Critical review and methodological issues in integrated life-cycle analysis on road networks. (1st January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hasan, Umair; Whyte, Andrew; Al Jassmi, Hamad
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 206(2019)
• Page Start: 541
• Page End: 558
• Publication Date: 2019-01-01
• Subjects: road network sustainability -- Asphalt pavements -- Life-cycle assessment -- Recycled materials -- GHG emissions; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.09.148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Life-cycle management of road network projects traditionally emphasise material production and construction stages, with less attention given to usage stage and functionality improvement. Increasingly there is a need to address: inconsistencies in cost attribute selection; adjusting for uncertainties and costs; clarifying system boundaries; data sources; functional units and regional or temporal applicability of life-cycle frameworks. The current study focuses on a critical literature review of life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) research published in the last decade (post 2008) towards identification of research gaps. Accurately analysing all life-cycle stages, feedback loops, future cash and resource flows, and interlinking performance with overall sustainability can aid the decision-making process towards sustainable alternatives for constructing new, or rehabilitating existing roads. This review finds that the use of recycled materials, base/sub-base stabilisers and asphalt binder replacement has the potential of energy saving (≥34% or 3.1 TJ), mitigating landfill disposal issues, and greenhouse gas load reduction (≥34.5% CDE). Lack of real world LCCA-LCA application and stakeholder prejudice against recycled material usage are addressable by better stakeholder (decision-makers and road users) engagement via a social component. The proposed enhancements identified in this study can increase LCA/LCCA attraction to policy-makers, planners and users and ultimately ensure a more sustainable asset. Highlights: Study conducted extensive review of LCCA and LCA studies published post 2008. Synthesised research growth on cost, GHG and energy savings. Proposed quantification of all life-cycle impacts for green decisions. Social component must focus on stakeholder engagement. Comprehensive dynamic LCA framework needed to report impact reduction.