Download or read book Assessing the Life Cycle Benefits of Recycled Material in Road Construction written by Eleanor Frances Bloom and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is interest in determining and validating the environmental and economic benefits of incorporating recycled materials into road construction using life cycle assessments (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) tools. However, the process of collecting the necessary data for LCAs and LCCAs from departments of transportations (DOTs) and road construction contractors is not well defined. This thesis provides a study of real-time data collection to compare with the results of pre-construction estimated LCA data. The goal of this comparison is to determine a data collection precedent for environmental analyses of future transportation projects. Additionally, two prominent LCA tools were used in conducting the assessment and the results were compared to validate the predicted impacts. The primary body of this thesis focuses on a specific, project-based LCA and LCCA of the reconstruction and expansion of a 2.4-km (1.5-mi) stretch of the eastbound Beltline Highway in Madison, Wisconsin. Recycled materials used in this reconstruction include: fly ash, slag, recycled asphalt shingles (RAS), recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Fly ash and slag were used as a partial replacement of cement in the ready-mix concrete. RAP was used in both hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement as well as a base course material. RAS was substituted for binder and aggregate material in some HMA mix designs. RCA, both recycled onsite and imported, was substituted for base and subbase material. Two data collection methodologies were employed to gather the necessary inputs for the LCA of the reconstruction: 1) material quantities estimated from designs and specifications as planned prior to construction (referred as Planned), and 2) material quantities explicitly tracked and collected while construction was on-going (referred as Constructed). In the Planned data collection methodology, quantities were calculated using plan drawings and average mix designs. In the Constructed data collection methodology, key site-specific Wisconsin DOT (WisDOT) and contractor files were accessed for material quantity information. Two prominent tools were used to conduct the LCAs with the objective of validating impact results. The Pavement Life-cycle Assessment Tool for Environmental and Economic Effects (PaLATE) is an open-source LCA and LCCA program specifically developed for highway construction. Environmental outputs include energy and water consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and more. The second LCA tool, SimaPro, is a professional LCA software used to collect, analyze, and monitor the sustainability performance data of products and services. Some of the SimaPro impact categories used in this analysis include fossil fuel depletion, global warming, energy demand, and CO2 emissions. When comparing the LCAs of two or more products, a relative ranking of alternatives can be analyzed as well as the absolute impacts. For this study, the design of the actual roadway that incorporated recycled material (referred to as Recycled) was compared to a hypothetical design comprised of no recycled material (referred to as Virgin). In the Virgin design, recycled material quantities were replaced with equivalent virgin materials. This method demonstrates the impact reductions from the use of recycled material. To validate the LCA results, impacts predicted by PaLATE versus SimaPro were compared, with the primary focus on the common impact categories of energy and CO2 emissions. Results show that the material quantities obtained from the two data collection methods are within one order of magnitude for all categories, demonstrating general agreement regardless of Constructed or Planned data. Generally, the Constructed data predicts slightly greater (1.2x to 2.2x) material use as compared to the Planned data. Impact reductions were seen in all PaLATE categories from the use of recycled materials, regardless of data collection methodology. However, most impact categories saw greater reductions using the Planned data as compared to the Constructed data. The greater reductions are due to a greater ratio of recycled to virgin material use in the quantities found by using the Planned data collection method. A comparison of absolute impact predictions, rather than reductions, revealed that the Planned data quantities saw lower impacts than the Constructed data. The Constructed data quantities have greater absolute impacts because this collection methodology found that more materials were used overall than as predicted by the Planned data collection method. Similar results are seen for the SimaPro analysis, but in different environmental impact categories. Overall, the Planned and Constructed data produced relatively comparable results. In the particularly relevant categories of energy and CO2 emissions, the two data sets' results had a difference of only 7-8% according to the PaLATE analysis. In SimaPro’s global warming and fossil fuel depletion categories, the Constructed data results predicted a 5-6% difference from the Planned data impacts reductions. When validating the impacts across PaLATE and SimaPro, the predictions from both tools for energy and CO2 emissions appear to have minor variability (within 10%). The trends explored in this thesis indicate that the data collection methodology and resulting LCA inputs have a greater influence in environmental impact predictions as compared to the analysis tools, particularly for energy and CO2 emissions. Additionally, an LCCA was conducted using a simple cost-savings based on material unit prices. To calculate the savings, the cost for a recycled material was compared to the cost for an equivalent virgin material (e.g. fly ash vs. cement). Planned data lifetime savings for the project were estimated at approximately $209,800, while the Constructed data predicted a lifetime savings of $267,000. In general, the Constructed data quantities resulted in more cost savings because more recycled materials quantities were found by this collection methodology. The grand total savings differ by approximately $57,000. While this may seem like a small number compared to typical DOT budgets, it becomes significant when considering the savings are for only 3 lane-miles. This stresses why explicit tracking may be important to accurately determine cost reductions from recycled material use. Based on the LCAs and LCCA, similar economic and environmental impacts and reductions were predicted using the two data collection methodologies. However, the Constructed data collection was able to capture more accurate material quantities, as well as a greater variety of material types and mix designs. Although this in-depth tracking of material may have resulted in more accurate life cycle impact predictions, the Planned data quantities resulted in similar enough impacts to suggest that this methodology could be an acceptable method for estimating future LCA inputs. Additionally, based on comparable impact assessment parameters, the two LCA software tools provided similar results in terms of energy use and CO2 emissions. Therefore, DOTs should attempt to focus future efforts on material tracking for the purpose of LCAs and LCCAs when these issues are critical. Additional studies are included in Appendix A and B. Appendix A discusses a case study conducted prior to the analysis included in the main thesis. For the Appendix A study, data was collected post-construction from designs and plans, i.e. data was not explicitly tracked. The assumptions and concerns generated by this first case study prompted the data collection methodology research question posed by the main thesis. Appendix B includes a report on the development of an environmental impact tool used to assess the sustainable management of pavements in poor condition. For this impact tool, different rehabilitation and management methods are analyzed for economic and environmental costs. The environmental impact of each management strategy was calculated using LCAs, and the results were incorporated in a more in-depth evaluation tool. This paper demonstrates an application of road-related LCAs that differs from the two case studies.

