Advancing sustainable pavements: a review of low-carbon construction materials and practices

Abstract

This review comprehensively explores low-carbon construction materials for pavements, emphasizing their role in advancing sustainable infrastructure. It examines various material types—including recycled, industrial by-products, and bio-based alternatives—highlighting their properties, availability, and suitability for pavement applications. Performance metrics such as mechanical strength, durability, environmental impact, and life cycle assessments are discussed in detail. Real-world case studies demonstrate successful implementations, underscoring practical benefits. The review also identifies key challenges—including technological, economic, and regulatory barriers—and proposes directions for future research. Overall, the findings affirm that integrating low-carbon materials in pavement construction offers significant potential for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.