Date Approved

6-15-2021

Embargo Period

6-17-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. Civil Engineering

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

College

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering

Advisor

Yusuf Mehta, Ph.D., P.E.

Committee Member 1

John Schmalzel, Ph.D., P.E.

Committee Member 2

Cheng Zhu, Ph.D., P.E.

Keywords

Electrical Resistivity, Electrically Conductive Asphalt Mixtures, Graphite-Modified Asphalt Mixtures

Subject(s)

Asphalt--Electric properties; Pavements--Performance; Ice prevention and control

Disciplines

Civil Engineering

Abstract

The goal of this study is to develop Electrically Conductive Asphalt (ECA) mixtures with optimized electrical and mechanical properties for use in electrically heated asphalt pavements for anti-icing applications. Laboratory experiments were carried out to design ECA mixtures at varying dosages, using three graphite grades of different particle sizes, one virgin aggregate type, two binder grades, and one carbon fiber. The impact of graphite dosage and particle size on the volumetric properties and electrical resistivity of asphalt mixtures was assessed. Different factors with potential impact on the electrical properties were investigated, including the graphite particle size and dosage, the air voids level, the addition of carbon fiber, and binder PG used. Laboratory testing was conducted to evaluate the rutting, cracking, and durability of graphite modified mixtures using the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer, Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device, Semi-Circular Bend, Indirect Tension Cracking Test, and Cantabro loss tests. The results revealed that graphite improves the electrical conductivity of asphalt mixtures when introduced at dosages of 10 to 15% or higher by volume of binder. Graphite-modified mixtures prepared with larger graphite particle sizes, lower air voids, and carbon fibers' addition exhibited improved electrical conductivity than their equivalents. Furthermore, graphite modified mixes had better rutting resistance but higher susceptibility to breakdown and cracking than the unmodified control mix.

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