What Is PG 58-22 Bitumen?

PG 58-22 is a Performance Grade (PG) bitumen used in asphalt pavements, defined under the Superpave performance grading system. The grade “58-22” represents the temperature range within which the asphalt binder is designed to perform reliably:

• The “58” refers to the average 7-day maximum pavement temperature (in °C).

• The “-22” refers to the minimum pavement temperature (in °C) at which the binder can resist cracking.

Thus, PG 58-22 is formulated to remain stable and resist rutting up to +58°C and to remain flexible without cracking down to -22°C.

Where and When Is PG 58-22 Used?

PG 58-22 is commonly used in moderate climate zones, where summer temperatures do not exceed 58°C and winter temperatures do not fall below -22°C. This makes it suitable for use in:

• Roads and highways in temperate regions

• Residential streets

• Airport taxiways

• Parking lots

• Light-traffic urban areas

Performance Characteristics

• 🔹 Rutting Resistance: Maintains stiffness and shape under high heat and heavy loads.

• 🔹 Fatigue Resistance: Flexible enough to withstand repeated stress without cracking.

• 🔹 Thermal Cracking Resistance: Can endure cold climates without becoming brittle.

• 🔹 Aging Stability: Designed to resist oxidation and maintain performance over time.

Technical Specifications (Typical Values)

⚠️ Exact values may vary slightly depending on the refinery or supplier.

Key Advantages

• ✅ Consistent Performance Across Seasons

• ✅ Reliable for Standard Paving Projects

• ✅ Compatible with Modified or Unmodified Mixes

• ✅ Widely Available and Economical

Conclusion

PG 58-22 bitumen is a versatile, performance-graded asphalt binder that meets the demands of roads and infrastructures in moderate climates. It delivers a strong balance of durability, resistance to rutting, and thermal flexibility, making it a go-to choice for standard paving works in many parts of the world.