Electro-mechanical Properties of Functional Fiber-Based Rigid Pavement under Various Loads Applied on a Large-Scale in-Situ Section

Abstract

Highways play a critical role in development plans worldwide, as they significantly impact people's daily lives. Monitoring vehicle weights can enhance road lifespan, improve efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs. Self-sensing concrete has emerged as a groundbreaking technology for real-time monitoring structures and infrastructures, including rigid pavement. By incorporating electrically conductive materials (ECMs), this type of concrete can detect and measure load magnitudes. An experimental study investigated the electro-mechanical properties of rigid pavement under various types of loads using chopped carbon fiber (CCF) and macro-end hook steel fiber (SF) on a large-scale in situ section. The applied loads were represented by trucks classified according to Iraqi standards. The study revealed that as the applied loads on the test section increased, the electrical resistivity (ER) decreased accordingly, with the degree of change being directly proportional to the magnitude of the applied stress.