Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (A) — 1, 2 and 3 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedStatement 1 is correct: Copper slag is an industrial by-product obtained during the smelting and refining of copper. Utilizing copper slag in road base layers and concrete saves natural aggregates and reduces waste disposal issues, offering environmental benefits.
Statement 2 is correct: Cold mix asphalt technology allows the production of asphalt mixes at ambient temperatures using emulsified or foamed bitumen, significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional hot mix asphalt.
Statement 3 is correct: Geotextiles (such as coir or jute geotextiles) are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable materials approved for rural road construction under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Statements 4 and 5 are incorrect: Hot mix asphalt requires high temperatures (150–160 °C), consuming significant fossil fuel and releasing vast amounts of greenhouse gases. The manufacturing of Portland cement is an energy-intensive process that accounts for a substantial portion of global CO2 emissions.
Hot mix asphalt and Portland cement are widely recognized as major carbon-intensive conventional construction materials. Eliminating 4 and 5 directly leads to option (a).
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