Funding/Research Supports
NSERC
Project Status
Complete
Project Overview
The integration of life cycle assessment (LCA) has become increasingly important in the Canadian pavement industry as a means of addressing environmental impacts associated with construction, operation, and maintenance activities. Recognizing these challenges, this research adopts a structured, multi-stage approach to evaluate current practices and enhance sustainability in asphalt pavement systems. A semi-structured survey of Canadian transportation agencies, industry professionals, and academic researchers revealed key gaps, including the need for standardized guidelines, improved data collection, and centralized databases. Building on these findings, the study quantified environmental emissions from 23 asphalt pavement structures in Ontario, considering different lift thicknesses and traffic conditions through literature review and analytical evaluation.
The study also explores strategies for reducing emissions through material innovation, particularly the incorporation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Results demonstrate that RAP can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, with scenario analyses supporting its increased use, especially within pavement granular layers. These findings emphasize the importance of material reuse and resource efficiency in advancing sustainable pavement design.
Overall, this research aims to support the development of standardized LCA practices and promote environmentally responsible decision-making in pavement engineering. By identifying key emission drivers and practical mitigation strategies, the study contributes to improving sustainability and resilience in asphalt pavement construction. Additionally, it provides a foundation for future research focused on integrating life cycle thinking into infrastructure planning and fostering long-term environmental benefits in the transportation sector.
Project Report
Link to Report: Stakeholders’ Perception on Pavement Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Canada