Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences

Structural performance assessment of demountable GFRP dowel bar

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Nabaa A Al-Shrifi 1
Haider M. Al-Jelawy 1
Hisham Jashami 2

1 Department of Roads and Transport Engineering, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah 58001, Iraq.

2 School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State Univ., 1491 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.

https://doi.org/10.30772/qjes.2026.163854.1692
Abstract
For jointed precast concrete pavements, this study suggests a novel demountable dowel bar system made of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). The conventional steel dowel systems have limited reuse, corrosion, and concentrated stress. On the other hand, the suggested solution features a stainless steel sleeve that accommodates the GFRP bar, providing both removability and durability. Under monotonic loading circumstances, four slab specimens measuring 300 mm, 400 mm, and 800 mm in width were put to the test. The findings demonstrated that, in contrast to specimens with traditional steel dowels, those with GFRP dowels had distinct failure processes. The suggested system's potential application in modular pavement systems was indicated by its encouraging load-bearing capability and flexibility.

Highlights

  • The study developed a removable GFRP dowel system for precast concrete pavement.
  • The proposed system eliminates steel corrosion and improves durability.
  • GFRP dowels changed the failure mode from concrete crushing to dowel shear failure.
  • The specimen with 200 mm spacing showed the largest load-carrying capacity.
  • The system enables rapid slab replacement and easier maintenance.

Keywords

Demountable joints
GFRP dowels
Modular pavement systems
Precast concrete pavement
Stress concentration
Crossmark
Subjects
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Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 339-344

  • Receive Date 20 March 2025
  • Revise Date 25 October 2025
  • Accept Date 30 July 2026

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