Advancing toward a low-carbon infrastructure: Emission reduction potential of geopolymer road maintenance

The burgeoning application of geopolymer technology in road maintenance and repair presents a significant opportunity to mitigate carbon emissions within the construction sector. This study conducted a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the CO 2 emissions associated with geopolymer grouting technology, using a typical Chinese highway case study. The LCA spanned key life cycle stages, including raw material extraction, transportation, construction, and traffic delay impacts. A comparative analysis with traditional cement-based repair methods revealed a substantial 46.9 % reduction in CO 2 emissions per kilometer of road maintained using geopolymer technology. The construction phase and traffic disruption mitigation were identified as the primary contributors to this emission reduction. The findings advocate for the adoption of geopolymer technology as a sustainable, low-carbon solution in road maintenance, emphasizing the importance of full life cycle consideration in environmental impact assessments. This research provides actionable insights for transportation sector stakeholders, guiding the industry towards sustainable maintenance practices and contributing to the construction industry's overall carbon footprint reduction. Aligning with global sustainability goals, the study offers a pragmatic approach to enhance the environmental performance of road maintenance projects, advocating for the adoption of geopolymer technology. • Achieves a substantial 46.9 % reduction in CO 2 emissions in road maintenance using geopolymer technology. • Advocates for sustainable construction practices by comparing the environmental performance of geopolymer and traditional cement-based materials. • Presents practical implications for the transportation sector, offering a pathway to reduce the carbon footprint. • Aligns with global sustainability goals, providing a pragmatic approach to enhance environmental performance.