Development of an Improved Protocol for Structural Evaluation of Dowel Load Transfer Systems for Concrete Pavements TPF-5(313)

(2021) Development of an Improved Protocol for Structural Evaluation of Dowel Load Transfer Systems for Concrete Pavements TPF-5(313). Transportation, Department of

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Abstract

This report describes the development of a test protocol for evaluating the structural behavior of alternate dowel load transfer systems for concrete highway pavement. The conceptual development and physical verification of the test are described, along with recommendations for incorporating the test in specifications for highway paving dowels. The test is based on the load deflection test that is included in Section 5 of AASHTO T 253-02, a double-shear test of single dowels, except that the new test uses a circular load at the slab corner (rather than a 4,000 lb distributed load) and is applied to dowel groups across 4 ft wide concrete pavement joints (simulating a wheel path) rather than to single dowels that cross 1 ft wide joints. In addition, the test includes provisions for an optional 50% overload test condition. Replicate tests were performed using standard 1.25 in. epoxy-coated steel dowels in the AASHTO T 253 test and the new test. Finite element data and test results were analyzed to develop recommended evaluation criteria for the new test that would be consistent with the original AASHTO T 253 test but applicable to multidowel systems rather than individual dowels. Adoption of this new test protocol will allow agencies to more easily evaluate and implement newer, more efficient, and more durable pavement dowel technologies with confidence.