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Green Roadways and Management Sustainability

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 20174

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Andrew Shing-Tao Chang

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
Interests: green roadways; sustainability indicators; corporate social responsibility reporting

Prof. Dr. Chaohui Wang

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Guest Editor

School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Interests: green pavement materials; intelligent pavement technology; solid waste utilization
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable development objectives have been applied to infrastructure in recent years, after being widely used for green buildings. The transport sector contributed 14% of total energy-related emissions in the world in 2010. As a part of transportation infrastructure, roadways utilize resources, consume energy, and generate carbon emissions. Thus, designing and constructing green roadways to reduce environmental impacts has become an important issue.

The achievement of sustainability objectives for roadway projects can be assessed using a sustainability rating system with a set of indicators to distinguish the levels of sustainability achieved. Indicators often used in the roadway rating systems include runoff, materials, emissions, waste, stormwater management, environmental management system (EMS), etc. These indicators are related to the sustainability issues that are usually encountered during roadway design and construction.

From analyzing the above sample indicators, sustainability can be improved by using three methods: materials, technology, and management. Especially for construction, using the right materials can reduce emissions and waste. Using technology to reduce waste can save resources. Management also contributes—for example, implementing EMSs to control jobsite pollution. In early days, materials and technology were researched tremendously to address environmental impacts. Management methods have not been studied much, but they can be less costly and sometimes more effective to address sustainability today.

This Special Issue addresses the above issues and aims to gather recent studies that advance the knowledge about green roadways and management sustainability. Green roadways can supplement green buildings to reduce the heat island effect in urban cities. Management supplements materials and technology methods in sustainability enhancement. This Issue encourages the submission of academic, empirical, and case study research focusing on the keywords below.

Green roadways;
Green design and construction;
Management sustainability;
Sustainable transportation infrastructure;
Green buildings;
Sustainability rating systems;
Sustainable performance indicators;
Material use reduction;
Sustainable management techniques;
Sustainability improvement methods;
Waste management and recycling;
Pollution prevention and control.

Prof. Dr. Andrew Shing-Tao Chang
Prof. Dr. Chaohui Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

green roadways
green design and construction
management sustainability
sustainable transportation infrastructure
green buildings
sustainability rating systems
sustainable performance indicators
material use reduction
sustainable management techniques
sustainability improvement methods
waste management and recycling
pollution prevention and control.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 2882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing Transportation Livability-Related Indicators for Green Urban Road Rating System in Taiwan

by Nam Hoai Tran, Shih-Hsien Yang, Calista Y. Tsai, Nien Chia Yang and Chih-Ming Chang

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 14016; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132414016 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2357

Abstract

Although indicators in rating systems have been initiated to measure and promote the sustainability performance of roadway projects in some developed countries, applying those indicators to other regions/countries may still be difficult. In response to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, local road agencies in Taiwan urgently need to establish systematic and quantifiable sustainable roadway strategies. As part of the project to develop a green urban road rating system in Taiwan, this study aims to develop transportation livability-related indicators (TLIs) and identify critical barriers to TLI application in Taiwan’s urban road system. To this end, the research employed an adaptive approach that integrates top-down and bottom-up approaches. The top-down approach included the comprehensive literature review and panel discussion to derive four TLIs and 21 corresponding requirements, and nine potential barriers to hold the indicator adoption. Four TLIs are pedestrian facilities, universal design, multimodal transportation, and utility facilities. The bottom-up approach used the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to proposed indicators/requirements. Four critical barriers were also investigated through the Weighted Sum Model (WSM) method, namely unfavorable in-situ conditions, lack of stakeholders’ coordination, unsupported government policy and regulation, and limited budget and schedule. The findings can be beneficial to engineers and decisionmakers to enhance the livability standard of urban streets. The framework proposed in this research can be applied to other roadway characteristics aspects in different regions/countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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18 pages, 5941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Properties of Soil–Rock Mixture Prepared by the Laboratory Vibration Compaction Method

by Xiaoping Ji, Honglei Lu, Cong Dai, Yonggen Ye, Zhifei Cui and Yue Xiong

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11239; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011239 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1850

