Development of Conductive Concrete for Electric Curing Application in Cold Weather
Abstract
This study aimed to develop conductive concrete suitable for electric curing in cold weather applications. The effect of adding carbon fiber and steel fiber at doses 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% by volume of concrete in mixes was investigated. Several critical aspects were explored: the fresh and hardened properties of the concrete mixes, their electrical and thermal properties, and the effectiveness of electric curing in maintaining optimal curing temperatures. Fresh properties assessed included slump, air content, and density, while hardened properties were evaluated through test for density, absorption, and voids, and compressive strength and splitting tensile strength tests. The addition of steel fiber to the mix improved the mechanical properties of concrete while carbon fiber slightly reduced the strength. To test the electrical and thermal properties, an electric current was applied to fresh concrete for one hour. Temperature profile and conductivity were obtained, and results showed that carbon fiber improved the conductivity of fresh concrete while steel fiber had an insignificant effect on conductivity. Selected mixes underwent electric curing, and different curing regimes were compared: normal curing at room temperature, traditional curing in cold weather, and electric curing in cold weather. The incorporation of conductive fibers enabled effective electric curing that maintained optimal temperatures and provided strength comparable to concrete cured at ambient temperature.
