Mechanical, environmental and economic feasibility of highly sustainable porous asphalt mixtures

Abstract

Road infrastructure plays a crucial role in the social and economic development of nations but also generates several environmental problems. To deal with these, three technologies were combined to produce highly sustainable porous asphalt mixtures: namely replacement of natural aggregates, reduction in manufacturing temperature and use of a nano-modified binder. The feasibility of the mixtures was evaluated by applying mechanical tests and performing a life-cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA). The results demonstrated the good behaviour of these sustainable mixes, enabling more than 12% and 15% reduction in the environmental and economic impacts of the road.