M. Messaoud, B. Glaoui, O. Abdelkhalek

Electrical and mechanical behaviors of conductor asphalt concrete by the addition of steel fibers

Introduction

Electrical and mechanical behaviors of conductor asphalt concrete by the addition of steel fibers. Discover how steel fibers enhance conductor asphalt concrete's electrical and mechanical properties. Improves tensile strength, cracking resistance, ductility, and lowers electrical resistivity.

Abstract

Conductive asphalt has the potential to satisfy different multifunctional applications. The behavior and the electrical and mechanical properties of this asphalt concrete have been modified using conductive additives, which can improve the durability of the asphalt mix and the service life of the pavement system. Among these additives are steel fibers. The results obtained indicate that the direct tensile strength of bituminous mix, the resistance to cracking, the energy, and the ductility modulus are increased with an increase in the percentage of steel fibers. Electrical resistivity decreased with the addition of steel fibers. So it is concluded that tensile strength increases reversibly with increasing electrical resistivity.

Review

This study investigates a highly relevant and promising area within civil engineering materials science: the development of multifunctional conductive asphalt concrete through the incorporation of steel fibers. The abstract effectively conveys that the addition of steel fibers leads to significant improvements in several critical mechanical properties, including direct tensile strength, resistance to cracking, energy absorption, and ductility modulus. Simultaneously, the material's electrical resistivity is shown to decrease, indicating enhanced conductivity. These findings collectively suggest a material with superior durability and the potential for advanced applications, addressing a growing need for innovative pavement solutions. The research presents compelling evidence for the dual benefits of steel fiber addition, simultaneously enhancing structural integrity and introducing electrical functionality. The observed increases in mechanical performance parameters are crucial for extending pavement service life and reducing maintenance, while the reduction in electrical resistivity opens doors for applications such as self-sensing pavements, de-icing capabilities, or energy harvesting. The clear trends identified, where increasing fiber content positively impacts mechanical strength and negatively impacts electrical resistivity, are a strength, providing a clear direction for material optimization and design. While the abstract provides a strong overview of the findings, a comprehensive manuscript would benefit from further elaboration in several key areas. Specifically, the phrase "tensile strength increases reversibly with increasing electrical resistivity" requires clarification; it likely implies an inverse relationship, but the term "reversibly" is unusual in this context and could be rephrased for precision. A full paper should also detail the specific range of steel fiber percentages investigated, the characteristics of the fibers (e.g., length, diameter), and the experimental methodologies employed for both mechanical and electrical testing. Quantifying the observed improvements (e.g., percentage increase/decrease) would also significantly strengthen the impact and allow for a more detailed assessment of the practical implications of this promising research.

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