This study is an attempt to create a framework, using the best available inventory data, to perform lifecycle assessment (LCA) on asphalt pavement production. In particular, the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as an end-of-life product of deteriorated pavements is under consideration. Following ISO 14000 series standards, the framework constitutes the four major LCA steps in defining goal and scope, lifecycle inventory analysis, environmental impact assessment, and results interpretation. Three different scenarios in which varying portions of RAP are incorporated into hot mix asphalt production are to be compared. The system boundary of this study is limited to the construction and rehabilitation phases and ignores the vehicular use phase. It was found under this study that since high RAP mixtures require more frequent and aggressive maintenance activities, the overall footprint of asphalt pavements constructed with higher RAP contents is also higher. This would necessitate more efficient design procedures and protocols for mixtures produced with high RAP contents to compensate for their lack of long-term performance.
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Subject: Engineering - Automotive Engineering
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