Integrating LCA in the decision-making process for the choice of flexible or rigid pavement: the MTQ experience

Author(s): M.H. Tremblay, D. Thébeau, R. Collette
Paper category: symposium
Book title: International Symposium on Life Cycle Assessment and Construction – Civil engineering and buildings
Editor(s): A. Ventura and C. de la Roche
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-127-8
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-128-5
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 98 – 107
Total Pages: 10
Language: English

Abstract: Québec’s Department of Transportation (MTQ) adopted a network level approach to identify roads in its network where rigid and flexible pavements offer the greatest benefits. The decision-making process that led to the Departmental Policy on Pavement Selection Type included a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), a life cycle assessment (LCA) and a multicriteria analysis. The LCCA and the LCA were conducted for concrete and asphalt pavements designed for 16 typical road specifications (transit or local road, number of lanes, passenger and heavy load traffic). LCA results were integrated into a multicriteria analysis, the conclusions of which were paired with the LCCA results to identify parts of the road system where pavement types are the best investment.
The first part of this paper is dedicated to LCA parameters and results. The way LCA conclusions were integrated into the decision-making process is then described. Finally, the main challenges faced and lessons learned through this experience are discussed.

Keywords: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), multicriteria analysis, decision-making process, asphalt pavement, concrete pavement

Online publication: 2012
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00