Field Evaluation of Elliptical Steel Dowel Performance

Joints are always a concern in the construction and long-term performance of concrete pavements. Research has shown that we need some type of positive load transfer across transverse joints. The same research has directed pavement designers to use round dowels spaced at regular intervals across the transverse joint to distribute the vehicle loads both longitudinally and transversely across the joint. The goal is to reduce bearing stresses on the dowels and the two pavement slab edges and erosion of the underlying surface, hence improved long-term joint and pavement structure performance. Road salts cause metal corrosion in doweled joints, excessive bearing stresses hollow dowel ends, and construction processes are associated with cracking pavement at the end of dowels. Dowels are also a cost factor in the pavement costs when joint spacing is reduced to control curling and warping distress in pavements. Designers desire to place adequate numbers of dowels spaced at the proper locations to handle the anticipated loads and bearing stresses for the design life of the pavement. This interim report is the second of three reports on the evaluation of elliptical steel dowels. This report consists of an update on the testing and performance of the various shapes and sizes of dowels. It also documents the results of the first series of performance surveys and draws interim conclusions about the performance of various bar shapes, sizes, spacings, and basket configurations. In addition to the study of elliptical steel dowel performance, fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) are also tested as elliptical dowel material (in contrast to steel) on a section of the highway construction north of the elliptical steel test sections.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/reports/elliptical_steel_interim.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Center for Transportation Research and Education
  2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700
  Ames, IA  United States  50010-8664

  Iowa Department of Transportation

  800 Lincoln Way
  Ames, IA  United States  50010

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Cable, James K
  • Totman, Stacia L
  • Pierson, Nathan
• Publication Date: 2006-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Interim Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 304p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete pavements; Corrosion; Costs; Curling; Dowels (Fasteners); Erosion; Fiber reinforced plastics; Joints; Load transfer; Pavement performance; Pavements; Salts; Spacing; Steel; Stresses; Tie bars
• Uncontrolled Terms: Warping
• Subject Areas: Construction; Design; Finance; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01044302
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA Project DTFH6103C00119
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 22 2007 2:43PM