, and VG-40, with ascending numbers corresponding to increasing stiffness. A VG-40 binder has a minimum absolute viscosity of 3200 poises at 60°C, making it approximately four times stiffer than a VG-10 binder at the same temperature. This stiffness hierarchy directly correlates with the binder’s resistance to rutting (permanent deformation) under load — the single most critical distress mode for asphalt pavements in hot climates and under heavy traffic.
The VG system was formally adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in IS 73:2006 (third revision), replacing the penetration-grade system that had been used in India since 1950. The fourth revision (IS 73:2013) further refined the specification by introducing viscosity ranges for each grade, establishing minimum penetration values at 25°C, and — most importantly — providing a climate-based grade selection table linked to the 7-day average maximum air temperature. This made the VG system not merely a classification scheme but a complete binder selection methodology for pavement engineers.

The viscosity grading concept emerged from the recognition that the penetration test — which measures how deep a standard needle penetrates a bitumen sample at 25°C under a 100-gram load for five seconds — provides limited information about binder performance at the extreme temperatures that pavements actually experience. In the early 1960s, the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) developed an improved grading system based on viscosity testing, which was published as AASHTO M 226 and ASTM D 3381. This system represented a fundamental shift from empirical classification to scientific measurement.
Viscosity is defined as the ratio between applied shear stress and the rate of shear — essentially, a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. In the International System of Units (SI), viscosity is expressed in pascal-seconds (Pa·s), but the traditional unit for asphalt binders is the poise (P), where 1 poise equals 1 dyne·s/cm² or 0.1 Pa·s. The VG system uses the poise for absolute viscosity at 60°C and the centistoke (cSt) for kinematic viscosity at 135°C.
The VG system operates on a fundamental principle: the flow behavior of bitumen at pavement service temperature (60°C) is the most reliable predictor of rutting resistance. Binders that flow less at 60°C will deform less under traffic loading. Simultaneously, the kinematic viscosity at 135°C ensures that the binder is fluid enough during mixing and compaction to properly coat aggregates and achieve adequate pavement density. This dual-temperature approach is the key advantage of the VG system over single-temperature penetration grading.
Two sub-systems exist within viscosity grading: AC grading (asphalt cement, tested on the original binder as-supplied) and AR grading (aged residue, tested after the binder has been subjected to a rolling thin film oven test simulating hot-mix aging). The AC system uses grades AC-2.5 through AC-40, where the number represents the target viscosity in hundreds of poises at 60°C. The AR system uses AR-1000 through AR-16000, with the number representing viscosity in poises after aging. The VG system used in IS 73 and international practice is aligned with the AC concept — testing on original binder samples.
Two primary viscosity measurements define VG binder classification: absolute (dynamic) viscosity at 60°C and kinematic viscosity at 135°C. These measurements capture binder behavior at the two temperature extremes relevant to pavement performance and construction.
Absolute viscosity at 60°C is the primary classification parameter for VG binders. It is determined using a vacuum capillary viscometer — a precision borosilicate glass instrument that measures the time required for a fixed volume of liquid bitumen to flow through a capillary tube under controlled vacuum and temperature conditions.
The test procedure per ASTM D2171-94 (Standard Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer) involves the following steps:
Three types of vacuum capillary viscometers are approved: the Cannon-Manning Vacuum Viscometer (CMVV), the Asphalt Institute Vacuum Viscometer (AIVV), and the Modified Koppers Vacuum Viscometer (MKVV). Each has specific dimensional characteristics that determine its viscosity range. The CMVV is the most commonly used type, with interchangeable capillary tubes covering different viscosity ranges.
The kinematic viscosity at 60°C of a typical VG-40 binder is approximately 3200-4800 poises. The test method is applicable to materials having viscosities from 0.036 to over 200,000 poises, covering all practical binder grades.
