Electrically conductive asphalt concrete for smart and sustainable pavement construction: A review

Electrically conductive asphalt concrete (ECAC) is an innovative material that offers numerous possibilities by directly incorporating functional additives (such as metal-based or carbon-based materials) into asphalt binder and mixing it with traditional aggregates and mineral filler. With such a strategy, ECAC possesses a high electrical/thermal conductivity, making it an ideal candidate for sustainable repair methods based on induced heating-healing, snow and ice melting systems on pavements, and piezoresistive sensors for traffic detection in pavement engineering. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the design and development of ECAC, with a particular focus on the advancements made over the past decade (from 2013 to 2023). The review begins by introducing the composition and fundamental principles underlying ECAC. Subsequently, it summarizes the key aspects related to the design and preparation of ECAC. Moreover, this paper delves into the remarkable multi-functionality exhibited by ECAC, showcasing its potential in practical applications. Through examining various case studies, the review highlights the successful utilization of ECAC in diverse scenarios. This review work can serve as a valuable resource, offering insights and guidance for developing ECAC in the context of smart and sustainable pavement construction.