Effect of Gasification Char and Recycled Carbon Fibres on the Electrical Impedance of Concrete Exposed to Accelerated Degradation

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of carbon-based conductive recycled additions, i.e., recycled carbon fibres (RCF) and gasification char (GCH), on the mechanical, electrical, and durability properties of concretes. The obtained results show that the compressive strength of concrete is not affected by conductive additions, whereas electrical impedance, measured according to Wenner's method, is significantly reduced (6%, 30% and 74% with RCF, GCH, and their combination, respectively) to the advantage of self-sensing properties. As durability is concerned, conductive additions slightly increase capillary water absorption, whereas they decrease chloride ingress through diffusion and do not significantly modify carbonation resistance.

Automated summary

This paper evaluates the effect of carbon-based conductive recycled additions on the properties of concretes. The results show that the compressive strength is not affected, but the electrical impedance is significantly reduced, leading to improved self-sensing properties. In terms of durability, the additions slightly increase water absorption and decrease chloride ingress, while having no significant effect on carbonation resistance.