Environmental Impact Comparison Analysis between a Traditional Hot Mixed Asphalt (HMA) and with the Addition of Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodology

The present study presents a cradle-to-built life cycle assessment (LCA) for road pavements structure of hot mixed asphalt (HMA) with recycled post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) addition through the “dry” process using comparison analysis between declared units equivalent 1 ton produced mix and functional m2 pavement variants under Brazilian “National Design Methodology” (MeDiNa), in contrast conventional variant. Tool TRACI 2.0 reducing assessing chemical other environmental impacts was applied each alternative, into categories such as acidification, eutrophication, freshwater ecotoxicity, global warming potential, human health, ozone depletion, smog formation. life-cycle impact results were interpreted an internal normalization criteria weighting rule, obtaining score alternative allowing easy stakeholder interpretation. Considering better mechanical properties overall performance HMA + RPET mixes, unit on LCA methodology savings all square meter constructed ready to use. For units, structures (FU 2 FU 3) resulted lower scores (ES) 49.2 47.1, respectively, representing difference 26.9 29 points − C), ES 76.1. It represents 38% terms favor sustainable alternatives. Focusing use mixes design can result up 47.44% decrease (20.4 ES) conventional-mix proposal. This supports sustainability is precedent future research new geotechnical materials.