Investigating the Heat Generation Efficiency of Electrically-Conductive Asphalt Mastic Using Infrared Thermal Imaging

One of the emerging technologies for producing sustainable ice-and snow-free pavements is the use of electrically-conductive surface courses, e.g., electrically-conductive asphalt concrete (ECAC) that can melt ice and snow through resistive heating. Modifying the mastic in asphalt concrete with electrically-conductive materials is a promising approach for producing high-quality ECAC. The objective of this study is to evaluate electrical conductivity and heat generation efficiency of electrically-conductive asphalt mastic (ECAM) specimens at a below-freezing temperature—simulating the harsh weather conditions in North America during the wintertime. To this end, asphalt mastic was electrically modified with carbon fiber (CF) at varying volume contents. The ECAM specimens were then powered by 60V AC during a time window of 10 minutes so that their heat generation capacity could be characterized through infrared thermography (IRT). Based on the resistivity measurements and thermal data analysis, the most reasonable CF content enabling rapid heat-generating ECAM was identified; this has future implications with respect to achieving efficient highway, bridge, and airport pavement operations during wintertime