Construction Research Congress 2020
Utilizing Graphite Powder to Improve Concrete Conductivity, Compressive Strength, and Workability
Publication: Construction Research Congress 2020: Project Management and Controls, Materials, and Contracts
ABSTRACT
Electrically conductive concrete (ECC) has been suggested to be used in cold areas for deicing snow on highway roads and city streets. The following study investigates the impact of graphite as supplementary cementitious material on concrete conductivity to aid future research developing ECC. In addition, the study investigates the impact of graphite on compressive strength and workability. Accordingly, three concrete mixes that include three different percentages of graphite and a control mix have been prepared in the lab to achieve the study objectives. American Society of Testing Materials’ (ASTM) compressive and slump tests were performed. In addition, two-point conductivity measurements were made at days 1, 2, 7, and 28 of the concrete curing. Concrete workability was greatly affected, negatively, with all levels of graphite. Compressive test results indicate that an optimum level of graphite is realized to provide maximum compressive strength. Measured electrical resistance decreased, thus conductivity increased, in samples containing 0.5% and 1% graphite as compared to the control. However, conductivity decreased in graphite levels above the 1% graphite mark, indicating a design optimization level of graphite. Finally, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to explain conductivity differences in samples with various pore sizes.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Construction Research Congress 2020: Project Management and Controls, Materials, and Contracts
Pages: 881 - 888
Editors: David Grau, Ph.D., Arizona State University, Pingbo Tang, Ph.D., Arizona State University, and Mounir El Asmar, Ph.D., Arizona State University
ISBN (Online): 978-0-7844-8288-9
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Nov 9, 2020
Published in print: Nov 9, 2020
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