Sustainable practices of aggregate production in the U.S. using a life-cycle inventory assessment approach

Wenting Hou, Vincent Mwumvaneza, Hasan Ozer, Erol Tutumluer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite the fact that aggregates are used in all pavement applications and other branches of construction, only limited life-cycle inventory database compatible with ISO 14040:2006 guidelines exist for the aggregate industry. This paper introduces a life-cycle inventory assessment approach that can be used in the environmental assessment of mineral aggregates production processes. Such an approach requires building a more reliable and representative inventory database in the U.S. As a preliminary screening to assess the present status of the crushed aggregate production, a case study is presented to calculate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from aggregate production and compared to other sectors included in the mineral industry. An initial screening type case study was also conducted using a generic inventory database (energy and greenhouse gases) reported in the literature. According to the results obtained from the screening LCA, crushed aggregate production contributes approximately 2.3 million metric tons CO2-equivalent, merely 2.15% of the mineral industry.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAirfield and Highway Pavements 2015
Subtitle of host publicationInnovative and Cost-Effective Pavements for a Sustainable Future - Proceedings of the 2015 International Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference
EditorsJohn T. Harvey, Katie F. Chou
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages813-824
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9780784479216
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event2015 International Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference: Innovative and Cost-Effective Pavements for a Sustainable Future - Miami, United States
Duration: Jun 7 2015Jun 10 2015

Publication series

NameAirfield and Highway Pavements 2015: Innovative and Cost-Effective Pavements for a Sustainable Future - Proceedings of the 2015 International Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference

Conference

Conference2015 International Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference: Innovative and Cost-Effective Pavements for a Sustainable Future
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMiami
Period6/7/156/10/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials

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