Economic input-output LCA of precast corundum-blended ECC overlay pavement

Abstract

Many studies have explored the prospect of using Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) in rigid pavements by looking at aspects such as mechanical performance, temperature susceptibility, cost, and environmental impact. Although ECC is an excellent choice because of its high tensile capacity, its major drawback for pavement applications is that it lacks roughness because of no coarse aggregates. Recently, an ECC mix containing corundum fine aggregates has shown remarkably higher skid resistance and drainage performance for pavement applications. The current study attempts to perform a comprehensive Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Analysis (EIO-LCA) of a concrete pavement having a precast corundum-blended ECC overlay. This LCA is compared with the LCA of a conventional rigid pavement and a full-depth conventional ECC pavement. The study includes both an inventory analysis using EIO-LCA and an impact assessment at midpoint and endpoint level on selected impact categories. It is found that the pavement having a precast corundum-blended ECC overlay is more economically and environmentally sustainable than the full-depth concrete and ECC pavements, and also has lower life-cycle impacts overall.