EVALUATION OF LOAD TRANSFER DEVICES

This report describes the procedures and findings of a study conducted to evaluate two types of load transfer devices used in Louisiana--steel dowel bars and starlugs (a patented device). A statistical comparison was accomplished by evaluating existing concrete roadways with 58.5-foot (17.8-m), 30-foot (9.1-m), and 20-foot (6.1-m) slabs. The two primary aspects evaluated were: (1) measured load transfer capability (Dynaflect device), and (2) pavement deterioration. The report relates installation problems and the results of a questionnaire sent to highway field engineers. It is concluded that, for a given slab length, the dowel bar projects exhibited less faulting, better load transfer capability, and less pavement deterioration. Random coring indicated no major corrosion of either device. The report recommends that measured distress mechanisms be correlated with maintenance efforts required on the projects evaluated on this study, and that the evaluation of 20-foot (6.1-m) slabs continue along with a comparison of mechanically and hand placed devices.

• Record URL:
  http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2008/Report%20097.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Louisiana Department of Highways

  Research and Development Section
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States 

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Bolourchi, Z
  • Temple, W H
  • Shah, S C
• Publication Date: 1975-11

Media Info

• Pagination: 56 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Building; Concrete pavements; Construction joints; Dowels (Fasteners); Durability; Expansion joints; Facilities; Faulting; Highways; Installation; Load transfer; Loads; Lugs; Maintenance; Pavements; Slabs
• Geographic Terms: Louisiana
• Old TRIS Terms: Control joints
• Subject Areas: Construction; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00146483
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: RR-97 Final Rpt., FHWA/LA/RR-97
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 16 1977 12:00AM