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

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.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the challenging topic of evaluating environmental impacts for low-noise roads in life cycle assessment (LCA). It proposes hybrid modifications of conventional LCA by incorporating acoustical pavement characterization data and models of noise emission, propagation, and exposure. The modified LCA also includes monetarization of direct and external costs to provide a monetary perspective. The results of a road test section indicate the significant role of road traffic noise in human health impacts and the economic benefits of using low-noise pavements.