Key Findings of the Pavement Life‑Cycle Assessment
The recent life‑cycle assessment (LCA) conducted by researchers at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) and Liwa College of Technology examined an 8‑kilometre stretch of Al‑Ittihad Taween Road, which links the E‑11 and E‑311 highways in Ras Al Khaimah. The study compared the conventional pavement design—using fresh bitumen, gravel, sand and natural aggregates—to alternative mixes that incorporated recycled plastic and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). The results were clear: both environmental and economic metrics improved when recycled materials were used.
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Replacing a portion of the traditional binder with recycled plastic lowered the overall carbon footprint of the road by up to 18 %. The LCA showed that the energy required to process and transport the recycled material is significantly less than that needed for virgin aggregates and bitumen. Consequently, the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dropped by roughly 0.9 kg CO₂e per cubic metre of pavement.
Lower Air and Water Pollutant Release
During construction, conventional asphalt production releases particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides. The study found that incorporating RAP reduced these emissions by 12 % and that the use of recycled plastic further cut VOCs by 15 %. The reduced water consumption—about 20 % less than the baseline—also lessens the strain on local water resources.
Economic Advantages for UAE Infrastructure Projects
Beyond environmental gains, the LCA highlighted cost savings that are particularly relevant to UAE road authorities. The use of recycled plastic and RAP lowered material procurement costs by 8 % and extended the service life of the pavement by an estimated 5 years, translating into lower maintenance expenditures over the road’s lifespan.
Capital Expenditure Savings
Because recycled materials are often sourced locally, transportation costs are reduced. The study estimated a 3 % reduction in overall project capital outlay when a 25 % RAP replacement rate was applied.
Operational Cost Reduction
Longer pavement life means fewer resurfacing cycles. Over a 20‑year horizon, the projected savings could reach 12 % of the initial construction cost, a figure that aligns with the UAE’s public‑private partnership models for infrastructure development.
Public Health Implications
Road construction is a major source of air pollution, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions. By cutting emissions, the study suggests a measurable improvement in local air quality. The reduced particulate matter concentration could lower the incidence of asthma and other respiratory ailments among residents living near major highways.
Community Health Benefits
Health‑impact assessments estimate that a 10 % reduction in fine‑particle exposure could prevent approximately 15 hospital admissions per 10,000 residents annually in the Ras Al Khaimah region.
Implications for UAE Universities and Students
The findings reinforce the role of higher education institutions in driving sustainable engineering solutions. AURAK’s Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering has already integrated the LCA methodology into its curriculum, allowing students to conduct real‑world sustainability analyses. This hands‑on experience prepares graduates for careers in public works, consulting, and research.
Research Opportunities for Students
Students can join ongoing projects that evaluate alternative binders, test new recycled material blends, and develop cost‑benefit models for UAE road authorities. These projects often receive funding from the Office of Research and Sustainability and can lead to publications in regional journals.
How AURAK Supports Sustainable Engineering
AURAK’s Office of Research and Sustainability has established a dedicated research centre that collaborates with industry partners to pilot recycled material technologies. The centre’s recent partnership with the UAE Ministry of Infrastructure has led to a pilot program on the Al‑Ittihad Taween Road, where the LCA findings are being applied to a new 5‑kilometre extension.
Industry Collaboration
Through the AURAK Center for Entrepreneurship, students and faculty co‑develop prototypes for recycled asphalt mixtures that meet UAE road standards. These prototypes are tested on a full‑scale test track, ensuring that they meet durability and safety requirements before commercial deployment.
Next Steps for Decision Makers
Road authorities and policymakers can use the LCA data to revise design guidelines, encouraging the inclusion of recycled materials in public works projects. The study provides a framework for cost‑benefit analysis that can be adapted to other infrastructure types, such as bridges and airport runways.
Policy Recommendations
- Adopt a minimum 10 % RAP inclusion rate in all new pavement projects.
- Provide incentives for contractors that use recycled plastic as a binder substitute.
- Integrate LCA training into civil engineering certification programs.
Take Action Today
For students and professionals interested in sustainable infrastructure, AURAK offers a range of programs and research opportunities. Whether you are looking to study civil engineering, engage in applied research, or consult on public‑sector projects, AURAK provides the expertise and resources to make a measurable impact.
