Pavement Topics

• Standards
• Plans and Specifications
• Types
  • Flexible
  • Rigid
  • Composite
• Best Practices
  • Smoother Pavements
  • Quieter Pavements
  • Surface Drainage
• Sublayers
• Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
• Environment & Traffic
  • Climate
  • Traffic

Quick Links

Performance Graded (PG) Binder

The Performance Graded (PG) system is a method of measuring asphalt binder performance. It was originally developed during Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) in the early 1990's. In 2005, California agreed to adopt the PG system for grading asphalts in the state.

The main purpose of classifying and selecting asphalt binders using the PG system is to make certain that the binder has the correct properties for a given environment. PG grading uses various measurements of the binder's flow properties to establish its grade, which is expressed as two numbers. For example, in "PG 64-22," the "64" represents the maximum pavement temperature, in degrees Celsius, for which this binder can be used with low traffic levels. The second number, "-22," signifies the minimum temperature, in degrees Celsius, for which the binder can be used without likelihood of failure.

Engineering

• DIB 86: Selecting Asphalt Binder Type (PDF, 55KB)
• California Highway Design Manual (HDM): Chapters 630, (Topic 632) (PDF, 477KB)
• Pavement Climate Map (PDF, 9.1MB)
• PG Binder Implementation Presentation (PDF, 1.9KB)

Construction

• Construction Policy for existing State Contracts (CPD 05-10) (PDF, 13KB)
• Proper Sample Identification for Binder Testing (PDF, 108KB)
• Performance Graded Polymer Modified Asphalt (CPD 06-11) (PDF, 23KB)

Other Articles

• National Moisture Damage Workshop (PDF, 1MB)

FAQ

• PGB Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 17KB)

Please forward any questions/comments/suggestions to Kee Foo (Kee_Foo@dot.ca.gov).