Finite Element Modelling of GFRP Dowel Bars Embedded in Slabs on Ground Resting on Simulated Soil Subbase

Dowels are the most commonly used load transfer devices at joints in ground-supported slabs such as pavements and slabs-on-ground, to ensure a smooth ride across the joints and to minimize damage to concrete due to vehicular impact loads. Durability issues arising from corrosion and the consequent development of dowel looseness due to loss of material are some of the prevailing concerns when steel dowels are used. The past decade has seen rising popularity in the application of the corrosion-free glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) dowels at joints owing to its high tensile strength and ease of handling, and smooth exterior surface which negates the use of a bond-breaker mechanism. This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical works conducted to investigate the application of smaller diameter GFRP dowels at joints embedded in slabs-on-ground subjected to smaller infrequent loads. Based on the experimental results from four specimens of dimensions 1500 × 750 × 200 mm³ resting on an extruded polystyrene subbase simulating dense sand, with various types of dowels (GFRP 14 mm, GFRP 16 mm, GFRP 38 mm, and stainless-steel 12 mm), numerical models were developed and validated. Numerical parametric investigations were conducted to study the effect of parameters such as dowel spacing, concrete strength, slab width, slab thickness, modulus of elasticity of subbase material, and location of loading.