Shear Resistance of GFRP Composite Bars for Concrete Pavement Joints

Abstract

Dowel bars are used in concrete pavement to transfer loads between adjacent panels across construction, control, and expansion joints. Such load transfer is secured through shear action in the dowel bar. Steel dowel bars tend to corrode prematurely, and cause deterioration of the concrete pavement joints. In order to retrofit concrete pavement with corroded steel dowel bars, a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite bars are considered durable alternative for replacement of corroded steel dowel bars. GFRP bars have high corrosion resistance, however, the transverse shear properties of GFRP bar vary widely, depending on their chemical and physical properties. This paper presents comprehensive review of literature along with experimental investigation of GFRP bars for use as dowel bars in concrete pavement, at the construction and control joints. Two series of GFRP bars having diameters of 16mm and 32mm were investigated and reported.