Results of a Case Study on Quantifying Fuel Use and Emissions for a Bridge Replacement Project

ABSTRACT As the nation moves toward more sustainable energy and environmental standards, it is important to examine all sources of fuel consumption and pollution, including heavy-duty diesel (HDD) construction equipment. In order to quantify these sources at the project level, they must be identified with their respective activities. A case study was performed on an Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) bridge replacement project in order to establish a baseline of real-world activity, equipment, fuel use, and emissions data. This data was collected on a daily basis via jobsite visits and included specific information such as the equipment's model year, engine horsepower, and hours worked. These data were used to estimate fuel use and emissions based on calculations from the EPA's NONROAD model. Using these estimates, traditional project management techniques were expanded to evaluate the energy and environmental impacts of the project, in addition to the economic impacts. Histograms and cumulative frequency diagrams (s-curves) were created to summarize fuel use and emissions on a daily and project total basis. These results were combined with the preliminary and final ODOT pay items and quantities to define new fuel use and emission factors based on quantity of work completed, dollars of work completed, and specific activities. Recommendations include using the new fuel use and emission factors to identify activities with high energy and environmental impacts as well as evaluating various mitigation strategies. INTRODUCTION In order to build new, demolish old, or refurbish existing infrastructure, heavy duty diesel (HDD) equipment must be used. This equipment requires fossil fuel for energy and emits air pollutants that are harmful to the environment and human health. HDD equipment is a substantial contributor to this growing problem. New ways to quantify and characterize this pollution problem must be found in order to reduce and mitigate it. Diesel exhaust (DE) poses risks for humans and the environment (EPA 2003). For example, tiny particles found in DE, known as particulate matter (PM), may cause lung damage as well as aggravate existing respiratory diseases. DE also contains nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and hydrocarbons (HC) which are precursors to ozone. Carbon monoxide (CO) is another air pollutant found in DE that adversely affects human health and may even cause death in high concentrations, althoug