Kinematic viscosity at 135°C is measured using a capillary viscometer of the Cannon-Fenske or Ubbelohde type, immersed in a temperature-controlled bath at 135°C ± 0.1°C. The procedure is similar to the absolute viscosity test but uses gravity flow rather than vacuum:
The kinematic viscosity at 135°C serves as a workability check — it ensures that the binder will be sufficiently fluid during hot-mix production to properly coat aggregates. Minimum kinematic viscosity requirements increase with grade: 250 cSt for VG-10, 300 cSt for VG-20, 350 cSt for VG-30, and 400 cSt for VG-40. These minimum values help prevent tender mixes (mixtures that are excessively prone to deformation during construction) and ensure adequate film thickness on aggregates.
| Property | Test Method | VG-10 | VG-20 | VG-30 | VG-40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity at 60°C, poises, min | IS 1206 (Part 2) / ASTM D2171 | 800 | 1600 | 2400 | 3200 |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 135°C, cSt, min | IS 1206 (Part 3) / ASTM D2170 | 250 | 300 | 350 | 400 |
| Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup), °C, min | IS 1448 (P:69) / ASTM D92 | 220 | 220 | 220 | 220 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene, %, min | IS 1216 / ASTM D2042 | 99.0 | 99.0 | 99.0 | 99.0 |
| Penetration at 25°C, 0.1 mm | IS 1203 / ASTM D5 | 80-100 | 60-80 | 50-70 | 40-60 |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball), °C, min | IS 1205 / ASTM D36 | 40 | 45 | 47 | 50 |
| Tests on RTFOT Residue: | |||||
| Viscosity Ratio at 60°C, max | — | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ductility at 25°C, cm, min (after TFOT) | IS 1208 / ASTM D113 | 75 | 50 | 40 | 25 |

The selection of the appropriate VG grade is a function of two primary factors: climate (specifically, pavement temperature) and traffic loading. The IS 73:2013 standard provides explicit guidance for grade selection based on the 7-day average maximum air temperature for the project location, calculated from a minimum of five years of historical data.
| Grade | Suitable for 7-day Average Maximum Air Temperature | Equivalent Penetration Grade | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| VG-10 | < 30°C | 80/100 | Cold regions, surface dressing, spray applications, bitumen emulsion production |
| VG-20 | 30–38°C | — | Cold climate & high altitude regions, moderate traffic roads |
| VG-30 | 38–45°C | 60/70 | Heavy-duty pavements, highways, areas with substantial traffic loads |
| VG-40 | > 45°C | 30/40, 40/50 | Extreme hot climates, airport runways, intersections, toll plazas, heavy-load corridors |
The temperature thresholds in this table are based on the correlation between air temperature and actual pavement temperature. Pavement surface temperatures in direct sunlight can be 20–25°C higher than ambient air temperature, meaning a location with a 45°C maximum air temperature can experience pavement temperatures approaching 70°C — well above the 60°C viscosity test temperature. The VG system accounts for this through its conservative minimum viscosity requirements.
For traffic loading, the general principle is that heavier traffic and slower-moving loads require stiffer binders. This is particularly relevant for airport pavements, where aircraft loads (500,000+ lbs on main landing gear) and slow taxi speeds create severe rutting demand. The grade selection should also account for traffic volume (equivalent single axle loads), traffic speed (static vs. high-speed), and whether the pavement is subjected to channelized traffic (e.g., runway centerlines, taxiway paths).
Additional considerations include:
VG-40 is the stiffest grade in the viscosity-graded system and is the preferred binder for airport runway pavements in hot climates and for pavements subjected to heavy aircraft loading. Its minimum absolute viscosity of 3200 poises at 60°C and minimum kinematic viscosity of 400 cSt at 135°C provide exceptional resistance to permanent deformation under the extreme loading conditions characteristic of airfield operations.