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the properties of soil–rock mixtures (SRM) prepared by the vibration compaction method. First, the results of laboratory experiments and field tests are compared to determine the reasonable parameters of the vibration compaction method (VCM) for soil–rock mixtures. The compaction characteristics, CBR, and resilient modulus of the laboratory-prepared soil–rock mixtures by the static pressure compaction method (SPCM) and vibration compaction method are compared. The effects of the soil to rock ratio and the maximum particle size and gradation on the compaction characteristic, resilient modulus and CBR of soil–rock mixtures prepared by the vibration compaction method are investigated. Finally, field measurements are subsequently conducted to validate the laboratory investigations. The results show that the reasonable vibration frequency, exciting force, and static surface pressure of the vibration compactor for soil–rock mixtures are recommended as 25 Hz, 5.3 kN, and 154.0~163.2 kPa, respectively. Soil–rock mixtures prepared by vibration compaction method has smaller optimum water content and gradation variation and larger density than specimens prepared by the static pressure compaction method, and the CBR and resilient modulus are 1.46 ± 0.02 and 1.16 ± 0.03 times those of specimens prepared by the static pressure compaction method, respectively. The ratio of soil to rock, followed by the maximum particle size, lead obvious influences on the properties of soil–rock mixtures. Moreover, the results show that the CBR and resilient modulus of soil–rock mixtures prepared by vibration compaction method have a correlation of 86.9% and 89.1% with the field tests, respectively, which is higher than the static pressure compaction method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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18 pages, 4159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Physical, Chemical and Nano-Microstructure Characteristics of Asphalt Mixed with Recycled Eggshell Waste

by Guanyu Ji, Xuancang Wang, Yuchen Guo, Yi Zhang, Qinglian Yin and Yaolu Luo

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11173; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011173 - 10 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1593

Abstract

Green economy is a major them of sustainable development. The application of biological waste in engineering is conducive to green development. This study reveals the effect of recycled eggshell waste on the physical and chemical properties as well as nano-microstructure characteristics of asphalt. The hardness, thermal stability and ductility of asphalt were explored by the penetration, softening point and ductility tests. The distribution and relative content of protons in asphalt were revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectrum (¹H-NMR). The microscopic characteristics of the particle morphology and surface structure of the eggshell powder were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to analyze the evolution laws of asphalt nano-microstructures. The experiment results indicate that (1) the eggshell waste increases the hardness, thermal stability and reduces the ductility of asphalt; (2) the chemical environment in which the protons of the eggshell waste asphalt are located and the H index have no obvious changes; (3) the eggshell powder is characterized by a rough, wrinkled, porous and loosened structure; (4) the nano-microstructure of eggshell waste asphalt exhibits “bee-like structures”, and the different proportion of eggshell waste changes the maturity, size and quantity of the “bee-like structures” and roughness, which can be attributed to the interaction of the asphaltene-waxiness system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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23 pages, 7708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Recycled Shell Waste as a Modifier on the High- and Low-Temperature Rheological Properties of Asphalt

by Yuchen Guo, Xuancang Wang, Guanyu Ji, Yi Zhang, Hao Su and Yaolu Luo

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10271; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810271 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

