Development of conductive concrete for tower foundation and study on its electrical thermal characteristics

Abstract

In the high-current impact scenario, the foundations of transmission line towers are the core components that ensure the stable and reliable operation of the lines, and conductive concrete plays an irreplaceable role. However, how to realize the collaborative optimization of the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of conductive concrete has become an important research problem in the current field. In this paper, the optimal ratio of conductive concrete for the tower foundation is determined, the multi-physical-field coupling numerical simulation model under high current is constructed, and the electrothermal coupling behavior of the material under lightning impulse is analyzed. Research shows that when the graphite content is 20% and the stainless steel fiber content is controlled at 2.75±0.1%, the material’s overall performance is optimized; under a high-current surge of 20 kA, the current density of this material can be reduced to 3,280 A/m3, and the maximum internal temperature of the test specimen drops to 2,270 K. The relevant results can provide important theoretical support for the ground application of conductive concrete in engineering and the safety protection of power systems.