All About Concrete Pavement

Joint Design & Construction

September 19, 2013

Eric Ferrebee, EIT

Technical Services Engineer
Wh Joint
Why J i t Concrete
C t Pavements?
P t ?
Concrete Shrinks!
Hydration Uses Water Hot then Cold
HOT AT SET

COOLED OFF

Thermal Shrinkage

Drying
Shrinkage

Chemical
Shrinkage
Shrinkage + Restraint = CRACKS!?!

HOT AT SET, HIGH MOISTURE, UNHYDRATED CEMENT

If no restraint

COOL, DRY, HYDRATED CEMENT

TEFLON | No Friction/Restraint
/

With restraint

S b d /S bb
Subgrade/Subbase |R t i t
Restraint
Why Joint Concrete Pavement?

Without jjoints, natural transverse & longitudinal

g
cracking would form about like this

40 80 ft
40-80 15 20 ft
15-20
Why Joint Concrete Pavement?

We pplace jjoints at a slightly

g y shorter spacing
p g to
prevent natural cracking
Why Joint Concrete Pavement?

Other reasons we jjoint concrete ppavements:

Divide pavement into
construction lanes or
increments.
increments
Accommodate slab
movements.
Provide load transfer via
placed dowels.
Provide uniform sealant
reservoir.
Why Joint Concrete Pavement?

Not for lane delineation!

H
How Did We
W Get
G t to
t Modern
M d Practice?
P ti ?
Early Concrete Pavement Details

The first concrete

pavements/slabs were:
6 thick no real
structural design
6 to 8 slabs
N crackk control
No t l jjoints
i t or
dowels/steel
Design Challenge | Solution

Speed
p of Vehicles Increases so People
p Notice
Joint Roughness & Want to Maximize Production
to Minimize Cost | Minimize Construction Joints
less

and more
Design Challenge | Solution

Crack Opening
p g | Reinforce to Hold Crack Tightly
g y
Plan

Steel: 0.06-0.25%
Joints: 40-100 ft
Cracks: 15-20 ft

Profile

THE BIRTH OF JRCP (1913 or Earlier)

Design Challenge | Solution

Crack Maintenance | Create Transverse Joints

Plan

14-20 ft.

Profile
Design Challenge | Solution

Construction Joint Faulting/Chipping

g pp g | Dowel Joints

JPCP Profile

THE BIRTH OF DOWELED JPCP (1917)

JRCP Profile
P fil
Design Challenge | Solution

Crack Faultingg | MORE Steel to Hold Crack Tights

g
Plan
Steel:
St l 0.6-0.85%
0 6 0 85%
Cracks: 2-6 ft.

Profile

THE BIRTH OF CRCP (1923)

Even Tried a Hinge Joint Design

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/concrete/hpcp/hpcp05.cfm
The Three BIG Kahunas
Design Challenge JPCP JRCP CRCP
Transverse Joint Spacing 14-20 ft 22-100+ ft N/A
Transverse Crack Spacing N/A 15-20 ft 2-6 ft
Rut-Resistant Surface Yes Yes Yes
Shrinkage Accounted for by Jointing Cracking Cracking
Reinforcing N/A 0.06 0.25% 0.6-0.85%
Expansion Joints Used No Sometimes Maybe
Ti b Used
Tiebars U d in
i LLong JJoints
i t Y
Yes Y
Yes Y
Yes
Longitudinal Joint Spacing 12-14 ft 12-14 ft 12-14 ft
Trying to Minimize the Number of Yes Yes Yes
Man-Made Joints WHY?
AASHTO 62-93 Design Yes Yes Yes
AASHTO DARWin-ME Design Yes NO Yes
ACPA StreetPave Yes NO No
Most PCCP in the US is JPCP

JPCP
JRCP Joints are not the
CRCP problem;
bl cracks
k are!!

