UNDIP – Rapid road development in recent years has significantly contributed to rising global emissions. To address this challenge, Fardzanela Suwarto, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer in the Civil Infrastructure Engineering and Architectural Design Program at the Vocational School of Universitas Diponegoro, leads an innovative research project titled “Performance Modelling, Life Cycle Assessment, and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Natural Rubber Latex Modified Asphalt Pavement.”
This research aims to evaluate the utilization of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) as an alternative binder in asphalt pavement, replacing synthetic petroleum-based binders. NRL is a renewable material offering sustainable solutions for the road infrastructure industry. Previous studies have indicated that asphalt mixtures with NRL exhibit superior characteristics compared to conventional asphalt.
Fardzanela employed the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to measure environmental impacts and the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to assess economic feasibility. The study compared three types of binders:
- Conventional binder.
- NRL binder with 5% polymer by binder weight.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBS).
The findings reveal that NRL binders outperform conventional binders in environmental and economic aspects. “NRL binders demonstrate better elasticity, higher strength, and superior resistance to rutting compared to ordinary binders, although they fall slightly short of SBS. Over 20 years, NRL binders require less maintenance than conventional binders,” Fardzanela explained.
Additionally, LCA analysis indicates that NRL has the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) among all binder types, with the maintenance phase being the most significant contributor to emissions.
Based on the LCCA, NRL binders offer lower institutional costs in several scenarios, particularly in the UK.
According to Fardzanela, “This study proves that natural rubber latex not only has a smaller environmental impact but is also a more economical choice in the long run. NRL has the potential to become a significant innovation for sustainable infrastructure development.”
As a leading research university, UNDIP continues to support studies that positively impact society and the environment. Innovations in renewable resource utilization, like Dr. Fardzanela’s research, are strategic steps toward environmentally friendly and sustainable infrastructure development. (DHW)
