The Impact of Asphalt Pavement Quality and Driver Behavior Changes on Emission Reduction (Case Study: Qom–Kashan Highway)

This study presents an integrated framework for evaluating the role of asphalt pavement maintenance in reducing pollutant emissions and enhancing safety. Using field data and driver behavior modeling, patterns of lane departure, speed fluctuations, and braking behavior in response to pavement distresses were extracted and used as behavioral indicators in emission models. To convert these behavioral changes into approximate emission values (particulate matter, CO₂, NOₓ) and energy consumption, coefficients and relationships derived from previous studies in the literature were applied to estimate vehicle emissions, thereby quantifying the indirect relationship between pavement condition, drivers’ maneuvering behaviors, and emission loads. Subsequently, several preventive maintenance scenarios (such as localized patching and surface overlay) were defined, and the effects of each scenario on emission reduction and the likelihood of unsafe driving events were modeled and compared. The results indicate that targeted maintenance actions in areas with high concentrations of driver deviations can significantly reduce speed fluctuations, the number of harsh braking events, and consequently fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, while simultaneously decreasing the risk of unsafe driving behaviors. Finally, integrating emission and safety indicators into the maintenance prioritization process provides an operational framework for optimal resource allocation and the development of green maintenance policies aligned with environmental management strategies in the road and transportation sector.