Download or read book Plastic Waste for Sustainable Asphalt Roads written by Filippo Giustozzi and published by Woodhead Publishing. This book was released on 2022-01-13 with total page 406 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Waste polymers have been studied for various applications such as energy generation and biochemical production; however, their application in asphalt roads still poses some questions. Over the last decade, several studies have reported the utilization of waste plastics in roads using different methodologies and raw materials, but there is still significant inconsistency around this topic. What is the right methodology to recycle waste plastics for road applications? What is the correct type of waste plastics to be used in road applications? What environmental concerns could arise from the use of waste plastics in road applications? Plastic Waste for Sustainable Asphalt Roads covers the various processes and techniques for the utilization of waste plastics in asphalt mixes. The book discusses the various material properties and methodologies, effects of various methodologies, and combination of various polymers. It also provides information on the compatibility between bitumen and plastics, final asphalt performance, and environmental challenges. - Discusses the processes and techniques for utilization of waste plastics in asphalt mixes. - Features a life-cycle assessment of waste plastics in road surfaces and possible Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). - Includes examples of on-field usage through various case studies.

Download or read book Pavement Roadway and Bridge Life Cycle Assessment 2024 written by Gerardo W. Flintsch and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Guide to Cement treated Base CTB written by Gregory E. Halsted and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cement-treated base (CTB) is a general term that applies to an mixture of native soils and/or manufactured aggregates with measured amounts of portland cement and water that is compacted and cured to form a strong, durable, frost resistant paving material. Other descriptions such as soil-cement base, cement-treated aggregate base, cement-stabilized base are sometimes used. This document provides a basic guide on the use of cement-treated base (CTB) for pavement applications. This document provides on overview on the design and construction of CTB for both mixed-in-place and central plant mixed operations. A suggested construction specification is also included.

Download or read book Solid Waste Management and Greenhouse Gases written by Barry Leonard and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2003-06 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the 21st century, management of municipal solid waste (MSW) continues to be an important environmental challenge facing the U.S. Climate change is also a serious issue, & the U.S. is embarking on a number of voluntary actions to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that can intensify climate change. By presenting material-specific GHG emission factors for various waste management options, this report examines how the two issues -- MSW management & climate change -- are related. The report's findings may be used to support a variety of programs & activities, including voluntary reporting of emission reductions from waste management practices. Charts, tables & graphs.