Aircraft loading differs fundamentally from highway traffic loading in several critical aspects:
The FAA P-401 specification (Standard Specification for Asphalt Paving for Airfields) and Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) 32 12 15.13 reference viscosity-graded binders for airfield construction. The FAA allows the use of both performance-graded (PG) and viscosity-graded binders, with the equivalent relationship being approximately:
The ICAO Aerodrome Design Manual (Doc 9157, Part 3 – Pavements) provides guidance on binder selection for airport pavements, recommending that the binder grade be selected based on the airfield reference temperature — the 7-day average maximum pavement temperature at 20 mm below the surface. For airports in regions with reference temperatures above 45°C (such as the Middle East, South Asia, parts of Southeast Asia, and the southern United States), a binder equivalent to VG-40 or higher is recommended.
For critical airfield applications, VG-40 is often polymer-modified (producing PMB 40 or equivalent grades) to further enhance performance. Polymer modification improves:
The Airport Asphalt Pavement Technology Program (AAPTP) and the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University have developed an Airfield Asphalt Binder Online Selection Tool that helps engineers select the appropriate binder grade based on airport location, traffic loading, and pavement structure. This tool confirms that VG-40 (or its PG equivalent) is the minimum recommended grade for main runways at airports in hot climates.

The penetration grading system (ASTM D946 / IS 73:1950 / EN 12591) classifies bitumen based on the depth a standard needle penetrates the sample under specified conditions (25°C, 100 g, 5 seconds). Grades such as 30/40, 40/50, 60/70, 80/100, and 100/120 represent penetration values in tenths of a millimeter. This system was the global standard for over a century and remains in use in many countries including Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kenya, Tanzania, and Indonesia.
| Aspect | Penetration Grade | Viscosity Grade (VG) |
|---|---|---|
| Test temperature | 25°C only | 60°C (service) and 135°C (construction) |
| Test principle | Needle penetration depth | Flow resistance (viscosity) |
| Temperature susceptibility | Cannot be determined | Can be calculated from dual-temperature data |
| Rutting prediction | Poor — a 60/70 pen grade from one source may rut differently than the same grade from another | Excellent — same VG grade gives similar rutting performance regardless of crude source |
| Number of specification tests | 14 (under older IS 73:1992) | 7 (under IS 73:2006/2013) |
| Empirical vs. fundamental | Empirical (needle penetration depth) | Fundamental (physical property — viscosity) |
| Wax sensitivity | High — waxy crudes produce misleading penetration values | Low — viscosity better captures true binder consistency |
| Cost of testing | Higher (more tests required) | Lower (fewer tests, faster execution) |
The fundamental weakness of penetration grading is that penetration at 25°C does not correlate reliably with high-temperature rutting performance. Two binders with identical penetration values (e.g., both 60/70) could have significantly different viscosities at 60°C depending on their crude oil source and refining method. This means that a 60/70 binder from a waxy crude might rut severely in hot weather while a 60/70 binder from a naphthenic crude performs perfectly — yet both would be classified as the same grade.
The VG system eliminates this ambiguity by directly measuring viscosity at the temperature that matters most for rutting. Under the VG system, any two samples of the same VG grade will give similar rutting performance in hot weather — a statement that cannot be made for penetration grades.
| VG Grade | Approximate Penetration Equivalent | Typical 60/70 Use Replacements |
|---|---|---|
| VG-10 | 80/100 | Cold regions, surface treatments |
| VG-20 | — | Intermediate (no direct pen equivalent) |
| VG-30 | 60/70 | Direct replacement for 60/70 in most applications |
| VG-40 | 30/40, 40/50 | Direct replacement for 30/40 and 40/50 |
The Performance Grade (PG) system — developed under the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) in the late 1980s and early 1990s and formalized in AASHTO M 320 and ASTM D6373 — represents the most advanced binder classification methodology. PG binders are designated by two numbers (e.g., PG 64-22), where the first number is the high-temperature grade (maximum pavement temperature in °C the binder can withstand) and the second is the low-temperature grade (minimum pavement temperature in °C the binder can withstand, with a negative sign).