Source: Brett Trautman, MoDOT, Striving for Long-

Life Concrete Pavements Missouris Direction
Wh t is
What i the
th Maximum
M i Joint
J i t Spacing?
S i ?
Formula for Maximum Joint Spacing

MECHANISTIC

English Metric
l = radius of relative stiffness, in. (mm)
E = modulus of elasticity of the concrete, psi (Mpa)
h = slab thickness,
thickness in in. (mm)
k = modulus of subgrade reaction, psi/in. (Mpa/m)
= Poisson
Poissonss ratio for concrete,
concrete usually 0.15
0 15
L/l of 7 works in field; LIMIT L/l to about 4-5 to be conservative
Example with Radius of Rel. Stiffness

E = 4 x 106 psi
h = 8 in.
k = 100 psi/in.
= 0.15
0 15

Slab Length is 4 or 5 time this:

But there is an easier way

Formula for Maximum Joint Spacing

EMPIRICAL
ML = T x Cs
ML = Maximum length between
joints (in. or cm)
T = Slab thickness ((in. or cm))
Cs = Support constant
Use 24 for subgrades or unstabilized [granular] subbases;
Use 21 for stabilized subbases (ATB, CTB, lean concrete) or existing
concrete or asphalt pavement;
Use 12 to 15 for thin bonded overlays on asphalt
Theres an App for This!

apps.acpa.org
Effects of Joint Spacing

80%
20 ft (6.10 m)
nt slab craacking 70%

60%

50%

40%
18 ft (5.49 m)
30%
Percen

20%
17 ft ((5.18 m))
10%
15 ft (4.57 m)
0%
0 10 20 30 40 50
T ffi million
Traffic, illi ESAL
ESALs
Joint Spacing Recommendations

For Streets,, Roads,, and Highways:

g y
Use ML = T x Cs
Keep ratio of transverse to
longitudinal spacing at
less than 11.5;5; square is best
Keep maximum spacing of transverse joints to
15 ft (4.57
(4 57 m)) ffor plain
l i concrete
t unless
l llocall
history shows longer panels work (e.g., low CTE
aggregate)t )
Wh
When D
Do You
Y Saw
S the
th Joints?
J i t ?
Crack Control Window

Too Early: Sawing Too Late:

g
Raveling Window g
Cracking
Concrete Strength

Internal Stress Equals

Internal Stress

Concrete Strength

Minimum Strength to Avert

Excessive Saw Cut Raveling

Time
Factors that Shorten Sawing Window

Weather
Sudden temperature drop or rainshower
Sudden temperature
p rise
High winds and low humidity
Cool temperatures and clouds
Hot temperatures and sunny
Subgrade/Subbase
High friction/bond between slab and subgrade/subbase
D subgrade/subbase
Dry b d / bb surface
f dduring
i construction
t ti
Stabilized free-draining (permeable) subbases
Factors that Shorten Sawing Window
See ACPAs
TB016P and
Concrete Mixture IMCP
High water demand
Rapid
p earlyy strength
g
Retarded set
Fine aggregate (fineness & grading)
Coarse aggregate (maximum size and/or percentage)
Miscellaneous
Paving against or between existing lanes
S blade
Saw bl d selection
l ti
Delay in curing protection or improper curing
Definition of Curing

Maintenance of a satisfactory moisture content and

temperature in concrete during some definite period
immediately following placing and finishing so that
the desired properties are developed.
IMPORTANCE OF CURING!

Proper Curing Fostered

Increased Strength Development

Proper Curing Delayed the

Development of Internal Stresses

Internal Temp and Moisture of Utmost Importance!

apps.acpa.org
How to Test the Window

ASTM C Now = Alright, Start To Make Cut Now

 Levels of Raveling

Unacceptable:

Moderate:

None:

www.hiperpav.com
Wh t About
What Ab t the
th Sawcut
S t Depth?
D th?
Not Just TimingDEPTH!
Joint Depth Recommendations

TRANSVERSE
Transverse T/4 T/3

T/4 on unstabilized
T/3 on stabilized
Longitudinal LONGITUDINAL
T/3 T/3
T/3
Timing is a factor
E l
Early-entry sawing
i may allowll ffor sawing
i ddepths
h
of T/6 to T/5, but at least 1.25 in. (32 mm) deep
If start to see dust from cut, consider reverting to a
cut depth of T/4
Of Course It is More Complicated

