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Mitigation Strategies Based on Life Cycle Assessment for Carbon Dioxide Reduction in Asphalt Pavements: Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Diego Flores-Ruiz

    (Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico)

  • Marco Montoya-Alcaraz

    (Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico)

  • Leonel García

    (Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico)

  • Manuel Gutiérrez

    (Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico)

  • Julio Calderón-Ramírez

    (Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico)

Abstract

Expanding the road network is inevitable due to the accelerated economic growth of countries. However, the development of road infrastructure has generated considerable concern among society, governments, and environmental organizations. This concern mainly stems from the significant environmental effects and the omission of the sustainability of materials associated with road construction. Current literature suggests Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a solution to address greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of road infrastructure. This research uses the PRISMA-SCR methodology to identify strategies to mitigate environmental impact during the life cycle stages of asphalt pavements and emission-generating activities. This study identifies the critical life cycle stages responsible for the largest amount of emissions, highlighting “material extraction and production” and “transportation” as key areas of intervention. The results demonstrate how the incorporation of recycled materials (RAPs) and warm mix asphalts (WMAs) can reduce between 15% and 45% of total emissions. It is concluded that it is possible to develop asphalt pavement construction projects with a sustainability perspective, allowing not only to identify opportunities to optimize construction processes but also to establish a reference framework for transportation agencies to integrate more sustainable practices, including the reduction of emissions, the responsible use of non-renewable resources and proper waste management.

Suggested Citation

  • Diego Flores-Ruiz & Marco Montoya-Alcaraz & Leonel García & Manuel Gutiérrez & Julio Calderón-Ramírez, 2025. "Mitigation Strategies Based on Life Cycle Assessment for Carbon Dioxide Reduction in Asphalt Pavements: Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-24, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:695-:d:1569085
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dieter Knabl & Matthias Landgraf, 2023. "In-Depth Lifecycle Assessment of Ballasted Railway Track and Slab Track Considering Varying Subsoil Conditions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Wesam Salah Alaloul & Muhammad Altaf & Muhammad Ali Musarat & Muhammad Faisal Javed & Amir Mosavi, 2021. "Systematic Review of Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis for Pavement and a Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-38, April.
    3. Abdalrhman Milad & Ali Mohammed Babalghaith & Abdulnaser M. Al-Sabaeei & Anmar Dulaimi & Abdualmtalab Ali & Sajjala Sreedhar Reddy & Munder Bilema & Nur Izzi Md Yusoff, 2022. "A Comparative Review of Hot and Warm Mix Asphalt Technologies from Environmental and Economic Perspectives: Towards a Sustainable Asphalt Pavement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-23, November.
    4. Feng Ma & Aimin Sha & Ruiyu Lin & Yue Huang & Chao Wang, 2016. "Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Asphalt Pavement Construction: A Case Study in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-15, March.
    5. Lukas Hausberger & Tobias Cordes & Florian Gschösser, 2023. "Life Cycle Assessment of High-Performance Railway Infrastructure, Analysis of Superstructures in Tunnels and on Open Tracks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-18, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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