LCA of Different Construction Choices for a Double-Track Railway Line for Sustainability Evaluations

The international commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in the next few decades has oriented human activities towards preservation of natural and non-renewable resources. In this context, a great research effort been devoted search for sustainable solutions infrastructure construction sector, based on thorough assessment environmental impact (EI). regards, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is considered one main components Environmental Impact (EIA) and, comprehensive analysis, all costs incurred by stakeholders during useful life should also be taken into account, applying Cost (LCC) methodology. So far, there lack combined LCA LCC analyses railway projects support proper decision-making process at project level. Therefore, study aimed contributed topic determining effect related different planning choices terms material maintenance strategies. For purpose, first, an typical infrastructures with ballasted track was developed. case two functional units double-track line: 1 km embankment section cut section, straight alignment. After defining five alternative scenarios materials (virgin or recycled material) methods (e.g., lime stabilization), approaches were analysed. SimaPro used analyse study, results compared those obtained using PaLATE software, suitably adapted use sector. Finally, cost analysis carried out methodology EI each scenario provide information, allowing approach: as general result, initial phase always involves larger part total while production most polluting phase, reaching percentages higher than 50% total.