Concrete Mix
Aggregate size
Cementitious content

Crack
Propagates
Tensile strength of the slab at 12 hours
1.00

ominal strengthMPa)
0.80 688.38
688.38ST
0.60

FRACTURE 0.40

PROPERTIES

No
0.20

0.00
0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50
ao/d

Saw Cut Depth

Wedge FEM
Model
Split Test Model
Th T
The Types off J
Joints
i t
Types of Joints

Joint types:
yp
Contraction
Construction
Isolation (and, if necessary, expansion)
Each can occur in either the transverse or
longitudinal directions.
Also specialty joints (e
(e.g.,
g transitions
transitions, terminal
joints in continuously reinforced, etc.).
Types of Joints

Transverse Contraction:
Types of Joints

Longitudinal
g Contraction:
Types of Joints

Transverse Construction:
Types of Joints

Longitudinal
g Construction:
Keyways
Relatively High Risk of Bad Const.
Types of Joints

Isolation:
Isolation NOT the same as Expansion

Expansion
p jjoints are
very rarely used in
jjointed pplain concrete
pavements
Proper Use of Isolation and
Expansion Joints in
Concrete Pavements:
To request a copy send an email request to bdavenport@acpa.org.
Important! Include Isolation/Expansion Joints Publication in the
subject line or body of your email
email.
Examples of Locations

TB019P
Examples of Locations

IS006P
Examples of Locations

EB237P
S
Specialty
i lt Joints
J i t
Concrete/Asphalt Transitions
Terminal Joints in CRCP
FHWAs T5080.14 Continuously
Reinforced Concrete Pavement, 1990.

Wide
Flange
Steel
Beam
Terminal
Joint
Design

Lug Anchor
Terminal
Joint
Design
J i t Sealing
Joint S li
Joint Sealants

History & Background

Accepted
p definition:
Sealants minimize infiltration of surface water &
incompressibles into the joint system.

Erroneous definition:
Sealants prevent infiltration of surface water &
incompressibles into the joint system.
To Seal or Not to Seal?

Sealingg jjoints & maintainingg well-sealed

joints MAY improve performance of the
pavement; research into this topic is
ongoing
however, some agencies and owners no
longer require joints to be sealed under
certain conditions
SEE:
sealnoseal.org
Not Sealing

Wisconsin DOT on new ppavements since 1999

Sealing joints found to not be cost-effective
Other factors: free-drainingg subbases,, maintenance of
outflow pipes / edgedrains or daylighted subbases
Several other state agencies do not seal all joints
 Joint Sealing

No Sealant or Cut for Fill Sealant Field Poured Sealant

Often times,
times joints that are not sealed during the first construction may Hot-Poured Sealant -- D/W = 1 (typical)
be sealed during maintenance and repair procedures. Silicone Sealant -- D/W = 0.5 (typical)
Two-Component Material Cold Poured -- D/W = 0.5 (typical)

Notes:
A - Initial cut to a depth of T/4 or T/3 as required for conventional sawing.
I iti l cutt tto a depth
B - Initial d th off 1-1/4
1 1/4 (32 mm)) minimum
i i ffor early-entry
l t sawing.
i
C - As required to accommodate sealant and backer rod.
D - As required by the manufacturer.
Joint Sealing

Preformed Seal
Preformed Compression Seal -- W Sized for Slab & Climate
Isolation Joint

Notes:
A - Initial cut to a depth of T/4 or T/3 as required for conventional sawing.
I iti l cutt tto a depth
B - Initial d th off 1-1/4
1 1/4 (32 mm)) minimum
i i ffor early-entry
l t sawing.
i
C - As required to accommodate sealant and backer rod.
D - As required by the manufacturer.
apps.acpa.org
apps.acpa.org
apps.acpa.org
L dT
Load Transfer
f
Maintaining Joint/Crack Continuity

Aggregate
gg g Interlock
Maximum aggregate size
is important
p
Mechanical connection
Dowel bars
Tie bars NOT FOR LOAD TRANSFER
Subbase support
We Need to DESIGN These Things!

