Evaluation of piezoresistive response and mechanical performance of self-sensing asphalt concrete mixed with different lengths of carbon fiber

The length of carbon fiber (CF) has a significant effect on the conductive and self-sensing properties of self-sensing asphalt concrete (SSAC). Hence, there is a need to systematically evaluate the effect of different lengths of CF on the comprehensive performance of SSAC, which is helpful to promote the application of SSAC in intelligent infrastructure. In this study, carbon fiber asphalt concrete (CFAC) was firstly prepared by adding various ratios of CFs with different lengths into asphalt concrete. Then the SSAC was fabricated by embedding the electrode mesh into the CFAC in the form of sandwich structure. The conductive, piezoresistive, and mechanical properties of SSAC were systematically evaluated. Furthermore, the evolution of piezoresistive response of SSAC under rutting and freeze-thaw tests was analyzed. Subsequently, the piezoresistive response of SSAC under realistic vehicle loads was further investigated. Finally, the synergistic mechanism of compounding different lengths of CF on the piezoresistive properties of SSAC was discussed. The results indicate that the conductive properties of SSAC are significantly enhanced with the increase of CF length. For the mixed-doped system, the conductive properties of SSAC gradually improve as the proportion of 3 mm and 6 mm CFs increases, while degrade as the proportion of 9 mm CF increases. The SSAC with a mixing ratio of CF (3 mm:6 mm:9 mm = 2:6:2) exhibits high piezoresistive response sensitivity and stress/strain sensitivity, which is because the appropriate mixing ratios of CFs with different lengths can achieve both long-range and short-range bridging paths, construct a multi-level conductive network, and enhance the tunneling effect. Although the electrical resistivity, piezoresistive response sensitivity, and strain/stress sensitivity of SSAC are influenced to varying degrees after rutting and freeze-thaw tests, the SSAC still possesses a desirable conductive property and self-sensing function. The vehicle loading test reveals that the SSAC can not only detect traffic flow and identify vehicle types (axle numbers), but also effectively monitor the speed of the vehicle.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.139942
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061825000893
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09500618
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Wang, Zhuang
  • Feng, Zhen-gang
  • Cui, Qi
  • Guang, Genmiao
  • Li, Xinjun
• Publication Date: 2025-2-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 139942
• Serial:
  • Construction and Building Materials
  • Volume: 462
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0950-0618
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09500618?sdc=1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt concrete; Carbon fibers; Electrical resistivity; Freeze thaw tests; Piezoelectricity; Rutting
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01947794
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 28 2025 4:46PM