In highway and building materials, from which source is asphalt (the bituminous binder used for roads and roofing) obtained? (Choose the process that yields natural bituminous residue suitable for paving and waterproofing.)

Introduction / Context:
Asphalt is the dark, viscous binding material used in road pavements, roofing felts, and waterproofing membranes. This question tests the basic materials source knowledge: whether asphalt is primarily derived from crude oil refining or from some other process.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Asphalt refers to the heavy bituminous residue used as a binder in flexible pavements.
• Industrial production of paving-grade asphalt typically occurs in petroleum refineries.
• Natural deposits exist but are not the dominant modern source.

Concept / Approach:
In petroleum refineries, fractional distillation separates lighter fractions (gases, petrol, kerosene, diesel) from the heavier residuum. The non-volatile bottom residue, after possible air blowing or further processing, is asphalt/bitumen used for paving and industrial applications.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Road construction specifications worldwide treat asphalt as a refinery product. Natural asphalts (lake/asphaltite) exist but are niche compared to refinery output.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Bitumen distillation: bitumen is the product, not the feedstock for its own primary distillation.
• Plastic distillation: unrelated to standard asphalt production.
• None of these: incorrect because petroleum distillation is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing terminology (asphalt vs bitumen). In many regions, the terms are used interchangeably for the refinery residue used as binder.

Final Answer:
Petroleum distillation