Laboratory Evaluation of Electrically Conductive Asphalt Mixtures for Snow and Ice Removal Applications

Abstract

The study evaluates the electrical conductivity and mechanical performance of graphite modified asphalt mixtures. The effects of air voids, carbon fiber, and binder performance grade (PG) on the electrical resistivity of graphite modified asphalt mixtures are also assessed. Three graphite grades, two asphalt binders (polymer-modified PG 76-22 and neat PG 64-22), one aggregate type, and one carbon fiber were used to produce graphite modified asphalt mixtures. The mixtures were produced without graphite (control mix, PG 76-22), with only graphite (three grades and PG 76-22), with both graphite and 1% carbon fiber (three grades and PG 76-22), and with graphite (all three grades) and PG 64-22. The electrical conductivity, resistance to rutting, resistance to cracking, and durability of these mixes were evaluated using electrical resistivity (using a multi-meter), asphalt pavement analyzer, Hamburg wheel tracking device, semi-circular bend, indirect tension cracking, and Cantabro loss tests. Test results showed that graphite improves the electrical conductivity of asphalt mixtures when added at dosages of 10% to 15% or higher by volume of binder. Graphite grades with larger particle sizes helped improve the conductivity of asphalt mixtures better than graphite grades with smaller particle sizes. Air voids (higher air voids increased resistivity), carbon fiber dosage (decreased resistivity), and binder performance grade (neat binders had lower resistivity) affected the electrical resistivity of graphite modified asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, graphite modified mixes had better rutting resistance but higher susceptibility to breakdown and cracking when compared with unmodified mixtures.