Dowel Bars:
Never designed; typically selected based on thickness what if
pavement always fails by fatigue and not erosion?
Proven dowel bar retrofit uses 50% of the steel of standards.
standards
1-1/2 in. dowel might be cheaper than 1-1/4 in. dowel!
How longg is necessary?
y What about for construction jjoint/DBR?
Tie Bars:
Again, never designed but requirements must change based on
subgrade/subbase, climate, etc.
Subgrade drag theory does not adequately define relationships.
R
Research
h focusing
f i on optimizing
ti i i ddesign.
i
Preventing Pumping

Pumping of subgrade/subbase
requires:
i
1. Undoweled joints or joints w/
ppoor load transfer
2. Water
3. Fast moving, heavy loads
4. Fi
Fine-grained
i d material
t i l iin
subgrade or the subbase must
be an erodible material
Eliminate casual factors to
mitigate pumping
Dowel Bar Recommendations

Pavement Thickness Dowel Diameter

Less than 7.0 in. Not Necessaryy
7.0 8.0 in. 1 in. (if necessary)
8.0 10.0 in. 1-1/4 in. Cost
Greater than 10.0 in. 1-1/2 in. Difference?

What if pavement always fails

by fatigue and not erosion?
Emerging Dowel Geometries
Dowels are Available in
Diff tM
Different t i l
Materials
Steel
Stainless Steel
Composites (FRP)
Zinc Jacketed
MMFX (Photo courtesy of MMFX)

Fiberglas Filled Tubes

Stainless Filled Tubes
Steel Pipe
Etc.
(Photo courtesy of Jarden Zinc Products)
Information Needed for the Dowels

Diameter
Length
Steel Spec & Grade
DOT PProject
j t
Type of End Cut
Coating Type
Coating Spec
Mil Thickness
Patched Ends
Are Dowel Caps Required?
Information Needed for the Frames

What type of Basket

S
Square or Skewed
Sk d
Top Wire Gauge
Bottom Wire Gauge g
Leg Wire Gauge
Style of Leg
Shi i Wi
Shipping Wire G
Gauge & N Numberb R Required
i d
On Center Spacing of Dowels
Number of Dowels per Frame
O.C. Height of Dowel Above Grade (pavement depth)
How thick is the Joint Filler (for expansion baskets)
Type of Leg Styles

J
U
U
U
V
Choked V
Available Dowel Coatings

Epoxy
p y Coatingg
Red Oxide Paint
Tectyl
RC 250
Plain Steel
Etc.
Photo Credit: Chris Dunaway
DOT Epoxy Coating Mil Thickness
(by State)

AL 5-9 IN 7 min NY 10-18 SD 5-10

AZ 8-12 IA 6 min NV 8-12 TN 8-12
AR 8-12
8 12 KS 8
8-12
12 NC 7
7-13
13 TX 8-12
8 12
CO 5-9 KY 9-15 NM 6-10 UT 8-12
DE 55-9
9 MI 8-12
8 12 ND 8
8-12
12 VA 8-12
8 12
FL 7-12 MN 8-12 OH 5-9 WA 8-12
GA 10-14 MO 5 min OK 7-12 WV 7 min
ID 5-9 MT 8-12 PA 8-12 WI 5-9
IL 7-12 NE 5-9 SC None WY 5-9
Trend Towards Standardization

www.cptechcenter.org
p g
Standardization helps reduce
cost of dowel baskets.
Dowel can be in middle 1/3 of slab.
Construction tolerance less on
construction joints so shorter
dowels in these cases and DBR!
No need for so many coating thicknesses.
Etc.
What Spacing is Necessary?
DowelCAD 2.0

FREE software that ppredicts ppavement behaviors

based on different round and elliptical dowel bar
p g and configurations.
spacings g
Results can help designers significantly decrease
embedded steel content (and costs) without
compromising performance!
Program based on finite element analyses.
analyses
DowelCAD 2.0

1.5
1 5 in.
in dowels
50% less steel

Maximum Stresses
Dowel Bearingg Stress: 1,542
, to 1,769
, ppsi | +15%
Edge Stress: 77 to 83 psi | +9%
Edge Deflection: 0.008 to 0.008 in. | +3%
3%
Corner Deflection: 0.015 to 0.015 in. | +2%
DowelCAD 2.0

