Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

James Bryce

Committee Member

John Quaranta

Committee Member

Kevin Orner

Abstract

With the rising focus on sustainable infrastructure, interest in environmentally friendly paving practices has grown significantly. This thesis investigates the environmental impacts of asphalt mixtures in West Virginia from a sustainable asphalt mix design perspective, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The research aligns with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Climate Challenge, which aims to encourage state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to implement low-carbon materials and consider the ecological effects of their paving activities. This study establishes the initial benchmark values for greenhouse gas emissions associated with asphalt pavements in West Virginia. The study collected various asphalt mix designs and materials from producers throughout West Virginia and analyzed them using LCA methodologies. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) has been demonstrated to be a viable method for reducing the carbon footprint of asphalt mixes. Increasing the RAP content in asphalt mixes from zero to 25 percent led to an average 21 percent reduction in carbon footprint. The evaluation employed the FHWA LCA Pave tool and included sensitivity analyses to determine the environmental effects of varying mix compositions. In addition, performance testing was conducted to determine change in the material's sensitivity to rutting and cracking when the RAP percentage was increased. As was the case with prior research, the findings demonstrated that increased levels of RAP enhance rutting resistance and potentially reduce cracking resistance. Recommendations include using Balanced Mix Design (BMD) methodologies and the investigation of rejuvenators to mitigate cracking issues. The study advocates the use of RAP in a low-carbon transportation materials strategy and highlights the need for continued investigations to achieve a balance between environmental benefits and pavement durability.

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