Guidelines for Dowel Alignment in Concrete Pavements. NCHRP Report 637

摘要

The research was conducted to develop guidelines concerning dowel alignment in concrete pavements. The effects of dowel misalignment on pavement performance were evaluated through a literature review; laboratory tests of individual dowels; field measurements of misalignment levels, distresses, and joint performance; and finite element modeling of pavements with different types and levels of misalignment. The laboratory tests dealt with dowel-concrete interaction of individual dowels to evaluate the effects of specific types and levels of misalignment in a controlled environment. Pullout testing was conducted on individual dowels to identify the misalignments effect on expansion and contraction of the concrete due to shrinkage and thermal effects. Individual shear-pull testing was conducted to determine the effect of different types and levels of misalignment on ultimate shear strength and stiffness. Finite element modeling was used to augment the results of the laboratory study. An equivalent dowel diameter concept was developed to facilitate quantifying the effects of dowel misalignment on pavement performance.