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Comparative environmental performance of pavement structures considering recycled materials and regional differences
Zila M G Mascarenhas1, Zhengyin Piao2, Kamilla L Vasconcelos1
1Department of Transportation Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, 05508-070 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 14, 2022
Summary
Recycling reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in asphalt mixtures improves environmental performance globally. Fuel choice and plant location significantly impact pavement
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Global increase in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) use necessitates environmental impact assessment.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is crucial for evaluating sustainability but underutilized for RAP pavements in Brazil.
- Geographical and technological factors introduce uncertainties in pavement LCA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a cradle-to-gate LCA comparing asphalt pavement environmental performance in Brazil and Switzerland.
- To analyze the impact of practical RAP recycling rates on environmental outcomes.
- To investigate the influence of geographical and technological variables on pavement LCA.
Main Methods:
- Comparative cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
- Standardized functional unit based on traffic volume and service life.
- Incorporation of country-specific standards for mix design and pavement structure.
- Analysis of practical reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) usage rates.
Main Results:
- Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) recycling enhances the environmental profile of hot asphalt mixtures in both Brazil and Switzerland.
- Reduced binder content due to RAP addition significantly lowers environmental burden.
- Fuel type critically influences LCA results; methane is preferable to heavy oils in Brazil.
- Swiss asphalt mixture production exhibited lower environmental impact, potentially due to optimized logistics.
Conclusions:
- Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) recycling offers environmental benefits for asphalt pavements.
- Optimizing fuel selection and strategic placement of suppliers and plants can mitigate environmental impacts.
- Country-specific factors necessitate tailored approaches to pavement LCA and sustainability strategies.
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