23–26 Jul 2024
Europe/Lisbon timezone

Life Cycle Assessment of Asphalt Pavement with Photocatalytic Capability: Environmental Impacts from Cradle to Gate

Speaker

Élida M. Margalho (Department of Civil Engineering, Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering, ARISE, University of Minho, Guimarães 4800-058, Portugal.)

Description

Abstract. The use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on asphalt pavements as surface coating has been the subject of study since these coatings can degrade air pollutants through a photocatalytic process. However, the environmental impacts associated with the functionalization of nanoparticles on the pavement are still unknown. Therefore, this research aims to perform a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of an asphalt pavement with photocatalytic properties by spraying TiO2 solution over its surface. For this purpose, a comparative cradle-to-gate analysis was performed on a 1 km section of conventional asphalt pavement and a pavement functionalized with TiO2 nanoparticles. The results suggest that functionalization leads to a 17% increase in climate change, ranging from 27% to 28% in eutrophication, from 38% to 43% in the depletion of abiotic resources associated with minerals and metals, and in water consumption.

Co-authors

Igor S. P. Gomes (Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), University of Minho, Azurém Campus, Guimarães 4800-058, Portugal) Iran G. R. Segundo (Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), University of Minho, Azurém Campus, Guimarães 4800-058, Portugal) Elisabete F. Freitas (Department of Civil Engineering, Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering, ARISE, University of Minho, Guimarães 4800-058, Portugal.) Joaquim A. S. A. O. Carneiro (Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), University of Minho, Azurém Campus, Guimarães 4800-058, Portugal) Joel R. M. Oliveira (Department of Civil Engineering, Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering, ARISE, University of Minho, Guimarães 4800-058, Portugal)

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