To overcome the limitations of traditional electrically conductive composites (ECCC) containing dispersed conductive particles and fibers, this study developed a textile-reinforced ECCC composed of one stainless steel/polyester conductive nonwoven layer and additional recycled nonwoven reinforcing layers. The composite was designed to achieve balanced electrical conductivity, Joule heating performance, and mechanical reinforcement with a relatively low conductive stainless steel fiber content. The compressive force exerted by the cement matrix concentrated the nonwoven network reducing electrical resistance from ∼106 to 10 Ω when 20 wt% stainless steel fibers were used. The experimental study was focused on three pillars. First, correlation among compression, fabric thickness, and resistance of the conductive nonwoven fabric were established, enabling the prediction and customization of ECCC conductivity without requiring cement samples, shortening experimental time. Second, the influence of the conductive layer's arrangement (series and parallel structures) together with ambient temperature (10–37℃) and humidity (35%-75% RH) was evaluated. Parallel structures showed limited resistance variation with ΔR < 3 Ω, and finite element simulations agreed with most experimental results within 5% (max ∼9.5%). Finally, Joule heating, ice-melting, flexural behavior, and damage sensing response were assessed. The selected conductive-layer arrangement melted a 5 cm ice layer 85 min faster than the reference group and exhibited strain-hardening behavior, with MOR values of 3.3–4.4 MPa. Resistance changes during flexural loading indicated potential for monitoring crack development and damage evolution. These findings provide a scalable and predictable pathway for the development of smart cement composites.