Enhancing road performance and sustainability: a study on recycled porous warm mix asphalt

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable infrastructure has increased interest in eco-friendly design solutions such as porous asphalt (PA) pavements, which manage stormwater runoff and mitigate urban heat islands, and warm mix asphalt (WMA), which reduces energy consumption and emissions during production. This study evaluates the mechanical and environmental performance of four warm mix porous asphalt (WPA) mixtures incorporating recycled materials and by-products: reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), aramid pulp fibres, and electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with a cradle-to-cradle approach was conducted to comprehensively assess environmental impacts. The inclusion of recycled materials improved mechanical performance, with aramid fibres enhancing cohesion without compromising air voids. LCA results showed a significant reduction in environmental burden, with a nearly 40 % decrease in the Global Warming Potential (GWP) indicator. These findings highlight the potential of sustainable WPA mixtures to contribute to greener road infrastructure.