The Role of Dowel Geometric Properties in Load Transfer: A Shear Force Perspective for Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements

Abstract

This paper explores the influence of dowel geometric properties on dowel engagement and load transfer performance in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP). Dowels are essential components for engaging adjacent slabs and transferring loads across joints, directly affecting the pavement's mechanical behavior and service life. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed using EverFE to simulate the dowel-concrete interaction under load. Additionally, statistical analysis, including ANOVA performed in SPSS, was used to evaluate the significance of various geometric parameters: dowel length (45 and 55 cm), diameter (2 and 2.5 cm), vertical placement (top, middle, bottom), arrangement (even vs. wheel path), and vertical misalignment (0° and 5°). The results reveal that dowel length minimally influences shear engagement, while larger dowel diameters substantially enhance the system's ability to carry shear loads. Vertical misalignment reduces dowel participation and compromises joint performance. Dowels arranged evenly across the slab width and positioned at mid-depth show greater engagement and improved structural response. By analyzing the shear forces taken by dowels, this study highlights the critical role of geometry in dowel effectiveness, guiding optimized dowel design to ensure long-term pavement performance.