Modified life cycle assessment for Low-Noise urban roads including acoustics and monetarization

Abstract

The evaluation of environmental impacts for low-noise roads is a challenging topic in life cycle assessment (LCA) due to noise reduction considerations. This paper presents hybrid modifications of conventional LCA, using acoustical pavement characterization data from the close proximity (CPX) test, and models of noise emission, propagation and exposure to incorporate the inventories and impacts of road traffic noise. Furthermore, based on the system and indicators considered in LCA, the monetarization of direct and external costs of low-noise roads was included, in order to extend environmental interpretation to a monetary perspective. The modified LCA was applied in a realistic road test section, comparing (1) traditional stone mastic asphalt (SMA) with low-noise semi-dense asphalt (SDA) surfaces, and (2) different strategies for using SDA. The results of the test section indicated the significant role of road traffic noise in human health impacts, that translate to economic benefits for using low-noise pavements.