Download or read book State DOT Environmental and Economic Benefits of Recycled Material Utilization in Highway Pavements written by Kelly L. Del Ponte and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The use of recycled materials in highway construction has the potential to achieve significant benefits affecting the triple-bottom line (environment, prosperity and society). Although state departments of transportation (DOTs) have been in the forefront of introducing recycled materials infrastructure projects, it has been challenging to clearly convey the benefits in a quantitative and transparent manner using easily understood metrics. What is lacking is direct information on sustainability assessment characteristics, i.e. greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption and waste generation. To determine the benefits of using recycled materials for DOTs, the Recycled Materials Resource Center (RMRC) conducted life cycle assessments (LCA) and cost analyses using recycled material quantities provided by six member state DOTs; Georgia (GDOT), Illinois (IDOT), Minnesota (MnDOT), Pennsylvania (PennDOT), Virginia (VDOT) and Wisconsin (WisDOT). PaLATE was used as the LCA analysis tool, after researching other publicly available tools to find an optimal analysis. Four environmental parameters (energy use, water consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and hazardous waste generation) showed percent reductions ranging between 70 and 99 percent when states used recycled industrial byproducts such as fly ash, and recycled roadway materials such as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). The cost analysis indicated potential savings of up to 17 million dollars. Any future research into sustainability assessment measurements should consider real time collection of the data, particularly in relation to virgin versus recycled material prices. Further case studies and developments using a material tracking tool developed by the RMRC and presented in this report can aide in determining project specific parameters, and therefore, more accurate future estimations of the economical and environmental of using recycled materials in highway pavements.

Download or read book Pavement Roadway and Bridge Life Cycle Assessment 2020 written by John Harvey and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-07-02 with total page 557 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An increasing number of agencies, academic institutes, and governmental and industrial bodies are embracing the principles of sustainability in managing their activities. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an approach developed to provide decision support regarding the environmental impact of industrial processes and products. LCA is a field with ongoing research, development and improvement and is being implemented world-wide, particularly in the areas of pavement, roadways and bridges. Pavement, Roadway, and Bridge Life Cycle Assessment 2020 contains the contributions to the International Symposium on Pavement, Roadway, and Bridge Life Cycle Assessment 2020 (Davis, CA, USA, June 3-6, 2020) covering research and practical issues related to pavement, roadway and bridge LCA, including data and tools, asset management, environmental product declarations, procurement, planning, vehicle interaction, and impact of materials, structure, and construction. Pavement, Roadway, and Bridge Life Cycle Assessment 2020 will be of interest to researchers, professionals, and policymakers in academia, industry, and government who are interested in the sustainability of pavements, roadways and bridges.

Download or read book Life Cycle Impact Assessment of Recycled Pavement Projects in Virginia written by Eugene A. Amarh and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report describes a study conducted to evaluate the performance and quantify the potential environmental benefits of recycled asphalt pavement projects completed in Virginia. The performance of the recycled projects was assessed by evaluating collected stiffness data and by the development of performance prediction models based on data obtained from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) pavement management system. Quantifying the potential environmental impacts for these projects was completed following recommendations by Harvey et al. in Pavement Life Cycle Assessment Framework. Modeling of unit processes in the various pavement life cycle stages was tailored to represent conditions and practices used in Virginia to the extent possible. The global warming (GW) score and a Single Score Index were used to assess pavement recycling projects completed in Virginia. The study found that approximately 98% of the total GW score result came from pavement smoothness during the use stage. During the cradle-to-laid (material production, transportation, and construction) stage, the results showed that pavement recycling projects used for interstate reconstruction and primary route restorative maintenance were more environmentally friendly—as they yielded lower GW scores—compared to the conventional approaches. The results found that full depth reclamation (FDR) projects used as reconstruction on primary routes sometimes had a higher GW score compared to conventional projects, especially in instances when cement was used as a stabilizing agent (cement production at the plants is associated with high greenhouse gas emissions). When considering the entire life cycle, most of the GW score impacts came from the use stage. The results of the structural evaluation showed that there were no large changes in the stiffness of the recycled layers for FDR projects when comparing data from 36-month and 10-year testing periods. The predicted functional service life of all recycling projects ranged from 6 to more than 30 years using thresholds based on either ride quality or a distress index. For FDR projects, cement-stabilized projects were generally predicted to last longer when compared to the asphalt-stabilized projects. The study recommends that VDOT consider reoccurring structural evaluation of all completed pavement recycling projects to better evaluate the trends observed in this report. To reduce environmental impacts, VDOT should encourage (or even incentivize) practices that improve the initial pavement smoothness for recycling projects and use structural designs that are expected to have a low annual rate of deterioration. To better account for the actual deterioration of pavement recycling projects with the agency pavement management system, VDOT should develop a set of recycling-specific deterioration models to better reflect their anticipated longer service lives. Finally, VDOT should develop a framework to implement life cycle assessment practices to complement the current selection and design process, for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation projects, that will result in reduced environmental impacts.

