Recent advances in concrete electrical performance based on literature clustering analysis

Abstract

This study systematically reviews the latest domestic and international research progress on electrically conductive concrete (ECC) published from 2019 and 2025. High-frequency co-occurring keywords were extracted and subjected to cluster analysis, with particular attention to the synergistic interactions among material composition, preparation processes, and microstructure. Conductive phase materials regulate electrical conductivity by constructing continuous conductive networks, jointly governed by filler type, dosage, and synergistic reinforcement mechanisms. The water-to-binder ratio, mixing procedure, and curing age collectively determine conductivity and its evolution by modulating conductive-phase dispersion, network formation, and pore-structure development. Environmental factors—temperature, humidity, and external loading—markedly alter the electrical conductivity and piezoresistive response through their influence on ionic mobility, pore-water saturation, conductive network connectivity, and microstructural evolution. Future research should prioritize sustainable nano-fillers and multiscale predictive models to balance conductivity, strength, and durability, thereby facilitating industrial-scale application.