Abstract

Inventory reliability of the life-cycle assessment (LCA) model highly depends on the data quality and normally exhibits significant uncertainty. A rigorous statistical methodology was established to capture and quantify the inherent uncertainties linked to the results of the LCA model. Two sources of uncertainty, data quality and model, were identified. The former was captured by converting the deterministic value to probability density function using beta distribution according to the evaluation matrix of data quality; the latter was assessed by prescribing variation interval through defining uncertainty factor. The functional equivalent pavement structures were designed, and the corresponding energy consumption and CO2 emission were calculated by the LCA model. A 10% variation was observed for the LCA results and within 30-year analysis span, at the 95% confidence level, and environmental burdens of cement pavement are higher than those of asphalt pavements while the comparison between the two asphalt pavements is not significant statistically. Therefore, the established statistical methodology is capable of capturing the uncertainty of the LCA model and quantifying the reliability the LCA results.

Highlights

  • At present, energy conservation and emission reduction in transportation engineering have become the most important aim in China development planning

  • Some weaknesses exist in the theory of life-cycle assessment (LCA), the uncertainness of data quality and model [8]. e accuracy of LCA for roadway or else objects depends on data and model parameters with high quality

  • Erefore, based on a practical case, a LCA model was developed and the influence of roadway on the environment was carried out. e uncertainness of assessment results of the LCA model is captured from the perspective of data quality and model assumption to establish a rigorous methodology for reliability assessment of results of the LCA model

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Energy conservation and emission reduction in transportation engineering have become the most important aim in China development planning. Erefore, a data base about the CO2 emission and energy consumption is needed to accurately assess the effect of technologies for energy conservation and emission reduction. In the process of LCA establishment, the assumption and simplification are involved, which affect the reliability of assessment results of environmental influence. Erefore, based on a practical case, a LCA model was developed and the influence of roadway on the environment was carried out. Erefore, based on a practical case, a LCA model was developed and the influence of roadway on the environment was carried out. e uncertainness of assessment results of the LCA model is captured from the perspective of data quality and model assumption to establish a rigorous methodology for reliability assessment of results of the LCA model

The Establishment of LCA Model
Acquiring methods
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call