In-Place Recycle Paving Methods: Energy Use Analysis

programmed

This project will develop methodology to assess the total or differential energy use involved in functionally comparable recycle-in-place paving techniques, taking into consideration all possible factors including equipment operation, fuel consumption, transportation, materials production and handling, reusability of reclaimed aggregates, expected longevity/durability, and other factors. This information will also be gathered for conventional paving so that any differential between the two approaches can be quantified. Ultimately, this data will be made available as a tool for use by transportation organizations toward the specification of highway rehabilitation projects. Making paving choices with the goal of sustainability is a complicated matter, and involves the consideration of many factors beyond the scope of this project. This effort seeks to isolate and focus on the energy use of a group of similar-outcome paving techniques so as to have another data resource among many to use in the decision-making process. By knowing the total energy use for a given paving technique as well as other environmental impact factors associated with each technique, agencies will be better positioned to make informed, objective decisions as to what method is optimal for a given budget, performance level, and environmental outcome.