1.5
1 5 in.
in dowels
Move Edge Dowel

Maximum Stresses
Dowel Bearingg Stress: 1,542
, to 1,695
, ppsi | +10%
Edge Stress: 77 to 77 psi | +1%
Edge Deflection: 0.008 to 0.008 in. | +0%
0%
Corner Deflection: 0.015 to 0.015 in. | +0%
Tiebar Design Subgrade Drag

h
Frictional resistance
Force in Steel = Force in Concrete
As = FLhDw / [fs x (2/3)]
PROBLEMS:
As= area of steel pper lineal foot ((in2) Based on drag
fs= allowable working stress (lb/in2) No temp drop from set
F = coefficient of friction factor Free edge does not apply
after 2+ lanes
L = slab length (in
(in.)) Simplistic method of
D = distance to free edge (in.) modeling slab/base friction
h = slab thickness (in.) Large safety factor (2/3)
Does not account for
w = concrete unit weight (lb/in3) displacement of subbase
M-E Tiebar Research

Design considers subbase type, number of

lanes/shoulders, concrete material properties, climate
(location and placement time), concrete thickness, steel
yield etc
yield, etc.
Climate is important because, in mild climates, less tie
steel is required to keep joints closed because the impact
of thermal cycling on the slabs is less Same with time of
placement because placement in cooler weather (e.g.,
spring/fall/night) might decrease built-in curling!
M-E Tiebar Designer
Example of M-E Tiebar Design
Results
CONSTRUCTION
Pl i
Placing E
Embedded
b dd d St
Steell
Embedded Steel Pre-Placed
Embedded Steel Inserter Placed
 MIT SCAN

apps.acpa.org
Leave Tiebar Out Near Dowel

If a tiebar is pplaced too close

to a transverse joint, it may
interfere with jjoint opening
p g
and closing and the
effectiveness of the dowels
to transfer loads
No tiebar should be placed
within 6 inches of the tip of
the nearest dowel bar in a
transverse joint
Leave Tiebar Out Near Dowel

PROBABLY TOO CLOSE!

Location Identification
M ki
Making th
the IInitial
iti l Saw
S Cut
C t
Joint Formation/Sawing
Common Types of Pavement Saws

Walk-Behind

S
Span S
Saw
Early Entry
Saw Blades

Most common are

industrial diamond (require
g) or abrasive
water cooling)
(carborundum)
Must match the saw blade
to the concrete; based
primarily on aggregate
hardness but also depends
on power output of saw
Order of Saw Cuts

Common ppractice to
first cut transverse joints
to alleviate internal
stresses
However, best practice
to keep all sawing as
close to the paving
operation as possible
Proper Location, Time & Depth =
Joint Activated Over Dowel Bars
Check the Depth!

Too shallow = mayy not relieve TRANSVERSE

T/4
stresses adequately; random T/3

crackingg
Too deep = additional effort
LONGITUDINAL
and expense, unnecessary T/3 /
T/3
equipment wear, and reduce
aggregate interlock
As blade diameter decreases, What about concrete
overlay on unmilled
the saw operator must adjust asphalt?
saw to ensure proper depth
No Speeding!

Sawingg speed
p controls cut
depth; hard aggregate might
q
require a slower speed
p
Speed typically controlled by
sawss self-propelling
saw self propelling
mechanism
Saw operators that attempt to speed up cutting
may tend to push a saw too fast, causing the blade
to ride up out of its full cut
cut not cutting to proper
depth = risk for cracking!
Starting and Stopping a Cut

Cut start and stopp requires

q
special attention
Early-entry
Early entry saws may require
the saw cut stop about in. Down-Cut Saw

short of the pavement edge

to prevent blow out
In windy conditions
conditions, best to
orient direction of sawing with Up-Cut Saw
wind; the slab face exposed
to the wind will dry quicker
C
Creating
ti the
th Sealant
S l t Reservoir
R i
 Joint Sealing

W is 1 MAX!

