Environmental footprint of a road pavement rehabilitation service in Spain

Road surfaces are subject to wear and tear due to materials ageing, weathering and the action of road traffic. Periodic rehabilitation or reconstruction is needed in order to restore them. This manuscript presents an environmental assessment of a traditional road pavement rehabilitation technique (with hot mix asphalt) in Spain by means of a life cycle approach. The environmental footprint method was selected for presenting the results, which have a similar range as those obtained in earlier studies. Extraction of raw materials and the manufacturing of processed materials are the stages with the most environmental impacts. Therefore, the use of recycled asphalts in an adequate percentage is advisable for reducing the total environmental impact. This is the first complete study carried out in Spain. Its results could be used as a baseline for comparison with both newer restoration techniques and the use of advanced materials in the country. •Road rehabilitation techniques are needed for repairing deteriorated surfaces.•The environmental footprint method is used to estimate the potential impacts.•Bitumen, concrete and asphalt production account for most of the environmental impact of road rehabilitation.