Framework for Carbon Reduction in Asphalt Airfield Pavements to Support Decarbonization Efforts

Abstract: Asphalt pavements play a crucial role in airport operations, providing essential surfaces for aircraft taxiing, take-off, and landing. The construction and maintenance of the airport pavements results in substantial carbon emissions, compounding to the environmental impact of the aviation sector. The advisory circular (ACs) of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) serve as the guidelines for the construction, maintenance, and management procedures. However, there is a potential of reducing carbon emissions by adopting the various carbon reduction strategies associated with airport pavements. The current study aims to provide systematic framework to alleviate the ecological consequences of asphalt airport pavements by synthesizing and analysing Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circulars. This research involves comprehensive review of current circulars to determine specific areas which can be modified to align with the FAA's decarbonization objectives. In addition, this study aims to identify specific strategies and interventions that might be used to reduce the environmental impact of asphalt airport pavements. This encompasses the investigation of new materials, construction practices, and operational strategies that could decrease carbon emissions without compromising the quality and safety of airfield (or airport) pavements. Moreover, the present study also offers practical recommendations for stakeholders involved in airport pavement development, drawing on insights gathered from the analysis of FAA Advisory Circulars. This linkage provides solidarity to the initiatives aimed at minimizing the ecological consequences of asphalt airport pavements are not only efficient but also in line with the broader objectives of climate mitigation and environmental sustainability. This can assist FAA in promoting the implementation of sustainable practices to include the carbon reduction goals in current practices. The proposed framework not only assimilates sustainable approaches such as alternative binders, recycles materials, and advanced pavement design techniques but also ensures safety and integrity of airfield infrastructure to achieve substantial reductions in carbon emissions.