Life cycle assessment of lightweight cellular concrete subbase pavements in Canada

ABSTRACT

The use of Lightweight Cellular Concrete (LCC) as a subbase alternative to typical flexible pavement subbase material in cold regions is gaining attention. Since a setback of using LCC is its high cement content, which is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, it becomes imperative to consider this aspect when proposing LCC for pavement applications. This study evaluated the environmental impact of three densities (400, 475, and 600 kg/m³) of LCC produced with two methods (wet and dry mix) and compared to two types of unbound granular material (granular A and B) as flexible pavement subbase. The pavement performance was predicted using MEPDG and WESLEA software and compared with measured field responses as a basis for maintenance strategy. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results showed that lower-density LCC pavements decreased environmental costs by reducing total life CO₂ emissions by up to 16% and reducing environmental impact for Carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen oxide, Particulate Matter (PM)_2.5, PM₁₀ and total PM compared to granular A and B pavements. As LCC density increased, more emissions occurred, showing the importance of density to emissions output. This research demonstrates the potential benefits of using LCC as an alternative subbase pavement material.

KEYWORDS:

• Subbase
• lightweight cellular concrete
• CO₂ emission
• life cycle assessment

Acknowledgements

The authors of this research gratefully acknowledge CEMATRIX (CANADA) Inc, the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology (CPATT), the University of Waterloo for supporting this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.