The deteriorating ecological environment and the concept of sustainable development have highlighted the importance of waste reuse. This article investigates the performance changes resulting from the incorporation of shellac into asphalt binders. Seashell powder-modified asphalt was prepared with 5%, 10%, and 15% admixture using the high-speed shear method. The microstructure of the seashell powder was observed by scanning electron microscope test (SEM); the physical-phase analysis of the seashell powder was carried out using an X-ray diffraction (XRD) test; the surface characteristics and pore structure of shellac were analyzed by the specific surface area Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) test; and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) qualitatively analyzed the composition and changes of functional groups of seashell powder-modified asphalt. The conventional performance index of seashell powder asphalt was analyzed by penetration, softening point, and ductility (5 °C) tests; the effect of seashell powder on asphalt binder was studied using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) at high and low temperatures, respectively. The results indicate the following: seashell powder is a coarse, porous, and angular CaCO₃ bio-material; seashell powder and the asphalt binder represent a stable physical mixture of modified properties; seashell powder improves the consistency, hardness, and high-temperature performance of the asphalt binder but weakens the low-temperature performance of it; seashell powder enhances the elasticity, recovery performance, and permanent deformation resistance of asphalt binders and improves high-temperature rheological properties; finally, seashell powder has a minimal effect on the crack resistance of asphalt binders at very low temperatures. In summary, the use of waste seashells for recycling as bio-modifiers for asphalt binders is a practical approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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21 pages, 5469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Road Performance and Emission Reduction Effect of Graphene/Tourmaline-Composite-Modified Asphalt

by Tengteng Guo, Hao Fu, Chaohui Wang, Haijun Chen, Qian Chen, Qing Wang, Yuanzhao Chen, Zhenxia Li and Aijiu Chen

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168932 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1828

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to further improve the road performance and emission reduction effect of tourmaline-modified asphalt. Graphene was used to enhance the performance of tourmaline-modified asphalt, and graphene/tourmaline-composite-modified asphalt was prepared. The temperature susceptibility, high temperature, anti-aging properties and rheological performance of the modified asphalt were studied. The test method of emission reduction efficiency of the modified asphalt and its mixture was proposed. The emission reduction effect of different modified asphalts and its mixture was evaluated. The enhancement effect of graphene on the properties of tourmaline-modified asphalt was confirmed. It provides a reference for the performance enhancement of inorganic material modified asphalt. The results show that the temperature susceptibility, high temperature, anti-aging properties and rheological performance of the graphene/tourmaline-composite-modified asphalt are better than those of the tourmaline-modified asphalt and base asphalt. The asphalt fume reduction rate of graphene/tourmaline-composite-modified asphalt is higher than that of tourmaline-modified asphalt. With the increase of graphene content, the emission reduction performance increases gradually, and the enhancement effect of graphene on tourmaline performance is more obvious. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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14 pages, 4680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Formation Mechanism and Environmental Risk of Tire—Pavement Wearing Waste (TPWW)

by Kechen Wang, Xiangyu Chu, Jiao Lin, Qilin Yang, Zepeng Fan, Dawei Wang and Markus Oeser

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8172; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158172 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1724

Abstract

Tire—pavement interaction behaviours result in large amounts of wearing waste matter, which attaches to the surface of the pavement and is directly exposed to the surrounding environment. This kind of matter imposes a great challenge to the environment of the road area. The current study is devoted to carrying out a comprehensive investigation of the formation mechanism of tire—pavement wearing waste (TPWW), as well as the resulting environmental risks. A self-developed piece of accelerated polishing equipment, the Harbin advanced polishing machine (HAPM), was employed to simulate the wearing process between vehicle tires and pavement surfaces, and the TPWW was collected to conduct morphological, physical, and chemical characterisations. The results from this study show that the production rate of TPWW decreases with the increase in polishing duration, and the coarse particles (diameters greater than 0.425 mm) account for most of the TPWW obtained. The fine fraction (diameter smaller than 0.425 mm) of the TPWW comprises variously sized and irregularly shaped rubber particles from the tire, as well as uniformly sized and angular fine aggregates. The environmental analysis results show that volatile alkanes (C9–C16) are the major organic contaminants in TPWW. The Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC) asphalt mixture containing crumb rubber as a modifier showed the highest risk of heavy metal pollution, and special concern must be given to tire materials for the purpose of improving the environmental conditions of road areas. The use of polyurethane as a binder material in the production of pavement mixtures has an environmental benefit in terms of pollution from both organic contaminants and heavy metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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15 pages, 1097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between Environmental Initiatives and Impact Reductions for Construction Companies

by Andrew S. Chang, Claudia Canelas and Yi-Ling Chen

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8061; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148061 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2128

