LOW-SEVERITY
TRANSVERE CRACKS
If you have low-severity transverse cracks while aggregate interlock is still intact, you need to perform:
Dowel Bar Retrofit
Dowel bar retrofit (DBR) is a concrete pavement preservation (CPP) tool that restores load transfer across transverse joints and cracks by installing dowel bars to link adjoining slabs. Mechanical load transfer devices such as round steel dowel bars prevent differential vertical movement of the slabs at the joints and cracks, thereby eliminating the formation of faults or stepoffs. Used in conjunction with other CPP practices, such as diamond grinding, DBR can return a concrete roadway to a structurally sound, smooth condition that can exceed the smoothness and noise values attained at the time of construction.
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To perform DBR, slots are cut using diamond saw blades. The slots are placed on 1-foot centers, centered over the transverse joint or crack and parallel to the centerline with three or four slots per wheel path. Dowel bar assemblies are placed into cleaned slots then backfilled, patched and diamond ground to provide a safe, smooth and quiet surface.
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Where to consider DBR:
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Pavements that exhibit a reduction in load transfer.
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Joint and crack faulting between 1/8 to 3/4 inch.
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Transverse cracks that are reasonably tight with minimal spalling.
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Pavements that were constructed as non-doweled jointed pavements, which can have DBR applied to prevent future faulting.
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If aggregate interlock is lost, refer to the cracked slab section.
Resources
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: National Highway Route 60/MT200 in Great Falls, MT
The National Highway Route 60/MT200 is a four-lane highway located in Great Falls, MT that connects several small towns in central and eastern areas of the state. The project to make the roadway smooth and safe for drivers involved repairing approximately 12 lane mines of nine-inch Portland Cement Concrete (PCC). Methods included dowel bar retrofit, full depth repair, partial depth repair, diamond grinding and resealing. The project proved to be a cost-effective solution.
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Case Study
Highway
Concrete Pavement Preservation and Restoration, Diamond Grinding, Dowel Bar Retrofit, Full & Partial Depth Repair, Joint and Crack Resealing
Structural/Material Issues, Sustainability/Environmental
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: Interstate-44 in Oklahoma City, OK Utilizes Concrete Pavement Restoration
A physical survey conducted before work began on Interstate-44 in Oklahoma City, OK, revealed severe panel damage and faulted pavement. Due to the high level of traffic and poor road conditions, a fast-track yet long-term solution was needed. Dowel bar retrofit (DBR), diamond grinding, joint sealing, selective panel replacement and base repair were used on the project for all lanes in both directions. The result for taxpayers is a smooth road that is expected to last 15 years.
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Case Study
Highway
Diamond Grinding, Dowel Bar Retrofit
Smoothness
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: Afton Interchange on Will Rogers Turnpike in Oklahoma repaired using CPR
The Afton Interchange on Will Rogers Turnpike in Oklahoma underwent rehabilitation using dowel bar retrofit (DBR), diamond grinding and full depth repair (FDR). The DBR improved load transfer efficiency, diamond grinding enhanced surface smoothness, and full depth repair (FDR) replaced damaged concrete.
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Case Study
Highway
Diamond Grooving, Dowel Bar Retrofit
Smoothness, Structural/Material Issues
Concrete Pavement Preservation (CPP) Slashed Repair Costs
The city of Baytown, Texas lowered the expected repair costs by 80% with concrete pavement preservation (CPP). CCP techniques are less invasive, low-cost alternatives to full concrete replacements. The city replaced approximately 20 percent of the road surface with CCP work including full-depth panel replacement, dowel bar retrofit, cross stitching, replacement and resetting of manholes, diamond grinding, and crack repair and sealing.
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Case Study
City/Municipal, Highway, Industrial
Concrete Pavement Preservation and Restoration
Structural/Material Issues
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: First Major Dowel Bar Retrofit Project in Nevada Restores Reno Highway
A highway in Reno, Nevada, underwent a significant rehabilitation project using dowel bar retrofit (DBR) and diamond grinding. DBR restored load transfer, and diamond grinding improved pavement performance. One year following project completion, the improved International Roughness Index (IRI) indicated a significantly smoother ride.
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Case Study
Highway
Diamond Grinding, Dowel Bar Retrofit
Smoothness, Structural/Material Issues
Concrete Pavement Preservation (CPP) Built To Last
In 2020, Oklahoma's concrete pavements were due to begin a maintenance cycle, and by the end of that year, concrete pavement preservation (CPP) consisting of selected panel replacements, dowel bar retrofit (DBR) and diamond grinding had been completed on portions of the Cimarron, Bailey and Indian Nation Turnpikes. CPP allows for seven times the length of roadway repaired for every dollar spent.
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Resource Techniques:
Resource Issues:
Case Study
Highway
Concrete Pavement Preservation and Restoration, Diamond Grinding, Dowel Bar Retrofit
Structural/Material Issues