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Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Environmental Impact of the Production of Asphalt Mixes Modified with Recycled Materials

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  • Diana Movilla-Quesada

    (Gi 2 V Research Group, Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
    Departamento de Construcción y Agronomía, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Zamora, Universidad de Salamanca, 49029 Zamora, Spain)

  • Manuel Lagos-Varas

    (Gi 2 V Research Group, Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile)

  • Aitor C. Raposeiras

    (Gi 2 V Research Group, Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
    Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Zamora, Universidad de Salamanca, 49029 Zamora, Spain)

  • Osvaldo Muñoz-Cáceres

    (Gi 2 V Research Group, Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile)

  • Valerio C. Andrés-Valeri

    (Gi 2 V Research Group, Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile)

  • Carla Aguilar-Vidal

    (Gi 2 V Research Group, Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University Austral of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile)

Abstract

This research focuses on the production and construction stages of the life cycle analysis (LCA) of asphalt mixtures modified with industrial waste and by-products, based on the quantification of methane (CH 4 ), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions produced during these processes. A laboratory-designed and calibrated gas measurement system with a microcontroller and MQ sensors is used to compare the emissions (GHG) of a “conventional” asphalt mix with those emitted by waste-modified asphalt mixes (polyethylene terephthalate and nylon fibres) and industrial by-products (copper slag and cellulose ash). The results obtained show that the gases emitted by each type of material can influence the design criteria from an environmental perspective. Methane gas emissions for asphalt mixes made with polymeric materials increase compared to the production phase of a conventional mix (M1) by 21% for PET and 14% for nylon. In contrast, for mixtures made with copper slag and cellulose ash, this emission is reduced by 12%. In addition, the use of copper slag and cellulose ash to replace natural aggregates reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 15% during the production phase and contributes to the creation of photochemical ozone for a shorter period of time. Regarding carbon dioxide emission, it increases considerably for all asphalt mixes, by 26% and 44.5% for cellulose ash and copper slag, respectively. For asphalt mixtures made of polymeric materials, the increase in carbon dioxide emission is significant, 130% for PET and 53% for nylon. In addition, it is noted that for this type of material, not only the emission of the gas must be taken into consideration, but also the time that the volatile particles spend in the atmosphere, affecting climate change and photochemical ozone (smog). The carbon monoxide gases emitted in the production phase of all the asphalt mixes analysed is similar among them.

Suggested Citation

  • Diana Movilla-Quesada & Manuel Lagos-Varas & Aitor C. Raposeiras & Osvaldo Muñoz-Cáceres & Valerio C. Andrés-Valeri & Carla Aguilar-Vidal, 2021. "Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Environmental Impact of the Production of Asphalt Mixes Modified with Recycled Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:8081-:d:597533
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mario Rene Rivera Osorto & Michéle Dal Toé Casagrande, 2023. "Environmental Impact Comparison Analysis between a Traditional Hot Mixed Asphalt (HMA) and with the Addition of Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) through the Life Cycle Assessme," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Mohammed Salah Nasr & Awham Jumah Salman & Rusul Jaber Ghayyib & Ali Shubbar & Shahad Al-Mamoori & Zainab Al-khafaji & Tameem Mohammed Hashim & Zaid Ali Hasan & Monower Sadique, 2023. "Effect of Clay Brick Waste Powder on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete: State-of-the-Art and Life Cycle Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-23, June.
    3. Taísa Medina & João Luiz Calmon & Darli Vieira & Alencar Bravo & Thalya Vieira, 2023. "Life Cycle Assessment of Road Pavements That Incorporate Waste Reuse: A Systematic Review and Guidelines Proposal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-21, October.

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