Systematic approach to environmental impact assessmentthroughout the life cycle of a highway

published:
Number: Issue 32(2025)
Section: Environmental protection technologies
The page spacing of the article: 359-367
Keywords: highway, construction materials, environmental impact, road works, highway life cycle, air pollution, pavement structure, systems analysis.
How to quote an article: Inessa Rutkovska, Lesya Yaroshchuk . Systematic approach to environmental impact assessmentthroughout the life cycle of a highway. Dorogi і mosti [Roads and bridges]. Kyiv, 2025. Issue 32. P. 359–367 [in Ukrainian].

Authors

National Transport University (NTU), Kyiv, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7832-4222
State Enterprise «National Institute for Infrastructure Development» (SE «NIDI»), Kyiv, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1550-0131

Summary

Introduction. The road network is a key component of infrastructure, providing numerous opportunities and conveniences, enabling long-distance transportation of goods and passengers. The comfort and well-being of people in various regions and remote areas of the country depend on the uninterrupted movement of vehicles along highways. Unfortunately, over time and due to various external factors, road structures deteriorate and require restoration to extend their service life.

Problem statement. Along with the many advantages of road network operation and development, there is also a negative environmental impact at all stages of the life cycle. Over time, climatic conditions and increasing loads affect road structures, leading to pavement wear, damage, and the need for repairs during operational maintenance. Road works during major repairs or reconstruction require significant amounts of machinery and large volumes of materials.

Objective. There is a need to develop new scientific approaches and research methods aimed at minimizing the use of natural resources and reducing environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of a highway.

Materials and methods. The article proposes the use of the systems analysis method. This method helps to comprehensively assess the condition of existing highways, determine optimal repair technologies, ensure efficient resource use, and minimize both economic costs and environmental impact.

Results. Several known and new methods of systems analysis have been summarized and systematized under modern conditions, with a perspective on their integrated application in the study of the life cycle of a highway.

Conclusions. The proposed systematic approach will make it possible to process large volumes of data, account for interrelated parameters, comprehensively evaluate various options for road structure design, and carry out road works with minimal costs and environmental impact.

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