Utilizing Graphite Powder to Improve Concrete Conductivity, Compressive Strength, and Workability

Ahmed Jalil Al-Bayati, Kamal H. Butrouna, Robert E. Steffen, Baris Salman, Mohammad Al-Qaralleh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

7 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationConstruction Research Congress 2020
Subtitle of host publicationProject Management and Controls, Materials, and Contracts - Selected Papers from the Construction Research Congress 2020
EditorsDavid Grau, Pingbo Tang, Mounir El Asmar
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages881-888
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9780784482889
StatePublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes
EventConstruction Research Congress 2020: Project Management Controls, Materials, Contracts - Tempe, United States
Duration: Mar 8 2020Mar 10 2020

Publication series

NameConstruction Research Congress 2020: Project Management and Controls, Materials, and Contracts - Selected Papers from the Construction Research Congress 2020

Conference

ConferenceConstruction Research Congress 2020: Project Management Controls, Materials, Contracts
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTempe
Period3/8/203/10/20

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Utilizing Graphite Powder to Improve Concrete Conductivity, Compressive Strength, and Workability'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this