Small-Scale Accelerated Load Test for Doweled Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement

Corrosion of metallic dowel bars is a significant issue that leads to decreased long-term performance of jointed plain concrete pavements. Dowels are susceptible to corrosion development due to exposure from chlorides from deicing agents. Corrosion development of the dowels decreases load transfer across the joint, which causes faulting development. To date, the magnitude of dowel corrosion due to chloride exposure has not been quantified, and the effect of corrosion on loss of performance is unknown. In this study, available corrosion models will be used to estimate corrosion development caused by exposure to typical levels of deicers. The loss cross-sectional area of the dowel due to corrosion will be quantified and used to evaluate the decrease in joint performance.