This paper explores a convergent approach that combines advanced informatics and computational science to develop road-paving materials. It also analyzes research trends that apply artificial-intelligence technologies to propose research directions for developing new materials and optimizing them for road pavements. This paper reviews various research trends in material design and development, including studies on materials and substances, quantitative structure–activity/property relationship (QSAR/QSPR) research, molecular data, and descriptors, and their applications in the fields of biomedicine, composite materials, and road-construction materials. Data representation is crucial for applying deep learning to construction-material data. Moreover, selecting significant variables for training is important, and the importance of these variables can be evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficients or ensemble techniques. In selecting training data and applying appropriate prediction models, the author intends to conduct future research on property prediction and apply string-based representations and generative adversarial networks (GANs). The convergence of artificial intelligence and computational science has enabled transformative changes in the field of material development, contributing significantly to enhancing the performance of road-paving materials. The future impacts of discovering new materials and optimizing research outcomes are highly anticipated.

PURPOSES : As evaluation methods for road paving materials become increasingly complex, there is a need for a method that combines computational science and informatics for new material development. This study aimed to develop a rational methodology for applying molecular dynamics and AI-based material development techniques to the development of additives for asphalt mixtures. METHODS : This study reviewed relevant literature to analyze various molecular models, evaluation methods, and metrics for asphalt binders. It examined the molecular structures and conditions required for calculations using molecular dynamics and evaluated methods for assessing the interactions between additives and asphalt binders, as well as properties such as the density, viscosity, and glass transition temperature. Key evaluation indicators included the concept and application of interaction energy, work of adhesion, cohesive energy density, solubility parameters, radial distribution function, energy barriers, elastic modulus, viscosity, and stress-strain curves. RESULTS : The study identified key factors and conditions for effectively evaluating the physical properties of asphalt binders and additives. It proposed selective application methods and ranges for the layer structure, temperature conditions, and evaluation metrics, considering the actual conditions in which asphalt binders were used. Additional elements and conditions considered in the literature may be further explored, considering the computational demands. CONCLUSIONS : This study devised a methodology for evaluating the physical properties of asphalt binders considering temperature and aging. It reviewed and selected useful indicators for assessing the interaction between asphalt binders, additives, and modified asphalt binders and aggregates under various environmental conditions. By applying the proposed methods and linking the results with informatics, the interaction between asphalt binders and additives could be efficiently evaluated, serving as a reliable method for new material development.

최근 국내 겨울철 블랙아이스(Black Ice)로 인해 발생하는 교통사고가 증가하는 추세이며, 한국 도로교통공단 조사 결 과 2016～2020년 겨울철까지 블랙아이스로 인한 사고는 총 4,868건이며, 사상자는 8,938명인 것으로 조사 되었다. 도로상 태에 따라 건조대비 동결상태에서 교통사고 발생시 치사율이 43%로 높게 나타났다. 이러한 사고는 기온이 떨어지는 12 월부터 급증하여, 최저기온이 가장낮은 1월까지 증가한다. 블랙아이스는 도로에 쌓인 눈이 융해(해설)과 동시에 도로 위 각종 이물질과 결합 후 재동결하여 흑색 동결막을 형성하는 것을 말한다. 그 특성상 운전자가 차량내부에서 도로의 상태 를 쉽게 파악할 수 없으며 대부분의 운전자가 차량이 미끄러지기 시작함과 동시에 인지하여 사고가 발생하게 된다. 이에 본 연구에서는 기존 포장체의 미끄럼 저항도를 상태별로 비교 분석하였다. 포장체의 미끄럼 저항성 정도를 파악하기 위 해 영국식 미끄럼저항 시험기 (British Pendulum Tester ; BPT)를 사용하였으며, 포장체의 종류로는 일반적인 밀입도 아스팔트 포장, 배수성 아스팔트 포장, 그루빙(포장 표면에 일정한 규격의 홈을 형성)을 적용한 콘크리트 포장, 그루빙이 없는 콘크리트 포장을 적용하였다. 미끄럼저항 실험은 관련 KS규격 및 ASTM규격에 준하여 실시하되 블랙아이스를 모 사하기위하여 표면온도 영하 2～3℃ 샘플에 강우를 모사한 물을 분사하며 영하 9℃로 10분 동결 후 2mm강수량을 모사 한 수분을 재 분사한 후 시험을 실시하였다.