The Need Concrete has been used for many years as a composite material that has excellent mechanical properties and durability for construction. However, concrete is a poor electrical conductor, especially under dry conditions.
Traditional methods can warm roads, but installation cost is high and the procedure is complicated.
The Technology A research team in Material Laboratory of Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada, led by Dr. James J. Beaudoin, has developed a new conductive concrete with both superior electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. The design formulation is based on the 'electrical percolation' principle by which the composite conductivity increases dramatically by several orders of magnitude when the content of the conductive phase reaches a critical 'threshold' value. Further increases in the conductive phase content boost composite conductivity only slightly. The design specifies an amount just over the threshold content, assuring high conductivity and mechanical strength as well as good mixing conditions. Conductive concrete particles and fibers are added to conventional aggregate and cement paste compositions to achieve the conductive concrete, which can be fabricated by two methods.