Harisankar Menon: Techno Mechanistic Carbon- Economic Modelling of Bio-Binders in NZ Transport Infrastructure

This research presents a comprehensive technoeconomic and environmental assessment evaluating biobinders across New Zealand and Australian road networks under dynamic carbon pricing frameworks, including the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme and the Australian Safeguard Mechanism.

By integrating mechanistic empirical pavement deterioration models, EN15804 modular life cycle assessments, and dynamic life cycle costing, this study generated and analysed over 122,400 simulated scenarios. Machine learning algorithms reveal that while biobinders leverage biogenic carbon sequestration to significantly reduce initial manufacturing emissions, long term project economics are overwhelmingly dictated by foundational civil engineering parameters, specifically road classification and upfront capital expenditure.