Thermal properties of conductive concrete using graphite powder and steel fibers

Conventional concrete is an effective isolator whereas the conducting concrete is the emerging technology for deicing the pavements. Conventional concrete with the addition of conductive filler materials and fibers can improve its conductive capacity. In the present study, an attempt has been made to improve the conductivity of the M25 grade conventional concrete by replacing the fine aggregates with 98% pure graphite powder at 5%, 10%, and 15% and by adding 2% of hooked end steel fibers to the cement by weight. From the test results, it was identified that the electrical properties of the concrete can be enhanced by increasing the conducting filler material and the voltage applied. The optimum percentage of the graphite powder is found to be 5% along with 2% steel fibers for better electrical and thermal properties without affecting the mechanical properties of the concrete.