Abstract
The paper presents a comprehensive experimental and analytical (3D finite element modelling-FEM) investigation into the combined effect of dowel misalignment and wheel load on dowel bars response in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP). The study also investigated the suitability of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) dowels as an alternative material to epoxy-coated steel dowels. The experimental tests focused on the pull-out load joint-opening behaviour and relative deflection (RD) of the joint. A 3D FEM was developed to investigate the most frequent cases of dowel misalignment for steel and GFRP dowels and estimate the damaged volume in the surrounding concrete pavement due to dowel misalignment. The results showed that using GFRP dowels significantly reduces the pull-out load required to open the joint and also reduces joint lockup possibilities even when dowel misalignment exists. Consequently, the surrounding pavement deteriorates much less.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 113655 |
| Journal | Engineering Structures |
| Volume | 252 |
| Early online date | 17 Dec 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2022 |
Keywords
- Concrete damaged plasticity
- Dowel looseness
- Dowel misalignment
- Experimental tests
- Finite element
- GFRP
- JPCP
- Load transfer efficiency (LTE)
- Pull-out