No Sealant Field Poured Sealant

Often times,
times joints that are not sealed during the first construction may Hot-Poured Sealant -- D/W = 1 (typical)
be sealed during maintenance and repair procedures. Silicone Sealant -- D/W = 0.5 (typical)
Two-Component Material Cold Poured -- D/W = 0.5 (typical)

Notes:
A - Initial cut to a depth of T/4 or T/3 as required for conventional sawing.
I iti l cutt tto a depth
B - Initial d th off 1-1/4
1 1/4 (32 mm)) minimum
i i ffor early-entry
l t sawing.
i
C - As required to accommodate sealant and backer rod.
D - As required by the manufacturer.
Joint Sealing

Preformed Seal
Preformed Compression Seal -- W Sized for Slab & Climate
Isolation Joint

Notes:
A - Initial cut to a depth of T/4 or T/3 as required for conventional sawing.
I iti l cutt tto a depth
B - Initial d th off 1-1/4
1 1/4 (32 mm)) minimum
i i ffor early-entry
l t sawing.
i
C - As required to accommodate sealant and backer rod.
D - As required by the manufacturer.
CLEAN the
th Joint
J i t
Make Certain the Joint is Clean!

All sealed jjoints must be

cleaned immediately behind
saw cuttingg or jjoint wideningg
and immediately prior to
sealingg operations
p
Removes saw-cut slurry, soil,
sand, etc.
Cleanliness of both joint
faces is extremelyy important
p
to concrete/sealant bond
Its not Hard to Check

If wiping
p g a finger
g alongg the face ppicks upp dirt or
dust, recleaning should be done before sealing!
 and is not Expensive to Fix!
New Field Tests on Their Way!
I t lli
Installing the
th Backer
B k Rod
R d
Backer Rod (if used)

Minimizes excess stress on

sealant material from
p p shape
improper p factor
Provides support for the
tooling of the surface
Prevents self-leveling matl
from filling entire joint
Prevents three-sided
adhesion
S li
Sealing th
the J
Joint
i t
Sealing the Joint

Onlyy apply
pp y when tempsp are
above min recommended by
manufacturer
Ensure joint faces dry before
sealing
Fill joint from the bottom up to
prevent air from becoming
trapped under the sealant
Fill from beginning to end in
one smooth operation
Hot-Pour Joint Sealants

KEY FACTORS:
FACTORS
Field control of heating
175-200C
175 200C (350-400F)
(350 400F)
Double boiler
Agitation
g
Insulated hoses
Shape factor (filler/sealant)
Clean and dry sidewalls!!
Silicone Joint Sealants

KEY FACTORS:
Pre-packaged in drums
Manufacturer controls properties
Shape factor
Concrete aggregate
Clean sidewalls!!
Weather conditions
Moisture
M i t iin airi aids
id curing
i
Moisture in concrete can deter
bonding
Compression Seals

KEY FACTORS:
Cell design
5 to 6 cells standard in U.S.
Uniform reservoir width
Installation quality
Lubricant
Stretch
Twist
Debris
Sealant Use in Highways

49
encies
50
45
40
30
ercent of Age

35
30
25
16
20

5
15
10
5
Pe

0
None Hot-Pour Silicone Preformed
Relative Cost of Sealants

Differential from
SEALANT No-seal

None 0%
Hot-pour +2.2%
Silicone +4.5%
Preformed +7.0%
Performance of Sealants

Roadways

Hot-pour 4-7 yr.

Silicone 8-15
8 15 yr.
Preformed 15-25 yr.
Joint Sealing Research
WaterInfiltrationRate
Noseal Silicon Hotpour Compression
18
16

wrate(gal./min./fft)
14
12
10
8
6

Folw
4
2
0
0.6 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0
JointOpening width(mm)
0.5

0.4
Inch

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Years
Base Curve
Poor Drainage & Poor Installation
Good Drainage & Good Installation
No Sealant
T
Transverse C
Construction
t ti Joints
J i t
Construction Joints (Headers)

