Effects of different aggregate and conductive components on the electrically conductive asphalt concrete's properties

ABSTRACT

Since ancient times, the closure of roads due to ice and snow accumulation is one of the most critical problems of highway transportation. There are two different approaches to prevent icing on the road: passive and active methods. In this study, the most efficient aggregate type and the asphalt mixture combination containing electrically conductive components was determined for electrically conductive asphalt pavements which are considered among the active anti-icing methods. For this purpose, a two-stage experimental study was carried out. In the first stage, asphalt concrete (CAC) specimens with 25 different aggregate and conductive component contents were produced and their properties such as volumetric resistivity, the temperature variations under constant (30 Volt) electrical direct current (DC), heating and cooling times and thermal conductivity were determined. Marshall asphalt design was also performed for three series (2.1; 4.1, and 4.3) for the best electrical and thermal conductivity properties in the second stage of the study. Volumetric resistivity tests were performed and temperature variations under constant voltage (30 V) were determined on the Marshall specimens. As a result of the study, environmentally friendly asphalt specimens with wearing layer having high electrical conductivity properties were developed. It was concluded that not only the conductive components but also the aggregate type was reasonably effective in terms of anti-icing performance and CAC specimens could exhibit behaviour close to traditional asphalt properties.

KEYWORDS:

• Electrically conductive asphalt concrete (CAC)
• conductive component
• aggregate type
• thermal conductivity properties
• conductivity performance-

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Afyon Kocatepe University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Department (Grant Number:15.MUH.14). Also authors wish to special thanks to Afyonkarahisar Municipality, Department of Asphalt Laboratory, KOLSAN Mining Inc. Comp., İzmir Iron and Steel Inc Comp. (İDÇ), DOW Inc. Chemical Company and AKSA Akrilik Inc. Comp., ÖZERBAND Conveyor Band Inc. Comp., AKU Natural Stone Analysis Laboratory (DAL) and Technology Application and Research Center (TUAM) Laboratories for their helps and assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Afyon Kocatepe University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Department: [Grant Number 15.MUH.14].