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Pavements 2025

Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability Assessment of Pavements

POSTER RECEPTION (View list of posters here)

Universality of Bitumen Life Cycle Inventories in Hyper-Arid Regions: Comparing UAE and Arizona

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

4:45 PM – 6:00 PM MT

Primary Author(s)

Gohar Alam, n/a

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Presenter(s)

Gohar Alam, n/a

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Co-Author(s)

Haider Ibrahim, n/a

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant
Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Abu-Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
MA

Maryam Al Shehhi

Assistant Professor
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hasan Ozer, PhD

Associate Professor
Arizona State University
N/A, Arizona, United States
AF

Ahmed Faheem, n/a

Associate Professor
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Presenter(s)

AF

Ahmed Faheem, n/a

Associate Professor
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Submitter(s)

Gohar Alam, n/a

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract: The Euro Bitumen Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and the Asphalt Institute LCI have become global benchmarks for assessing the environmental impacts of bitumen production across Europe and North America, respectively. However, their applicability to regions with distinct climatic and environmental conditions, such as the hyper-arid environments of the UAE and Arizona, raises concerns. These regions present unique challenges in terms of resource management and climatic extremes, highlighting the need for localized bitumen inventory to ensure the accuracy and relevance of impact evaluations. Consequently, our study aims to evaluate the universality of the Euro Bitumen LCI and the Asphalt Institute LCI by conducting a comparative environmental assessment of bitumen production in the UAE and Arizona, our two representative hyper-arid regions. Utilizing advanced region-specific LCA modeling, the study introduces novel adaptations to these LCI frameworks aiming to account for climatic influences, regional energy matrices, material extraction processes, and supply chain dynamics unique to these regions. Environmental impact categories including but not limited to global warming potential, and cumulative energy demand will be rigorously quantified and compared against the Euro Bitumen and Asphalt Institute baselines. Drawing from discussions with our industrial partners, we hypothesize that while these LCIs provide robust foundations, their application in hyper-arid regions like the UAE and Arizona may overlook the distinct resource management practices, supply chain complexities, varied energy requirements for unit processes, and specific logistical demands. The study effectively underscores the inadequacy of the conventional one-size-fits-all LCI approach. By advancing the LCI methodology and providing critical insights for regional adaptation, this research informs both policy frameworks and industry practices, refining global LCA standards for the asphalt industry.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees can expect to learn the following from this session:

Upon completion, participants will be able to compare the key differences between Euro Bitumen LCI and Asphalt Institute LCI for hyper-arid regions.
Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate the applicability of standard LCI frameworks in hyper-arid regions, considering unique climatic and environmental factors.
Upon completion, participants will be able to identify the limitations of conventional LCI approaches in assessing bitumen production impacts in diverse climatic conditions.
Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the novel adaptations introduced to LCI frameworks for accounting climatic influences and regional energy matrices.
Upon completion, participants will be able to explain how region-specific LCA modeling can inform policy frameworks and industry practices in the asphalt industry.