Life Cycle Assessment of Rubber Modified Asphalt Pavement in Michigan: A Case Study

Asphalt pavement is a critical component of modern infrastructure, and concerns about its environmental impact have arisen over the years. This paper presents a case study of rubberized asphalt pavement in Dickinson County, Michigan, employing a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the environmental benefits of rubber incorporation in road construction by scrutinizing the material, transportation, manufacturing and construction stages. By conducting data collection and analysis tailored to Dickinson County’s specific conditions, this research offers valuable insights into the environmental performance of rubberized asphalt pavement within a localized context. By comparing the environmental impact between a conventional asphalt section and a rubber pellet-modified pavement section, the findings emphasize the environmental advantages of utilizing recycled rubber in asphalt mixtures. The life cycle results demonstrate that rubber modified asphalt section produces lower greenhouse gas emissions and consumes less energy compared to conventional asphalt sections. These results underscore the significance of considering recycled materials, especially rubber products, in LCA studies.