Zejiao Dong, Lingwen Li, Tao Zhou, Hu Yang, Liping Cao, Liyan Shan
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Waste-modified asphalt for climate change mitigation: Carbon and pollution reduction
This study addresses climate change impacts from asphalt pavement construction by incorporating waste materials like rice straw and tires into petroleum asphalt. The life cycle assessment (LCA) boundary is expanded to quantify carbon emissions at various stages of road construction, including energy consumption and high-temperature releases. We compare the environmental burden of waste by-product combustion with that of producing modified asphalt using these waste resources. Through real reconstruction cases in China, the study reveals that over 70% of total emissions stem from material production and mixing. Carbon emissions reduced by avoiding high-temperature burning of raw materials are nearly equal to those of modified asphalt production. The findings suggest that incorporating waste materials in road engineering not only promotes sustainable infrastructure but also aids in pollution and carbon reduction, aligning with broader environmental conservation goals.
期刊介绍:
Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment focuses on original research exploring the environmental impacts of transportation, policy responses to these impacts, and their implications for transportation system design, planning, and management. The journal comprehensively covers the interaction between transportation and the environment, ranging from local effects on specific geographical areas to global implications such as natural resource depletion and atmospheric pollution.
We welcome research papers across all transportation modes, including maritime, air, and land transportation, assessing their environmental impacts broadly. Papers addressing both mobile aspects and transportation infrastructure are considered. The journal prioritizes empirical findings and policy responses of regulatory, planning, technical, or fiscal nature. Articles are policy-driven, accessible, and applicable to readers from diverse disciplines, emphasizing relevance and practicality. We encourage interdisciplinary submissions and welcome contributions from economically developing and advanced countries alike, reflecting our international orientation.