Download or read book Integrated Solid Waste Management A Lifecycle Inventory written by P.R. White and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Life is often considered to be a journey. The lifecycle of waste can similarly be considered to be a journey from the cradle (when an item becomes valueless and, usually, is placed in the dustbin) to the grave (when value is restored by creating usable material or energy; or the waste is transformed into emissions to water or air, or into inert material placed in a landfill). This preface provides a route map for the journey the reader of this book will undertake. Who? Who are the intended readers of this book? Waste managers (whether in public service or private companies) will find a holistic approach for improving the environmental quality and the economic cost of managing waste. The book contains general principles based on cutting edge experience being developed across Europe. Detailed data and a computer model will enable operations managers to develop data-based improvements to their systems. Producers oj waste will be better able to understand how their actions can influence the operation of environmentally improved waste management systems. Designers oj products and packages will be better able to understand how their design criteria can improve the compatibility of their product or package with developing, environmentally improved waste management systems. Waste data specialists (whether in laboratories, consultancies or environ mental managers of waste facilities) will see how the scope, quantity and quality of their data can be improved to help their colleagues design more effective waste management systems.

Download or read book Life Cycle Analysis and Assessment in Civil Engineering Towards an Integrated Vision written by Robby Caspeele and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-10-15 with total page 5111 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume contains the papers presented at IALCCE2018, the Sixth International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering (IALCCE2018), held in Ghent, Belgium, October 28-31, 2018. It consists of a book of extended abstracts and a USB device with full papers including the Fazlur R. Khan lecture, 8 keynote lectures, and 390 technical papers from all over the world. Contributions relate to design, inspection, assessment, maintenance or optimization in the framework of life-cycle analysis of civil engineering structures and infrastructure systems. Life-cycle aspects that are developed and discussed range from structural safety and durability to sustainability, serviceability, robustness and resilience. Applications relate to buildings, bridges and viaducts, highways and runways, tunnels and underground structures, off-shore and marine structures, dams and hydraulic structures, prefabricated design, infrastructure systems, etc. During the IALCCE2018 conference a particular focus is put on the cross-fertilization between different sub-areas of expertise and the development of an overall vision for life-cycle analysis in civil engineering. The aim of the editors is to provide a valuable source of cutting edge information for anyone interested in life-cycle analysis and assessment in civil engineering, including researchers, practising engineers, consultants, contractors, decision makers and representatives from local authorities.

Download or read book Life Cycle Management written by Guido Sonnemann and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-07-16 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides insight into the Life Cycle Management (LCM) concept and the progress in its implementation. LCM is a management concept applied in industrial and service sectors to improve products and services, while enhancing the overall sustainability performance of business and its value chains. In this regard, LCM is an opportunity to differentiate through sustainability performance on the market place, working with all departments of a company such as research and development, procurement and marketing, and to enhance the collaboration with stakeholders along a company’s value chain. LCM is used beyond short-term business success and aims at long-term achievements by minimizing environmental and socio-economic burden, while maximizing economic and social value.

Download or read book Designing Sustainable Technologies Products and Policies written by Enrico Benetto and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-07-03 with total page 498 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book provides insight into the implementation of Life Cycle approaches along the entire business value chain, supporting environmental, social and economic sustainability related to the development of industrial technologies, products, services and policies; and the development and management of smart agricultural systems, smart mobility systems, urban infrastructures and energy for the built environment. The book is based on papers presented at the 8th International Life Cycle Management Conference that took place from September 3-6, 2017 in Luxembourg, and which was organized by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and the University of Luxembourg in the framework of the LCM Conference Series.

