Multigrade Binders

A range of engineered binders that greatly enhance the performance of both asphalts and sealed pavements. They have the performance advantages associated with reduced temperature susceptibility combined with the ease of handling, comparable to standard bitumens.

Shell Multiphalte has been used in Australia throughout the 1990s and now sets the national standard for multigrade bitumens as described in AP-T01 for C1000/320 and C600/170.

Shell's exclusive GTD manufacturing process for Multiphalte confers the properties that make it the multigrade of first choice.

Multiphalte has a proven track record both in asphalt and spray seals where its engineering benefits have been clearly demonstrated through years of service. Multiphalte is a single component, ex-refinery, high-performance bitumen which does not require special handling procedures or equipment.

Shell Multiphalte 1000/320 is is an engineered bitumen with a reduced temperature susceptibility. At high in-service temperatures, the bitumen exhibits the viscosity characteristics of a 1000 Pa.s material, whereas at low temperatures, the binder behaves as a C320 bitumen. The unique manufacturing process produces a bitumen with an improved penetration index which confers excellent rut resistant qualities to asphalt mixtures.

Multiphalte 1000/320 offers a bitumen with increased high temperature stiffness and viscosity characteristics, whilst maintaining good adhesion, fatigue and healing properties without the degree of cracking and fretting problems typical of conventional high viscosity grades of bitumen. Multiphalte 1000/320 is designed as a cost effective solution to deformation problems where conditions would not warrant the use of more costly alternatives.

Storage & Handling

Multiphalte 1000/320 does not require any special storage or handling procedures. Multiphalte bitumen is an ex-refinery product and can be handled in the same manner as conventional binders. It can be stored at high temperatures (160 - 175 degrees) for up to 14 days, but longer term storage should be at 140 degrees.

Improved Adhesion

Shell Multiphalte 1000/320 is typically used as a binder in locations where heavy traffic loads and/or extremes of temperature can be expected. Multiphalte 1000/320 is ideal for use where heavily trafficked sites have failed due to rutting.

Reduced Temperature Susceptibility

Multiphalte 1000/320 bitumen has a higher penetration index than conventional paving grade binders. This means that for a unit change in temperature there is less change in viscosity, i.e. it is less temperature susceptible.

Shell Multiphalte 600/170 is an engineered bitumen with a reduced temperature susceptibility. At high in-service temperatures, the bitumen exhibits the viscosity characteristics of a 600 Pa.s material, whereas at low temperatures, the binder behaves as a C170 bitumen. The unique manufacturing process produces a bitumen with an improved penetration index which can be used in both asphalt and sealing applications.

Multiphalte 600/170 is designed as a hybrid multigrade bitumen for medium to heavy duty asphalt use and premium sealing applications. It offers a bitumen with increased high temperature stiffness and viscosity characteristics, whilst maintaining good adhesion, fatigue and healing properties without the degree of cracking and fretting problems typical of conventional high viscosity grades of bitumen.

Storage & Handling

Shell Multiphalte 600/170 does not require any special storage or handling procedures. Multiphalte bitumen is an ex-refinery product and can be handled in the same manner as conventional binders. For asphalt applications, it can be stored at high temperatures (160 - 175 degrees) for up to 14 days, but longer term storage should be at 140 degrees. For sealing applications, it can be held at spraying temperatures up to 185 degrees for 7 days, but should be held at a reduced temperature for medium term storage.

Improved Adhesion

The manufacturing route of Multiphalte 600/170 bitumen confers improved adhesion qualities to the binder which is manifested as greater competency in asphalt and seal performance.

Reduced Temperature Susceptibility

Shell Multiphalte 600/170 bitumen has a higher penetration index than conventional paving grade binders. This means that for a unit change in temperature there is less change in viscosity, i.e. it is less temperature susceptible.