Analysis of Characteristics of Electrically Conductive Asphalt Concrete Prepared by Multiplex Conductive Materials

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of electrically conductive asphalt concrete (ECAC) by adding multiplex electrically conductive materials. First, it is proved that all the mechanical properties of ECAC meet the design requisition in this study. The effects of filler type, filler content, and mixed fillers on the resistivity of asphalt concrete were then systematically investigated. Experimental results showed that the combination function of mixed fillers has appreciable advantages over single powder in electrical conductivity. Both laboratory and field tests were conducted to prove that the ECAC provides an efficient method for snow melting through direct current. In addition, an infrared imaging technology was used to assess the temperature field distribution. Furthermore, the effects of temperature, voltage, and temperature circulation on the resistance of ECAC were explained by the break and rebuild of conductive pathways. Finally, X-ray computed tomography provides insight into the mechanisms of conductivity enhancement for mixed fillers. It is shown that the conductive chain formed in ECAC largely depends on the conductive filler’s distribution in asphalt mortar.