| Aspect | VG System | PG System (Superpave) |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement basis | Viscosity at fixed temperatures (60°C, 135°C) | Performance parameters at project-specific temperatures |
| High-temperature test | Vacuum capillary viscometer (ASTM D2171) | Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) — G*/sin δ (AASHTO T315) |
| Low-temperature test | Not directly measured (inferred from penetration) | Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) — creep stiffness (AASHTO T313) |
| Fatigue test | Not directly measured | DSR after PAV aging — G*·sin δ |
| Aging simulation | TFOT or RTFOT only | RTFO (short-term) + PAV (long-term, 20-hour aging) |
| Temperature specificity | Fixed temperature (60°C for all grades) | Project-specific (binder is selected for the actual climate) |
| Climate adaptability | Four broad temperature bins | Continuous temperature scale (every 6°C) |
| Number of tests | 7 specification tests | Comprehensive rheological testing suite |
| Geographic adoption | India, South Asia, parts of Middle East | USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, China |
The VG system remains appropriate for:
The PG system is superior for:
For engineering purposes, the following approximate equivalences can be used:
| VG Grade | Approximate PG Grade | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| VG-10 | PG 52-28 to PG 58-22 | Cold regions, surface treatments |
| VG-20 | PG 58-22 to PG 64-22 | Moderate climates |
| VG-30 | PG 64-22 to PG 70-22 | Hot climates, heavy traffic |
| VG-40 | PG 76-22 to PG 82-10 | Very hot climates, airports, heavy loads |
These equivalences are approximate and depend on the crude source and whether the binder is modified. For critical applications, direct PG testing should be performed.
The testing regime for VG binders is specified in both ASTM and IS standards. The primary tests are:
This is the defining test for VG classification. The vacuum capillary viscometer method requires careful control of:
The viscometer calibration factor is determined using standard viscosity reference liquids. For non-Newtonian binders (such as polymer-modified binders), shear rate effects must be considered — different viscometer capillary sizes or vacuum levels can produce different results.
The kinematic viscosity test uses a different type of capillary viscometer (typically Cannon-Fenske or Ubbelohde) operating under gravity flow at 135°C. The test measures the time for a fixed volume of bitumen to flow through the capillary under its own hydrostatic head. The kinematic viscosity in centistokes is calculated as the product of flow time and viscometer calibration constant.
This test serves as a mixing and compaction temperature indicator. The minimum kinematic viscosity values in the specification ensure that the binder will have sufficient fluidity at 135°C to coat aggregates during HMA production. Binders with kinematic viscosities below the minimum may produce tender mixes that are difficult to compact and prone to deformation during construction.
The IS 73:2006 revision eliminated several tests from the earlier penetration-grade specification that were found to have no clear relationship with field performance. These included:
The selection of the correct VG grade directly influences pavement resistance to the three primary distress modes: rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking. The relationship between viscosity grade and each distress mode is as follows:
Rutting is the formation of longitudinal depressions in wheel paths caused by the accumulation of permanent (plastic) deformation in one or more pavement layers. It is the primary high-temperature distress and is directly addressed by the VG classification system.
A binder with insufficient viscosity at 60°C (i.e., a grade too soft for the climate) will flow under load, allowing the aggregate skeleton to displace. This is particularly critical in airport pavements where:
VG-40 provides maximum rutting resistance among standard grades and is the minimum recommended grade for airport runways in hot climates. For extreme conditions, polymer-modified VG-40 (or PG 76-22 equivalent) should be specified.
Fatigue cracking (also called “alligator cracking”) results from repeated tensile strains at the bottom of the bound pavement layer under traffic loading. It is the primary intermediate-temperature distress.
The relationship between binder viscosity and fatigue resistance is complex. While stiffer binders improve rutting resistance, they can reduce fatigue life if the binder becomes too brittle. The VG system addresses this through the minimum penetration requirement at 25°C — even VG-40 must have a penetration of at least 40 dmm (0.1 mm) at 25°C, ensuring a minimum level of flexibility for fatigue resistance.
