In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint ?
- 1. Copper slag
- 2. Cold mix asphalt technology
- 3. Geotextiles
- 4. Hot mix asphalt technology
- 5. Portland cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
4 and 5 only
1 and 5 only
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
Statement 2 is correct: Cold mix asphalt technology uses asphalt emulsion or foamed asphalt at lower temperatures compared to hot mix asphalt. This significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during production and laying, making it environmentally preferable.
Statement 3 is correct: Geotextiles are used in road construction for separation, filtration, reinforcement, and drainage. They can improve the structural integrity and lifespan of roads, potentially allowing for thinner pavement layers and reducing the overall material requirement, contributing to resource efficiency.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Hot mix asphalt technology requires heating asphalt binder and aggregates to high temperatures (typically 150-190°C), leading to high energy consumption and emissions, making it less environmentally sustainable compared to cold mix.
Statement 5 is incorrect: The production of Portland cement is a highly energy-intensive process that releases significant amounts of CO2. While cement is a necessary binder in some road layers or concrete roads, its extensive use, especially compared to alternative binders or technologies, can increase the carbon footprint. Preferences for sustainability often involve reducing cement use or using supplementary cementitious materials.
Therefore, options 1, 2, and 3 are preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or reducing carbon footprint in rural road construction.