Alternative materials from the conventional steel dowels have been investigated for joints as reinforcement to carry the shear forces across the opening. Among these alternative materials, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) has been given considerable attention. FRP is considered a high candidate to replace steel in those areas where corrosion is of concern. The FRP allows for the slip that is needed but provides for a non-corrosive dowel bar. Alternative dowel bars for joints have been undergoing investigation at Iowa State University (ISU). The alternatives include size, shape and material parameter changes from the conventional 1.5-in. diameter, 18-in. long steel dowels currently employed in joints of pavements, bridge approaches and other locations where load transfer is needed but longitudinal movement must be accommodated. In addition to alternative materials that have been investigated, alternative shapes have been tested and placed in field applications in research projects conducted at ISU. Elliptical, hollow, and other shapes have been tested in the Structural Engineering Laboratory. The tests include elemental behavioral parameter tests, and full-scale pavement slabs subjected to up to 10 million cycles of load. This paper will focus on the structural behavior and field applications of these alternative dowel bars and shapes utilized in conventional joints of a small gap. Results of the tests and field applications will be presented.
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