EVALUATION OF STAINLESS-STEEL PIPES FOR USE AS DOWEL BARS

In order to find a method for evaluating pavement performance and reducing repair costs, a study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of using stainless-steel pipes as dowel bars. The effects were studied of stainless-steel pipe (concrete filled and hollow) having an outside diameter of 1.66 inch with a diameter of 1.25 inch and similar to those presently used as dowels in Portland cement concrete pavement. The study suggests that larger bearing areas have positive effect on load transfer performance. The study also indicates that the moment of inertia of the dowel (concrete-filled or solid) has a notable effect on the deflection. Preliminary tests demonstrate that 0.109-inch wall thicknes, type 316 stainless-steel pipe filled with concrete would be cost-effective and superior to 1.25-inch diameter solid-steel bars when used in jointed concrete pavement with short joint spacings. This design would assure satisfactory long term dowel performance.