Investigating the Use of Recycled Materials and Smart Technologies for the Future of Road Construction.

CIVIL

The study presented here addresses the pressing need for sustainable solutions in the pavement industry amid concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and the quest for renewable resources. While there is a growing interest in low-carbon asphalt pavement, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the utilization of various waste materials and technologies to achieve this objective. To bridge this gap, we conducted a systematic review and scientometric assessment covering the period from 2008 to 2023, employing the VOS viewer application for analysis. Our study identifies key materials and technologies in this domain by examining co-authored country studies, publication sources, and keyword co-occurrence. It's worth noting that while we analyzed a limited number of waste materials allowing CO2 emissions reduction, other waste categories like bio-oils and polymers, with potential positive environmental or economic impacts, were not within the scope of our study. Our findings indicate that integrating recycled waste materials such as recycled asphalt pavement, biochar, or crumb rubber, along with alternative mixing technologies like warm mix asphalt and cleaner energy sources, can significantly mitigate CO2 emissions. Notably, China and the United States emerged as major contributors to research in low-carbon pavement solutions. Additionally, biomass-based fuel and electric construction equipment have shown promise in substantially reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. However, several challenges must be addressed before widespread adoption of recycled waste materials and technologies in the asphalt industry. These include concerns over cost, performance, and durability, as well as issues related to standardization, regulations, availability, integration with existing infrastructure, and insufficient field and long-term data. Our review identifies critical research gaps, such as the lack of a standardized method for low-carbon asphalt pavement, limited field performance data, and the need for a comprehensive life cycle assessment approach to analyze emission reduction effects. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for facilitating a paradigm shift towards a more environmentally friendly pavement industry that embraces recycled waste materials and technologies. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the current state of research on low-carbon asphalt pavement, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges associated with integrating recycled waste materials and technologies. This information will be instrumental in driving forward efforts to create a more sustainable and carbon-friendly pavement industry.

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