Life-Cycle-Assessment-Based Quantification and Low-Carbon Optimization of Carbon Emissions in Expressway Construction

Abstract

To quantitatively assess the carbon emission characteristics of expressway construction and to identify its key influencing factors, this study establishes a comprehensive carbon emission accounting framework that covers the material production, transportation, and construction stages based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Typical expressway projects are selected as case studies to perform stage-based emission quantification and multivariable response analysis. The results indicate that the total carbon emissions per kilometer during the construction phase are approximately 1.80 × 103 kg CO2-eq/km, with material production being the dominant contributor, accounting for about 60–70%, followed by transportation and construction activities. The analysis of structural layers shows that variations in the thickness of the asphalt surface and cement-stabilized base layers, which are the main sources of emissions, are strongly and positively correlated with total emissions, making them the principal control factors. Transportation distance and equipment efficiency are identified as moderately sensitive parameters, each contributing approximately 3–5% to emission variation. Further multivariable response analysis demonstrates nonlinear coupling effects between structural parameters and transportation factors. The combined increase in layer thickness and transport distance significantly amplifies total emissions, while the marginal impact of long-distance transport gradually decreases. Based on these findings, this study proposes a low-carbon construction strategy that focuses on structural optimization, local material sourcing, energy-efficient construction practices, and the use of clean energy. The outcomes of this research provide a theoretical foundation and quantitative reference for carbon emission prediction, structural design optimization, and green construction decision making during the expressway construction phase.