Header jjoints ((also known as transverse

construction joints) are built at the end of a
section of pavement
p
Must be constructed at the end of a days run
Constructed due to significant
g ppavingg delays
y
Either formed or sawed
No way to account for in layout planning
If next to previously placed pavement, best to
match
t h hheader
d withith existing
i ti ttransverse jjoint
i t
Formed Header

Either two-part
p form with dowels or tiebars
protruding through form or false-dowels attached
p form
to form face and dowels inserted upon
removal; consolidate concrete well at form
Formed Header
Sawed Header

Pavingg continued through

g of header, ppavement
sawed back, dowel/tiebar holes drilled, and
dowels/tiebars installed
Resuming Paving at Header

If formed header, wait at least 6 hours before

resuming paving
Paving equipment is repositioned over the joint to
start the next placement
Some hand placement and hand vibration will be
necessary on the start-up side of the header
Use pre
previously-placed
io sl placed header as a gguide
ide for
surface finishing to ensure a smooth transition
H
How D
Do We
W Ensure
E Ali
Alignmentt off Steel?
St l?
Steel Location and Imaging
Guidance on Dowel Alignment Spec

Terminology
gy

Alignment Tolerances

Location Tolerances

Field
Fi ld M
Measurementt
Procedures/Reporting

Exclusions

Corrective Action
 Joint Score for the GA Section
50

45

40

35
Joint Score
e

30

25

20
J

15

10

0
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Joint
30-yr old GA section with extremely poor dowel alignment
L
Long-Term
T J
Joint
i t Durability
D bilit
Joint Deterioration TAC

Participants
p
DOTs: IA, NY, SD, WI, MI, IN, MN, CO,
FHWA
Industry: ACPA, ICPA, PCA
Research Locations: Iowa State, Michigan Tech,
Purdue
FHWA Cooperative Agreement ended July 2012
Pooled Fund ends July 2013
Current Go-To Documents
Addressing in Existing Pavements

Research is ongoing, but

MAINTENANCE of:
Drainage
J i t seals
Joint l
Winter maintenance
NaCl if possible
Use less salts
Surface sealers
Partial-depth repairs
Full depth repairs
Full-depth
Overlay/Reconstruction
Addressing in New Pavements

Drainage
g of ppavement system
y
Reduce concrete permeability (<1,500 coulombs
at 56 days)
Low w/cm ratio (< 0.45, preferably 0.40)
Appropriate use of SCMs
Well-graded aggregates
Adequate curing
Application of penetrating sealers
Adequate
Ad t air-void
i id system t (> 5% iin place
l +
spacing factor at or below 0.008 in.)
Addressing in New Pavements

Sawingg jjoints
Appropriate blade
Maintain equipment
q p
Minimize raveling of sawcut
For early-entry,
early entry, use temporary spacer
Sealing joints
Apply and maintain per manufacturers
manufacturer s instructions
Avoid backer rod and fill joint instead
S joints
Saw j i t as narrow as practical
ti l andd lleave unsealed
l d
Ensure that crack forms at joint by sawing deeper
T
Troubleshooting
bl h ti
Troubleshooting?

Raveling or spalling is occurring due to sawing too soon or equipment problems.

E l
Early-age cracking
ki iis occurring
i ddue tto sawing
i ttoo llate,
t iinsufficient
ffi i t jjoint
i t ddepth,
th
excessive joint spacing, excessive warping, excessive curling, too many lanes tied
together, too much edge restraint, excessive slab/subbase bonding or restraint,
misalignment of dowel bars,
bars paving in cold weather
weather, or paving in hot/dry weather
weather.
Sealant not adhering to joint.
Sealant picks up or pulls out when opened to traffic.
Sealant gelling in melting chamber (melter).
Sealant cracking or debonding.
Voids or bubbles in cured sealant.
Etc
see ACPA literature of IMCP
CONTACT ME AT eferrebee@acpa.org
f b @ or 847.423.8709
847 423 8709
 Discussion/Questions?
Eric Ferrebee,
Ferrebee EIT
Technical Services Engineer
eferrebee@acpa.org
eferrebee@acpa org
Main Website | acpa.org
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Resources | resources.acpa.org
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l l