Field Evaluation of Elliptical Fiber Reinforced Polymer Dowel Performance

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials are making an entry into the construction market in both buildings and pavements. The application to pavements so far has come in the form of joint reinforcement (dowels and tie bars). FRP resistance to salt corrosion in dowels has made it an alternative to standard epoxy-coated steel dowels for pavements. Iowa State University has completed a large amount of laboratory research to determine the diameter, spacing, and durability of FRP dowels. This report documents the performance of elliptical FRP dowels installed in a field situation. Ten joints were monitored in three consecutive test sections, for each of three dowel spacings (10, 12, and 15 inches) including one instrumented dowel in each test section. The modulus of dowel bar support was determined using falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing and a loaded crawl truck. FWD testing was also used to determine load transfer efficiency across the joint. The long-term performance and durability of the concrete was also evaluated by monitoring faulting and joint opening measurements and performing visual distress surveys at each joint. This report also contains similar information for standard round, medium elliptical, and heavy elliptical steel dowels in a portion of the same highway. In addition, this report provides a summary of theoretical analysis used to evaluate joint differential deflection for the dowels.

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

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Center for Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Technology
  2901 South Loop Drive, Suite 3100
  Ames, IA  United States  50010-8634

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Porter, Max L
  • Cable, James K
  • Harrington, John F
  • Pierson, Nathan J
  • Post, Anthony W
• Publication Date: 2005-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 93p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Composite materials; Concrete; Dowels (Fasteners); Durability; Falling weight deflectometers; Faulting; Fiber reinforced materials; Field studies; Inspection; Load transfer; Pavement distress; Pavement joints; Pavement performance; Performance; Polymers; Spacing; Steel; Testing; Tie bars
• Uncontrolled Terms: Differential deflection
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces; I35: Miscellaneous Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01002887
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-01-X-00042, Project 5
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 5 2005 1:20PM