Quantifying of the economic and environmental impacts deriving from Brazilian\'s highways state of conservation

Author(s)

Daniela Bacchi Bartholomeu

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2006-11-21

Examining board members

Jose Vicente Caixeta Filho; Joaquim Bento de Souza Ferreira Filho; Augusto Hauber Gameiro; Silvia Helena Galvao de Miranda; Suzana Kahn Ribeiro

• Advisor: Jose Vicente Caixeta Filho

Abstract

Due to importance of the road transportation for the Brazilian economy related to its participation in the matrix of load transport, to its high participation in the fossil fuels consumption (diesel) and in the CO2 emissions, this study evaluated if highways in better state of conservation imply in economic and environmental benefits. The economic benefits were related to the evaluation of the following parameters: fuel consumption, duration of the trip and expenses on vehicle maintenance. The environmental benefits related to the CO2 emissions reduction. It was collected primary data related to the performance observed in trucks on highways with different infrastructure conditions. In this aspect, it was carried out two sets of experiments, involving different routes and types of trucks, to which cutting edge computers were connect to assist the collection of the data. The first set of experiments involved four routes covered by a Volvo FH12 truck, manufactured in 2004. In a total of 48 trips, the fuel consumption, and the velocity profile in each passage were observed. The results showed the existence of economic and environmental benefits in the routes with better conservation. In the second set of experiments, two routes in different states of conservation were selected, in which two trucks from distinct manufacturers (Scania R124-420 and MB 1944S) performed a total of 40 trips. In these experiments, the results observed in each type of vehicle were compared, which allowed to conclude that the type of technology only impacted on the fuel consumption. Finally, the data of the two sets of experiments were aggregated, in order to approximate the values to the reality, once in reality there are several types of truck models and manufacturers. Still, the results confirm the existence of economic and environmental benefits deriving from trips in routes with better infrastructure: there is a gain in energy efficiency, resulting in less fuel consumption and lower levels of CO2 emissions. The statistical analysis of the results suggested that, in general, the data related to the fuel consumption were significant to the level of significance of 5%, rejecting the null hypothesis that the average fuel consumption in the routes in worse states of conservation is statistically equal to that observed in routes in better condition. Therefore, it is indicated that the alternative hypothesis is significant that the observed average consumption in worse routes is bigger than that observed in better routes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 03/03009-7 - Evaluation of the influence of the state of conservation of highways in the emissions of carbon gas by freight transport vehicles
• Grantee: Daniela Bacchi Bartholomeu
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)