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: Interstate 29 southbound between Highway 200A and Highway 200, Hillsboro, ND
Interstate 29 Southbound in Hillsboro, North Dakota, saw significant improvements in the International Roughness Index (IRI) through various concrete pavement restoration (CPR) techniques. Key components included diamond grinding, dowel bar retrofit (DBR), full depth repair (FDR), partial depth repair (PDR), and joint resealing. Conducted primarily to restore load transfer and enhance skid resistance, the CPR methods targeted only the most deteriorated sections, demonstrating cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
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Case Study
Highway
Diamond Grinding, Dowel Bar Retrofit, Full & Partial Depth Repair, Joint and Crack Resealing
Smoothness, Structural/Material Issues
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: Concrete patching and maintenance for I-44 in Oklahoma City, OK
On I-44 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, extensive Concrete Pavement Restoration (CPR) measures, including diamond grinding, dowel bar retrofit (DBR), full depth repair (FDR) and joint resealing were applied to address transverse joint faulting and improve pavement conditions. Despite challenges such as limited work windows and high traffic volumes, the project was completed successfully in 2005, resulting in significant improvements in pavement service life and ride quality.
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Case Study
Highway
Diamond Grinding, Dowel Bar Retrofit
Smoothness
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: I-94 repair from upper Midwest to upper Northwest, Douglas and Grant Counties, MN
I-94 from the Upper Midwest to Upper Northwest experienced improved ride quality and extended pavement lifespan through Concrete Pavement Restoration (CPR) methods. The project utilized several techniques, including diamond grinding, dowel bar retrofit (DBR), full depth repair (FDR), partial depth repair (PDR), joint resealing, and crack resealing. The project successfully improved ride quality and extended the pavement's lifespan by more than 15 years, demonstrating the flexibility and economic advantages of CPR.
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Case Study
Highway
Concrete Pavement Preservation and Restoration, Diamond Grooving
Structural/Material Issues
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: Concrete Patching and Maintenance for I-84 in Box Elder County, UT
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) carefully considered a variety of options to repair the 20-year-old concrete pavement on I-84 in Box Elder, UT. The methods selected included dowel bar retrofit (DBR), diamond grinding, full depth repair, partial depth repair, slab jacking and joint resealing. This newly rehabilitated highway will provide a safe, smooth and durable surface for many years to come.
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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, Slab Stabilization
Smoothness, Structural/Material Issues