Framework to Minimize Society’s Exposure to Primary Road Emissions

Principal Investigator(s):

Imad Al-Qadi, Bliss Professor of Engineering – The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Director – Illinois Center for Transportation
Director – Advanced Transportation Research and Engineering Laboratory
Director – Smart Transportation Infrastructure Initiative

Project Abstract:
Traffic-related air pollution is caused by increased concentrations of pollutants from motor vehicle use, with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from connected freight trucks being particularly concerning. Despite representing only 5% of traffic, these trucks are estimated to contribute 25% of GHG emissions, affecting socio-economic conditions and public health. These impacts can be evaluated using Social Life Cycle Assessment throughout the roadway’s life cycle, augmenting existing methods like Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis. The main objective of this study is to develop a framework to assess and quantify the exposure to primary road emissions by: i) conducting geospatial analysis to identify disadvantaged or environmental justice communities residing in close proximity to roadways; ii) correlating emissions and exposure with distance or proximity to roads; iii) proposing an exposure metric or index considering the Human–Technical–Environmental system framework; and iv) developing a case study to explore the impacts of both conventional trucking and connected platoon operations.

Institution(s): University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Award Year: 2024

Research Focus: Equity

Project Form(s):