PURPOSES : The objective of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the pitch, which is produced during SDA petroleum upgrading process, as a pavement paving material. In order for the purpose, the physical and chemical properties of the pitch are analyzed, and then the various plasticizers are applied in the pitch. METHODS: Two types of pitch are selected from oil refinery companies, which are owned the SDA petroleum upgrading process. Also, two types of asphalt binders, PG 64-22 and PG 58-22, are employed to compare with the pitch because these two types of asphalt binders are currently used as paving materials. For the chemical property of the pitch, the composition of SARA (Saturate, Aromatic, Resin, Asphaltene), the elementary composition, and the functional group are analyzed. For the physical property of the pitch, the basic material property tests, such as penetration test, softening point test, flash point test, ductility test, and rotational viscometer test, are performed. Also, the DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer) test and the BBR (Bending Beam Rheometer) test are conducted using asphalt binder specimens obtained by both short term aging (Rolling Thin Film Oven, RTFO) and long term aging (Pressure Aging Vessel, PAV) processes. The rheological property of each pitch type is evaluated as a function of temperatures and loading cycles. PG 64-22 asphalt binder is used as a control material. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The Pitch may not be suitable for the pavement paving material without modifications, but the pitch can be used as alternatives of modified addictive or asphalt. If low molecular component, such as saturate and aromatic components, are added in the pitch based on the development of various plasticizers, it has a strong possibility for the pitch to be used as a alternative. However, in order to verify the performance property of the pitch, further research is needed.

• 양성린(한국건설기술연구원 전임연구원·공학석사) | Yang, Sung Lin