Gap between simplified and detailed calculation of the environmental impacts of road mixtures

Abstract

In order to reach the COP21 objectives, solutions with low carbon contents must be used in road projects. However, the identification of the best materials to be implemented in the wearing course of roads is a daily problem faced by stakeholders. To overcome this knowledge gap, the present study demonstrates the environmental impacts of 120 mixtures calculated with simplified and detailed hypotheses and input data. Even though the variability of inputs significantly influences the impacts of the mixtures and do not allow for the identification of the best solutions, on average, warm mix asphalt presented lower impacts than hot mix asphalt or concrete.