Effect of pavement type on fuel consumption and emissions in city driving
The main objective of this study has been to investigate any differences that might exist in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions when operating a motor vehicle on an asphalt concrete (AC) versus a Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement under city driving conditions. The overall study goal has been to recommend consideration of such user costs or savings in the life-cycle analysis of alternative pavement designs for city streets. The potential savings or costs in fuel consumed and CO2 emissions generated can be substantial over the design life of a project. It is therefore recommended that these savings or costs be considered in the life-cycle cost analysis of alternative projects. Furthermore, differences in CO2 emissions should also be considered when estimating carbon footprint of alternative pavement materials. Estimation of carbon footprint is an important step in assessing the sustainability of any city development projects and the life-cycle analysis of those projects. In pavement projects, specifically, the focus has long been on estimating carbon footprint associated with the production cycle and the construction phase of various pavement materials. A key finding of this study is that any such sustainability assessment must also consider the emissions differences based on operations of motor vehicles on various pavement surfaces. When considering a 20-50 year design life that is typical for city streets and the annual vehicle miles of travel, such differences could dwarf carbon footprint estimations from the material production or construction phases.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
RMC Research and Education Foundation
Silver Spring, Maryland United States -
Authors:
- Ardekani, S A
- Sumitsawan, P
- Publication Date: 2010-3
Language
- English
Media Info
- Pagination: 71p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bituminous pavements; Concrete pavements; Environment; Evaluation; Exhaust gases; Fuel consumption; Life cycle costing; Project management
- Uncontrolled Terms: Pavement technology; Planning and Environment
- ATRI Terms: Bituminous pavement; Concrete pavement; Environment; Fuel consumption; Life cycle costs; Project evaluation; Vehicle emissions
- Subject Areas: Finance; Highways;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01382109
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: ARRB
- Files: ATRI
- Created Date: Aug 22 2012 1:01PM