Integrated environmental, economic, and performance assessments of cold recycling technologies for asphalt pavements

Abstract

Cold recycling technologies for asphalt pavements involve using emulsified asphalt binders (CCPREA) or foamed asphalt binders (CCPRFA) with cement additives. They have become increasingly popular for their environmental and resource conservation benefits. Despite the advantages, a comprehensive evaluation framework for these methods is needed. This study introduces an integrated analytical model combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Entropy Weight Method (EWM), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to assess the sustainability of both treatments across environmental, economic, and engineering dimensions. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results show that CCPREA has higher greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and economic costs than CCPRFA. However, CCPREA demonstrates superior performance. The AHP-EWM-TOPSIS model scores CCPREA at 0.62, higher than CCPRFA's 0.38, in the multi-criteria evaluation.