Title:
Development of a Streamlined Framework for Probabilistic and Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Concrete Pavements
Author(s):
Haoran Li
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/29/2023
Abstract:
Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is an effective method for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of concrete pavements. However, conducting an LCA is costly and labor-intensive due to the extensive data requirements. This presentation discusses a streamlined framework for probabilistic and comparative assessment of concrete pavement life-cycle impacts. A structured underspecification approach was developed for identifying the required data fidelity in approaching a statistically defendable solution. This approach gradually reduces data uncertainty by decreasing the underspecification in a structured manner. AASHTO mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide was implemented to optimize pavement design. The streamlined framework suggests that to provide a robust conclusion about the environmentally preferred scenario, it is not necessary to fully specify the traffic volume and traffic speed for high-volume concrete roads. However, for local and collector concrete pavements, users must input both specific maintenance approaches and quantities and detailed concrete mix designs.