Download or read book Environmental Life Cycle Assessment Open Access written by Olivier Jolliet and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2015-11-18 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Environmental Life Cycle Assessment is a pivotal guide to identifying environmental problems and reducing related impacts for companies and organizations in need of life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA, a unique sustainability tool, provides a framework that addresses a growing demand for practical technological solutions. Detailing each phase of the LCA methodology, this textbook covers the historical development of LCA, presents the general principles and characteristics of LCA, and outlines the corresponding standards for good practice determined by the International Organization for Standardization. It also explains how to identify the critical aspects of an LCA, provides detailed examples of LCA analysis and applications, and includes illustrated problems and solutions with concrete examples from water management, electronics, packaging, automotive, and other industries. In addition, readers will learn how to: Use consistent criteria to realize and evaluate an LCA independently of individual interests Understand the LCA methodology and become familiar with existing databases and methods based on the latest results of international research Analyze and critique a completed LCA Apply LCA methodology to simple case studies Geared toward graduate and undergraduate students studying environmental science and industrial ecology, as well as practicing environmental engineers, and sustainability professionals who want to teach themselves LCA good practices, Environmental Life Cycle Assessment demonstrates how to conduct environmental assessments for products throughout their life cycles. It presents existing methods and recent developments in the growing field of LCA and systematically covers goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation.

Download or read book Sustainable Engineering written by Catherine Mulligan and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2019-01-30 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable Engineering: Principles and Implementation provides a comprehensive overview of the interdisciplinary field of sustainability as it applies to engineering and methods for implementation of sustainable practices. Due to increasing constraints on resources and on the environment and effects of climate change, engineers are being faced with new challenges. While it is generally believed that the concepts of sustainable design must be adhered to so that future generations may be protected, the execution and practice of these concepts are very difficult. It is therefore the focus of this book to give both a conceptual understanding as well as practical skills to apply sustainable engineering principles to engineering design. This book introduces relevant theory, principles, and ethical expectations for engineers, presents concepts related to industrial ecology, green engineering, and eco-design, and details frameworks that indicate the challenges and constraints of applying sustainable development principles. It describes the tools, protocols, and guidelines that are currently available through case studies and examples from around the world. The book is designed to be used by undergraduate and graduate students in any engineering program (with particular emphasis on civil, environmental and chemical engineering) and other programs in which sustainability is taught, in addition to practicing scientists and engineers and all others concerned with the sustainability of products, projects and processes. Specific Features: Discusses sources of contaminants and their impact on the environment Addresses sustainable assessment techniques, policies, protocols and guidelines Describes new tools and technologies for achieving sustainable engineering Includes social and economic sustainability dimensions Offers case studies demonstrating implementation of sustainable engineering practices

Download or read book Semiconductor Laser Theory written by Prasanta Kumar Basu and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2015-07-16 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides the reader with a comprehensive background of semiconductor lasers. It covers their structure, materials, operating principles supported by proper theory, and light power output, as well as conversion efficiency and how frequently the devices can be switched on and off. It also discusses the different lasers working at different wavelengths, viz, ultraviolet, visible, infrared and mid and far infrared regions of electromagnetic spectrum along with proper structure, materials and theory.

Download or read book Gravel Roads written by Ken Skorseth and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this manual is to provide clear and helpful information for maintaining gravel roads. Very little technical help is available to small agencies that are responsible for managing these roads. Gravel road maintenance has traditionally been "more of an art than a science" and very few formal standards exist. This manual contains guidelines to help answer the questions that arise concerning gravel road maintenance such as: What is enough surface crown? What is too much? What causes corrugation? The information is as nontechnical as possible without sacrificing clear guidelines and instructions on how to do the job right.

Download or read book Pavement Life Cycle Assessment written by Imad L. Al-Qadi and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2017-04-11 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An increasing number of agencies, academic institutes, and governmental and industrial bodies are embracing the principles of sustainability in managing their activities and conducting business. Pavement Life-Cycle Assessment contains contributions to the Pavement Life-Cycle Assessment Symposium 2017 (Champaign, IL, USA, 12-13 April 2017) and discusses the current status of as well as future developments for LCA implementation in project- and network-level applications. The papers cover a wide variety of topics: - Recent developments for the regional inventory databases for materials, construction, and maintenance and rehabilitation life-cycle stages and critical challenges - Review of methodological choices and impact on LCA results - Use of LCA in decision making for project selection - Implementation of case studies and lessons learned: agency perspectives - Integration of LCA into pavement management systems (PMS) - Project-level LCA implementation case studies - Network-level LCA applications and critical challenges - Use-phase rolling resistance models and field validation - Uncertainty assessment in all life-cycle stages - Role of PCR and EPDs in the implementation of LCA Pavement Life-Cycle Assessment will be of interest to academics, professionals, and policymakers involved or interested in Highway and Airport Pavements.