Decarbonizing Pavement Construction: Review of Sustainable Asphalt Mix Technologies
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Abstract
The road construction industry contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to energy-intensive processes in asphalt production. This review examines sustainable asphalt mix technologies—specifically Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), and bio-based binders—with a focus on their role in decarbonizing pavement construction. Through a synthesis of peer-reviewed studies and life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses, the paper highlights that WMA can reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by 20–40% compared to HMA, while RAP utilization further enhances circularity and resource efficiency. Bio-asphalts, derived from renewable feedstocks such as lignin or waste cooking oil, show potential to replace fossil-based bitumen partially. The findings suggest that integrating WMA, RAP, and bio-binders within construction practices can significantly lower the carbon footprint, contributing to net-zero emission goals and sustainable infrastructure development.
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