Systematic Literature Review and Scientometric Analysis on the Advancements in Electrically Conductive Asphalt Technology for Smart and Sustainable Pavements

Abstract

Plain asphalt typically is an insulator to the flow of electric current. It can be modified to conductive asphalt by adding various recyclable and environment-friendly conductive additives in it. Such asphalt can provide smart and multifunctional environmentally sustainable applications in the pavement industry. Its production and performance behavior parameters are, however, yet to be entirely understood. This study presents a review of literature on conductive asphalt using systematic literature review and scientometric analysis techniques to holistically understand conductive asphalt and current research developments in this field. The objective was to perform a critical review and scientometrically characterize the published research studies. Literature was acquired from credible research databases for the study duration from 2009 to 2022, and these were subsequently using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol to identify the most relevant documents. Sixty-two bibliographic articles were consequently selected for the study. Systematic review identified the research themes and techniques adopted in the field of conductive asphalt technology, and the scientometric analysis quantified the characteristics of the articles. VOSViewer was utilized for visualizing the key findings of the quantitative analysis. Development of conductive asphalt has great research potential and improving its piezoresistivity and conductive network is the future research focus of smart asphalt technology. An experimental study was also conducted, and the results were presented. A dataset of 75 Marshall asphalt specimens of various mix proportions was compiled to assess the Marshall parameters, volumetrics, and their electrical resistivity. 60/70 penetration grade bitumen was used along with five waste tire metal fiber based modified asphalt mixes with contents 0%, 0.375%, 0.75%, 1.125%, and 1.5%. This review, along with experimental investigations, provided an in-depth understanding of conductive asphalt concrete’s behavior, the emerging trends to support future studies, and helped to identify the current major research themes and the corresponding challenges.