Electrical and mechanical performance of carbon fiber-carbon fiber powder conductive asphalt concrete

Abstract Conductive asphalt concrete, modified with carbon fiber (CF) and carbon fiber powder (CFP), has gained significant attention for its potential in winter road management applications, such as de-icing and snow-melting. This study presents an in-depth investigation into the electrical and mechanical performance of CF-CFP modified asphalt concrete, focusing on understanding the conduction mechanisms and evaluating road performance under different additive contents. By incorporating CF and CFP as conductive fillers, the study applies percolation theory, effective medium theory, and tunneling effect theory to elucidate the primary conduction mechanisms within the composite material. The experimental methods employed include the two-electrode resistivity measurement technique, dynamic stability tests, water stability tests, and freeze–thaw tests, which were used to assess the electrical, mechanical, and water resistance properties of the CF-CFP asphalt concrete. Experimental results reveal that the electrical conductivity of CF-CFP asphalt concrete is primarily governed by the tunneling effect, with CFP acting as a crucial nodal point to enhance the conductive network. The study finds that adding CF at 0.4% by mass of aggregates and CFP at 2.0% by mass of asphalt significantly improves the dynamic stability of the material, yielding a 75.6% increase compared to conventional asphalt concrete. Water stability tests show that the CF-CFP asphalt mixture satisfies regulatory requirements, although the inclusion of CFP slightly reduces water resistance under immersion and freeze–thaw conditions. Additionally, the mechanical performance, particularly high-temperature rutting resistance, is enhanced by the incorporation of CF, making the material suitable for use in de-icing and snow-melting applications. This study provides novel insights into the development of conductive asphalt concrete, offering a potential solution for smart pavements in winter road management.