Analysis of stresses in concrete pavement under a dowel according to its diameter and load transfer efficiency

The suitable load transfer between adjacent concrete slabs in transverse joint is influenced by various parameters. In this paper, the influence of different diameters and spacing of dowel bars on the slab interaction was considered. Calculations were carried out with application of 3D finite element method. Verification of the model was performed with the concrete pavement in Poland. Results of these calculations were compared with falling weight deflectometer studies. Calculations of stress concentration around dowel bars for different conditions and parameters enabled to determine a relationship between load transfer efficiency (LTE) and vertical compressive stresses in the concrete slab. It was found that application of dowels with small diameters can promote damages in the concrete slab because of concentration of vertical compressive stresses under the dowel bar. The found relationship enables to determine stresses in concrete under the dowel according to its diameter and LTE.