Quantitative Analysis of Climate-Adaptive Pavement Technologies: Mitigating Environmental Impact and Enhancing Economic Viability in Urban Infrastructure
Ali Shehadeh, Odey Alshboul, Mohammad F. Tamimi
Abstract
The escalating demand for robust infrastructure amid rapid urbanization and climate change necessitates innovative approaches to road construction that consider both environmental impact and economic sustainability. This study introduces a comprehensive framework for integrating climate-adaptive technologies in the design and maintenance of pavements, particularly in urban settings subject to tropical climates like Florida. Utilizing a hybrid methodology that combines life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) with environmental impact assessments, we quantitatively analyze the effects of using advanced asphalt binders and climate-adaptive construction practices. Our findings indicate that incorporating temperature-resistant asphalt binders can reduce pavement maintenance frequency by up to 40% over a 30-year period, leading to a significant decrease in associated CO2 emissions by approximately 15%–20%. The adoption of these materials and methods could also lead to a reduction in life-cycle costs by up to 25%, compared to traditional pavement technologies. By utilizing global climate models (GCMs) within the framework of the relative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario, our projections show an enhance in pavement durability by extending the service life under predicted temperature rises of 2°C–4°C. Economic analysis further reveals that investing in climate-adaptive technologies not only mitigates the cost of frequent repairs due to climate-induced damages but also enhances the overall economic efficiency of urban infrastructure projects. By establishing a clear link between climate-responsive materials and economic benefits, this research advocates for a shift in urban infrastructure planning toward more sustainable and economically viable solutions.