The compressive strength and electrical resistance of pitch-based carbon fiber (CF) in cementitious materials are explored to determine the feasibility of its use as a functional material in construction. The most widely used CFs are manufactured from polyacrylonitrile (PAN-based CF). Alternatively, short CFs are obtained in an economical way using pitch as a precursor in a melt-blown process (pitch-based CF), which is cheaper and more eco-friendly method because this pitch-based CF is basically recycled from petroleum residue. In the construction field, PAN-based CFs in the form of fabric are used for rehabilitation purposes to reinforce concrete slabs and piers because of their high mechanical properties. However, studies have revealed that construction materials with pitch-based CF are not popular. This study explores the compressive strength and electrical resistances of a cement paste prism using pitch-based CF.

• Inkyu Rhee(Department of Civil Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea)
• Jin Hee Kim(Faculty of Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea)
• Sang Hee Park(Project Group R&D Center, GS Caltex Corporation, Daejeon 34122, Korea)
• Sungho Lee(Carbon Composite Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Wanju 55324, Korea)
• Bong Ryeul Ryu(School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea) Corresponding Author
• Yoong Ahm Kim(School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea) Corresponding Author