IJEP 44(11): 977-988 : Vol. 44 Issue. 11 (November 2024)
1. PRIST University, Department of Civil Engineering, Vallam, Thanjavur – 613 403, Tamil Nadu, India
2. PRIST University, Centre for Research and Development, Vallam, Thanjavur – 613 403, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
The construction of highways, particularly in pavement development, contributes significantly to carbon footprint. This research focuses on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions associated with flexible pavement construction. The study encompasses both experimental and analytical components. In the experimental phase, research on subgrade stabilization using environmentally sustainable materials, specifically copper slag, was conducted at the Highways Research Laboratory. Different proportions of copper slag were blended with soil and the resulting properties, such as optimum moisture content (OMC) and California bearing ratio (CBR), were assessed. Ultimately, an optimal proportion was determined to enhance subgrade properties effectively. Upon determining the optimal blend of copper slag and soil, an analysis of its global warming potential was conducted using software, such as LCA Pave and SimaPro. The impact parameters, including global warming and ozone depletion, were evaluated by varying the transportation distance of copper slag from the factory. This analysis aimed to identify the most sustainable combination of materials and transportation distances for pavement construction. Eventually, the research determined the final proportion and transportation distance that strike a balance between sustainability and cost-effectiveness in the construction process.
Keywords
Carbon footprint, Life cycle assessment, Sustainability, California bearing ratio, LCA Pave
References
- GOI. Copper metal balance in various stages. Ministry of Mines, Government of India. Available at: https://mines.gov.in/webportal/copper. Accessed on 02 January 2024.
- Ashokbhai, B.M., et al. 2018. Utilization of copper slag to improve geothechnical properties of soil. Int. Res. J. Eng. Tech., 5(7): 666-673.
- Kavisri, M., et al. 2018. Experimental study of effects of stabilization of clayey soil using copper slag and GGBS. Rasayan J. Chem., 11(1): 111-117. DOI: 10.7324/RJC. 2018.1111805.
- Kumar, P.R., P.S.P. Kumar and G. Maheswari. 2017. Laboratory study of black cotton soil blend with copper slag and flyash. Int. J. Innovative Res. Sci. Eng. Tech., 6(2): 1960-1967. DOI: 10.15680/IJIRSET.2017,0602095.
- Ravi, E., R. Udayasakthi and T.S. Vadivel. 2016. Enhancing the clay soil characteristics using copper slag stabilization. J. Adv. Chem., 12(26): 5725-5729. DOI: 10.24297/jac.v12i26.2.
- Jenner, J.P. and K. Niranjana. 2018. Utilization of copper slag in geotechnical applications. International Conference on Emerging trends in engineering and techcnology.
- Chandrasekar, J., T.A. Chokshi and D.V. Chauhan. 2015. A review on utilization of waste material copper slag in geotechnical application. Int. J. Innovative Res. Sci. Tech., 1(12): 246-350.
- Qureshi, M.A., H.M. Mistry and V.D. Patel. 2015. Improvement in soil properties of expansive soil by using copper slag. Int. J. Adv. Res. Eng. Sci. Tech., 2(7): 125-130.
- Barasakr, T. and S.K. Ahirwar. 2014. Study on California bearing ratio of black cotton soil use waste copper slag. Int. J. Structural Civil Eng. Res., 13(4): 45-56.
- Tandel, Y.K. and J.B. Patel. 2019. Review of utilization of copper slag in highway construction. Australian Geo Mechanics. 44(3): 71-80.
- IS 2720 (Part 4). 1985. Methods of test for soils. Part 4: Grain size analysis. Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
- IS 2720 (Part 5). 1985. Methods of test for soils. Part 5: Determination of liquid and plastic limit. Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
- IRC 37. 2018. Guidelines for desing of flexible pavement. Indian Road Congress.
- MoRTH. 2013. Specification for road and bridge works (5th revision). Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, New Delhi.
- Samuthirakhani, V. and A. Das. 2019. Assessment of carbon footprint and energy vis-a-vis subgrade strength of flexible pavement construction. Int. J. Innovative Tech. Exploring Eng., 8(9): 173-
181. - Samuthirakani, V. and A. Das. 2023. Deconding sustainability with a life cycle assessment of crushed stone aggregate production. J. Harbin Eng. University. 44(12): 185-192.
- MoRTH. 2019. Standard data book for analysis of rates (2nd revision). For plain/rolling terrain (vol 1). Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, New Delhi.
