Optimization of CF-GP Blended Electrically Conductive Concrete

Abstract

The feasibility of blending carbon fiber (CF) with graphene powder (GP) to produce electrically conductive concrete has seen limited investigation. This study aims to optimize the mixture proportions of CF-GP blended electrically conductive concrete for superior durability and mechanical characteristics using the Taguchi optimization approach. The design of the experiments was carried out considering four factors, each having three levels. The resulting CF-GP blended electrically conductive concrete mixtures of the L9 orthogonal array were proportioned using different cement content, water-to-cement ratio, volume of ECM, and combination of ECM. Test methods included electrical conductivity and compressive strength. The two quality criteria were given equal weights to determine the optimal levels of factors. The method revealed that the optimum mix for electrical conductivity had a cement content of 400 kg/m3, w/c of 0.55, ECM volume of 6%, and ECM combination of 40/60, whereas for compressive strength it had a cement content of 300 kg/m3, w/c of 0.50, ECM volume of 2%, and ECM combination of 30/70. Experimental findings endorse the utilization of CF and GP in concrete as a means of improving the electrical performance of concrete.