Initial evaluation methodology and case studies for life cycle impact of permeability of permeable pavements

This study propose a basic model which can be applied to both permeable asphalt pavements and permeable concrete pavements to evaluate their environmental impacts. The impacts of this technology are investigated on urban flooding, water recycling and water purification. Then a comparison between permeable asphalt pavement and dense-graded asphalt pavement is conducted for a typical four-lane secondary road. Results indicate that in 10 km of the modeled road, 49TJ of energy consumption, 6700 t of equivalent carbon dioxide emissions, 0.1 t of lead emissions and 1 t of zinc emissions can be avoided if the permeable pavements is used. Moreover, the most significant reduction in energy consumption, GHG emissions, lead emissions and zinc emissions occurs in the use phase.