For airport pavements, the binder course (the layer between surface and base) is particularly susceptible to fatigue cracking because it experiences the highest tensile strains. Selecting too stiff a binder (e.g., VG-40 in a binder course where a VG-30 would suffice) can actually reduce fatigue life.
Thermal cracking occurs when low temperatures cause tensile stresses in the pavement surface that exceed the material’s tensile strength. This is the primary low-temperature distress and is the weakness of the VG system — it does not directly measure low-temperature binder properties.
The penetration-grade system from which VG evolved also lacked direct low-temperature measurement. The PG system addresses this through the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) test, which measures creep stiffness at low temperatures. For VG binders used in cold climates (VG-10, VG-20), the minimum penetration values (80-100 and 60-80 dmm respectively) provide some assurance of low-temperature flexibility, but this is an indirect measure.
For airport pavements in cold regions, the following recommendations apply:

The adoption of viscosity grading in India represents the most significant national transition from penetration to VG classification. The timeline is as follows:
The IS 73:2013 specification is now the governing standard for all paving bitumen in India. Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and other major refiners commenced marketing VG-grade bitumen from all refineries in August 2009. The penetration grades (30/40, 40/50, 60/70, 80/100, 100/120) have been effectively replaced, though some legacy projects may still specify penetration grades.
South Africa: Uses a system similar to VG but with local modifications (SANRAL specifications). Grades include 40/50, 60/70, 80/100 penetration grades alongside viscosity-based classes.
Australia: Uses a viscosity-based system with grades expressed as Class 170, Class 320, Class 600, Class 1000 (where numbers represent approximate viscosity in poises at 60°C for aged residue).
Europe (EN 12591): Uses penetration grading primarily, with supplementary requirements for performance characteristics. The EN system has not adopted VG classification but has developed the PG-based system (EN 14023 for polymer-modified binders).
United States: The PG system (AASHTO M 320) has largely replaced both penetration and viscosity grading for new construction. However, ASTM D3381 (Standard Specification for Viscosity-Graded Asphalt Binder) remains current and is referenced in some legacy specifications.
Middle East: Many countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait) specify both penetration grades (60/70, 40/50) for general construction and PG grades for major projects. VG is less common but is increasingly recognized due to Indian contractor influence.
For airfield pavement inspectors and quality assurance engineers, understanding VG binders is critical for several reasons:
When inspecting airport asphalt construction, the engineer must verify that the delivered binder matches the specified VG grade. This involves:
During pavement inspection, the following signs may indicate incorrect VG grade selection or binder-related issues:
For airport projects, the following testing frequency is recommended:
| Test | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity at 60°C | One test per 50 tonnes or per delivery, whichever is more frequent |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 135°C | One test per 50 tonnes or per delivery |
| Penetration at 25°C | One test per 100 tonnes |
| Softening Point | One test per 100 tonnes |
| Flash Point | One test per source change |
| RTFOT residue tests | One test per 500 tonnes or per source change |
VG binders have specific temperature requirements during mixing, transport, and compaction:
| Grade | Mixing Temperature Range | Compaction Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|
| VG-10 | 140–160°C | 130–150°C |
| VG-20 | 145–165°C | 135–155°C |
| VG-30 | 150–170°C | 140–160°C |
| VG-40 | 155–175°C | 145–165°C |
These temperatures ensure the binder achieves the proper kinematic viscosity for coating aggregates during mixing and for achieving target density during compaction. The exact temperatures should be determined from the viscosity-temperature relationship of the specific binder used.
For airfield pavement acceptance, the following VG binder documentation should be maintained:
Proper documentation ensures that the pavement complies with the specified VG grade requirements and provides a record for future forensic investigation if pavement distress develops.
References and Further Reading
Selecting the correct viscosity-grade binder is critical for airport pavement performance. Our experts can help you verify binder compliance, inspect pavement conditions, and recommend the optimal VG grade for your airfield project.
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