Bridge Engineering Center

About the research

Sustainability is not an entirely new concept in the design and construction of concrete pavements for Department of Defense (DOD) projects. The imperative to integrate recycled and locally sourced materials into pavement structural layers, driven by economic and environmental considerations, has been a longstanding focus. However, while the utilization of recycled components and local resources constitutes a crucial aspect, it is imperative to recognize that it forms just a fraction of the overarching solution. Recent waves of environmentally conscious initiatives, both on a national and local scale, have propelled the spotlight onto ecological preservation and environmental stewardship. Consequently, this surge in eco-friendly consciousness has intensified the obligation for the Research and Development Center (ERDC) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USACE to develop DOD guidance for assessing greenhouse gas emissions stemming from pavement construction materials and processes. This initiative is aimed at incentivizing the adoption of sustainable practices within pavement construction. To embark on this path, it becomes imperative for the ERDC to undertake a meticulous review and assessment of pre-existing sustainability protocols and tools developed in analogous contexts. This initial stride holds paramount importance as it lays the groundwork for devising DOD-specific guidelines that impeccably accommodate its distinct circumstances.

The objectives of this research are two-fold: (1) identify common components of concrete pavement life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations by conducting a data mining literature review, and (2) identify alternatives that can be used to improve the sustainability of concrete pavements and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through changes to materials,
design, and construction practices.