Review of environmental life cycle assessments and techno-economic analyses in asphalt pavements: a framework for future studies on utilizing olive and grape pomaces as antioxidants

Olive and grape pomaces are waste by-products generated during olive oil extraction and wine-making processes respectively. Studies have found that direct disposal of these waste by-products can lead to environmental issues affecting soil and groundwater due to their acidity and high organic content. Previous research indicates that including these materials in asphalt pavements enhances durability because of antioxidation behavior of the olive and grape pomaces. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analyses (TEA) are methods that can be used to understand potential environmental and cost benefits of asphalt pavement technologies using these by-products. To date, no study was found that included LCA and TEA of olive or grape pomaces in asphalt pavements. This state-of-the-art review gathers various other pavement LCA and TEA studies focusing on methodologies and findings to assist future studies on this topic. In addition, this study also reviews the oxidation failure of asphalt pavement pointing out the potential benefits of olive and grape pomaces as antioxidants. This study identifies various methodologies used in different phases of pavement LCA, impact analysis results, and various procedures involving pavement TEA to assist with future studies on benefits of olive and pomaces in asphalt pavement. Overall, by promoting the reuse of agricultural waste in infrastructure, this review directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—through the development of more durable, low-impact pavement technologies that foster sustainable industry practices and climate change mitigation. Additionally, a conceptual framework is also proposed in this review to provide guidance to future research on developing LCA and TEA models on using antioxidant-rich olive and grape pomace in asphalt pavement. Finally, potential practical challenges such as material availability, odor, and construction and transportation challenges are also highlighted, providing recommendations for practitioners and researchers.