Bitumen SC800 – Ultra Slow Curing Cutback Binder for Heavy-Duty Roads

Bitumen SC800 is the heaviest grade of slow-curing cutback bitumen, designed for maximum penetration and stability in the most demanding infrastructure projects. With its exceptionally high viscosity, SC800 cutback bitumen saturates compacted aggregates deeply, creating a strong bond layer that resists extreme traffic loads, harsh weather conditions, and industrial stresses.

For projects where structural reliability is non-negotiable, Bitumen SC800 delivers unmatched engineering performance, making it the preferred binder for highways, ports, runways, and industrial sites.

Engineering Profile of Bitumen SC800

SC800 is classified under ASTM D2026 and AASHTO M82 as a slow-curing cutback bitumen. Its unique formulation allows engineers to achieve deeper penetration in dense foundations compared to lighter grades.

Key technical properties include:

• Viscosity at 60°C: 8000–16000 cSt, ensuring ultra-slow curing and maximum workability.

• Flash Point (°C): Above 40, ensuring safe field application.

• Residue by Distillation (%): 65–75, leaving a strong binder film after solvent evaporation.

• Penetration of Residue (25°C): 60–90 dmm, balancing hardness with flexibility.

• Ductility of Residue (25°C): Above 75 cm, preventing cracks under stress.

These engineering values confirm the reliability of Bitumen SC800 for load-bearing pavements and long-term durability.

Performance Capabilities

1. Ultra-Slow Curing Rate
   Provides extended working time, allowing SC800 to penetrate dense bases thoroughly. This reduces premature bonding and ensures strong interlock between aggregates and binder.

2. High Residual Binder Content
   After solvent evaporation, Bitumen SC800 leaves behind a thick asphaltic film that enhances the mechanical strength of the pavement.

3. Exceptional Load-Bearing Capacity
   Designed to resist rutting, stripping, and deformation under high axle loads, making it suitable for industrial and military-grade projects.

4. Superior Moisture Resistance
   Retains adhesion even in wet, coastal, or tropical climates, preventing water-induced stripping.

5. Extended Service Life
   SC800 creates a durable and stable base that significantly reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Application Fields of SC800 Cutback Bitumen

Bitumen SC800 is not a general-purpose binder; it is intended for strategic and heavy-duty projects:

• Prime Coating for Heavy-Duty Roads: Ideal for highways, industrial haul roads, and airport runways where dense bases require maximum bond strength.

• Surface Dressing in Harsh Climates: Performs reliably in desert conditions as well as in humid tropical regions.

• Industrial Pavement Stabilization: Used in mining facilities, ports, and container terminals where heavy machinery operates continuously.

• Military and Strategic Infrastructure: Suitable for airstrips, supply routes, and military bases requiring durability under extreme conditions.

• Preventive Reinforcement: Applied to strengthen aging pavements before overlay, extending their structural service life.

Controlled Manufacturing of SC800

The production of SC800 cutback bitumen involves advanced blending and strict laboratory control:

• Base Bitumen Selection: Only high-quality penetration grade bitumen is chosen to provide strength and flexibility.

• Blending with Heavy Solvents: Petroleum distillates with slow evaporation rates are incorporated to achieve extra-slow curing.

• Controlled Heating and Agitation: Prevents premature solvent loss while ensuring uniform distribution.

• Standardized Testing: Each batch undergoes ASTM and AASHTO tests for viscosity, flash point, residue, and penetration properties.

• Secure Storage: SC800 is stored in sealed tanks or drums to preserve its properties until delivery.

Handling, Logistics, and Packaging

At Basekim, Bitumen SC800 is supplied in multiple formats designed for different project scales:

• Steel Drums: 185–200 kg net weight, coated against corrosion.

• Bulk Tanker Shipments: Ideal for mega infrastructure projects requiring continuous supply.

• IBC Containers: Suitable for industrial and specialized applications.

• Custom Packaging: Available upon request for specific client requirements.

Each shipment includes complete documentation: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), quality certificates, and export compliance papers. Deliveries are made under FOB or CIF terms with global logistics coverage.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Handling SC800 cutback bitumen requires strict adherence to safety standards:

• Store in ventilated, cool areas away from direct heat and open flames.

• Wear protective gloves, eyewear, and clothing during application.

• Follow ADR/IMO regulations for transporting petroleum-based products.

• Ensure solvent vapors are managed to minimize environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can oxidized bitumen replace SC800 for priming heavy-duty roads?
No. Oxidized bitumen is for sealing and waterproofing, while Bitumen SC800 is designed for deep penetration and high load-bearing priming.

Q2: How does SC800 differ in flexibility compared to oxidized grades?
SC800 cutback bitumen retains moderate flexibility, while oxidized binders are much harder and less elastic.

Q3: Is blending SC800 with other binders common practice?
Rarely. Each binder is formulated for specific engineering needs, and blending may reduce performance efficiency.

Q4: Does SC800 have the same shelf life as oxidized bitumen?
No. Since SC800 contains volatile solvents, it must be stored in airtight containers. Oxidized bitumen, without solvents, typically lasts longer.