Dowel Bar Retrofitting

What we do

Used to reinforce existing roadways to tie the roadway back together.

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Dowel Bar Retrofitting

Dowel bar retrofitting is a technique used to strengthen and reinforce existing roadways, by adding additional reinforcing bars (also known as dowel bars) to enhance their load-bearing capacity and structural integrity.

Step-by-step

What to expect from this service

Structural assessment: The first step is to conduct a thorough structural assessment of the existing concrete structure. This evaluation helps determine the areas of weakness or deterioration and identifies the specific locations where the dowel bar retrofitting is required.

Design and planning: Based on the structural assessment, engineers and experts develop a retrofitting plan. This plan outlines the specific reinforcement requirement, including the size, number and spacing of dowel bars to be installed. The plan considers the structural loads, expected performance goals and compatibility with the existing structure. 

What to expect

Surface preparation: Before installing dowel bars, the concrete surface needs to be prepared. This typically involves cleaning the area, removing any loose debris and ensuring a clean and sound substrate for proper adhesion.

Drilling holes: Next, holes are cut into the existing concrete structure at designated locations according to the retrofitting plan. These holes are typically drilled using specialized, 6-bladed concrete saws, to create three precise and clean openings for the dowels.

Dowel bar installation: Dowel bars, which are typically made of steel and are pre-cut to the required length, are then inserted into the drilled holes. These dowel bars act as reinforcement, providing additional tensile strength to the structure. Epoxy resin or grout is often used to bond the dowel bars to the surrounding concrete, ensuring a strong and secure connection.

Grouting and finishing: Once the dowel bars are installed, grout or epoxy is injected into the drilled holes to fill any voids and provide additional reinforcement. This helps in achieving proper load transfer and bond between the dowel bars and the existing concrete. The surface is then finished to match the surrounding area, ensuring a seamless appearance.

Quality control and testing: Throughout the dowel bar retrofitting process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure the proper installation and performance of the structure.

Dowel bar retrofitting is an effective method for strengthening and improving the load-bearing capacity of existing concrete structures.

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