Abstract

A company undertakes environmental initiatives to reduce environmental impact from their activities; however, the impact reduction effect of these initiatives is not clear. This study investigated the environmental initiatives and impact indicators disclosed in forty corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports of construction companies and determined the relationships between the initiatives and indicators. The results demonstrated that the likelihood of an initiative reducing environmental impacts was approximately 25% on average, meaning that one in four companies was able to successfully implement initiatives. The energy consumption reduction from initiatives had the highest probability, at 40%, and water consumption reduction had only 9.4%. This study contributes to making explicit relationships between initiatives and impact reductions possible. A company can verify the effectiveness of initiatives by examining the values of their corresponding indicators before implementing environmental initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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27 pages, 12735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation and Analysis of CFI Schemes with Different Length of Displaced Left-Turn Lanes with Entropy Method

by Binghong Pan, Shasha Luo, Jinfeng Ying, Yang Shao, Shangru Liu, Xiang Li and Jiaqi Lei

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6917; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126917 - 19 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1830

Abstract

As an unconventional design to alleviate the conflict between left-turn and through vehicles, Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) has obvious advantages in improving the sustainability of roadway. So far, the design manuals and guidelines for CFI are not enough sufficient, especially for the displaced left-turn lane length of CFI. And the results of existing research studies are not operational, making it difficult to put CFI into application. To address this issue, this paper presents a methodological procedure for determination and evaluation of displaced left-turn lane length based on the entropy method considering multiple performance measures for sustainable transportation, including traffic efficiency index, environment effect index and fuel consumption. VISSIM and the surrogate safety assessment model (SSAM) were used to simulate the operational and safety performance of CFI. The multi-attribute decision-making method (MADM) based on an entropy method was adopted to determine the suitability of the CFI schemes under different traffic demand patterns. Finally, the procedure was applied to a typical congested intersection of the arterial road with heavy traffic volume and high left-turn ratio in Xi’an, China, the results showed the methodological procedure is reasonable and practical. According to the results, for the studied intersection, when the Volume-to-Capacity ratio (V/C) in the westbound and eastbound lanes is less than 0.5, the length of the displaced left-turn lanes can be selected in the range of 80 to 170 m. Otherwise, other solutions should be considered to improve the traffic efficiency. The simulation results of the case showed CFI can significantly improve the traffic efficiency. In the best case, compared with the conventional intersection, the number of vehicles increases by 13%, delay, travel time, number of stops, CO emission, and fuel consumption decrease by 41%, 29%, 25%, 17%, and 17%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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Review

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27 pages, 8818 KiB

Open AccessReview

Durability and Sustainability of Cement-Stabilized Materials Based on Utilization of Waste Materials: A Literature Review

by Penghui Wen, Chaohui Wang, Liang Song, Liangliang Niu and Haoyu Chen

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11610; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111610 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2995

Abstract

The utilization of waste materials in cement-stabilized materials (CSMs) is an important way to promote the sustainable development of road engineering construction and solve the environmental problems caused by the accumulation of waste materials. With the increasingly prominent global environmental problems, the exploitation of natural aggravate and the production of cement are subject to strict management and restrictions. Different waste materials, such as industrial and mining wastes, construction and demolition wastes, municipal wastes, waste rubber and waste fiber, are utilized in CSMs, and this is beneficial to promote the sustainable development of CSMs. In order to promote the rational application of waste materials in CSMs, this paper systematically reviews the research on the durability and sustainable development of CSMs. The types and mixing forms of waste materials reutilized in CSMs are discussed. The effect of different waste materials on the durability of CSMs is objectively evaluated. The potential challenges of sustainable development of CSMs are proposed. This review may help to alleviate the apprehension of road workers about the utilization of waste materials in CSMs and provide useful suggestions for the large-scale application of different waste materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Roadways and Management Sustainability)

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