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Empirical HiMA Specifications

The following are suggested empirical specification for HiMA-type polymer modified bitumen (PMB). Due to a unique performance nature of HiMA binders, the suggested specifications list tests and requirements that may be above or outside the European Norm EN 14023.

For jurisdictions outside of the European Union, the specification table also lists ASTM International standards that closely correspond to the EN standards.

Standard HiMA grades:

PMB 65/105-80+ & PMB 45/80-80+

These are the two most common grades for paving applications. While both grades afford excellent performance, the 65/105-80+ grade is more suited for use in applications requiring very high workability, such as mastic asphalts.

Grades PMB 65/105-80+ and PMB 45/80-80+ typically correspond to Superpave grades PG76E-28 and PG76E-22.

Studded tire damage resistance:

For HiMA grade used in applications requiring studded tyre damage resistance click here:

PG64E-40

Property

Aging

Test method

Unit

HiMA grade

Comments

45/80-80+

65/105-80+

Softening Point Temperature

Unaged

EN 1427

(ASTM D36)

°C

≥85*

≥85*

Consistency at high temperature.

Penetration at 25°C

Unaged

EN 1426

(ASTM D5)

0.1mm

45-80

65-105

Consistency at intermediate temperature

MSCRT %R at 3.2kPa at 76⁰C

RTFOT aged EN 12607 (ASTM D2872)

EN 16659

(ASTM D7405)

%

≥90%

≥90%

Declared value. Ensures highly elastic material

MSCRT Jnr at 3.2kPa at 76⁰C

RTFOT aged EN 12607 (ASTM D2872)

EN 16659

ASTM D7405

1/kPa

≤0.1

≤0.1

Declared value. Provides resistance to permanent deformation

Elastic recovery at 25°C

Unaged

EN 13398

(ASTM D6084)

%

≥90%*

≥90%*

Alternative to MSCRT %R, recommended if MSCRT test not available

Fraass breaking point

Unaged

EN 12593

°C

≤ -18

≤ -18

Ensures low temperature binder performance

Plasticity range**

Unaged

N/A

°C

≥ 105

≥ 105

Ensures a well-balanced bitumen high and low temperature performance

Dynamic viscosity at 135°C***

Unaged

EN13302

(ASTM D4402)

Pa·s

≤ 3.0

≤ 3.0

Ensures overall bitumen workability in production and construction

Storage stability

(difference in softening point)

Unaged

EN 13399

(ASTM D7173)

°C

≤ 5

≤ 5

Helps prevent material phase separation in storage

*typical values for HiMA

** Plasticity Range = Softening Point temperature – Fraass Breaking Point temperature

*** This property is unique to HiMA.Maybe be changed to ≤5Pa×s at the discretion of the specifying agency. Alternatively, this requirement may be waved at the discretion of the specifying agency if the supplier warrants that the asphalt binder can be adequately pumped and mixed at temperatures that meet applicable safety standards.

Learn more about MSCRT:

Technical Information on MSCRT from Eurobitume