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High-strength and durable dowel bars, fiberglass bars, FRP bars
In the construction of concrete slabs, either on grade, elevated, or otherwise, joints, known by such terminology as expansion, contraction, etc., are purposely positioned in the slab to control where cracks in, or movement of the slab will occur. These joints may be cut into the slab after the concrete material is placed and hardened, scribed into the concrete during placement, or defined by means of various joint making materials which are placed prior to the concrete placement.
In some cases, transverse joint restraint devices, dowel bars, are cast into the slabs so that the dowel bar longitudinal center is mid point longitudinally between the joint. These devices function, primarily, to restrain vertical movement between adjacent slabs, while permitting the slab to move horizontally. Dowel bars, are typically Grade 60 (ASTM A615) plain uncoated steel or coated steel (zinc galvanized, epoxy or other coating material) of various cross sectional areas to accommodate anticipated loads. The coating for current, steel, dowel bars and dowel baskets is to prevent, or forestall corrosion, rusting, of the steel as a result of environmental or project conditions.
The Pulwell fiberglass dowel bar is the answer to the aforementioned corrosion. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Dowel Bars have a number of advantages when used as load transfer devices for extended life pavement. The Achilles Heel of concrete pavement is the joint. Joint failure is often the result of corrosion of the steel dowel bar. Pulwell Dowel bars will not rust or corrode, locking a concrete joint together or causing spalling of the surrounding concrete. In addition, while providing the necessary shear capacity at the joint, the lower stiffness of the GFRP Dowel bars reduce fatigue stresses in the concrete surrounding the dowel.
Benefits of Pulwell Dowel bars
Impervious to Chloride Ion and Chemical Attack
1/4 the weight of traditional steel dowels means
Easier handling
Fewer injuries
Faster installation
Modulus of Elasticity closer to concrete than steel
Less stress in concrete around the dowel
Allows for lower strength concrete
No Need to Grease Dowels
High-strength and durable dowel bars, fiberglass bars, FRP bars