Assessing the conductive and thermoresistive behaviours of asphalt mixtures incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAFS)

Electrically conductive asphalt mixtures are stimuli-responsive materials that can undergo changes in their electrical properties under external stimuli such as strain, damage and temperature. These kinds of self-sensing materials can be used for traffic monitoring and pavement health monitoring. The present research aims at assessing the conductive and temperature sensing performance of asphalt mixtures with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAFS). EAFS was used to replace fine aggregates in the asphalt mixtures, while GNPs were added in different content, ranging between 1 and 7% by weight of the bitumen. The percolation mechanism occurs for a GNPs content between 1.25 and 2%. GNPs+EAFS asphalt mixtures exhibited an excellent thermoresistive behaviour, meaning that these kinds of composites can be used for temperature-sensing purposes. The findings of the paper can be utilised for optimising the design of conductive asphalt materials, enabling intelligent monitoring of road pavements over time.