Dowel Bars – Steel

Concrete dowel bars are short, cylindrical steel rods designed to transfer load between sections of concrete slabs. By preventing uneven movement and cracking, they ensure structural integrity and even weight distribution across control joint.

Dowel bars, which are often used alongside products like concrete key joints, are widely used in applications such as concrete pavements, bridge decks, industrial floors, and large slab constructions. They are especially vital for structures requiring efficient load transfer and durability, such as roads and heavy-duty industrial zones.

The ideal size of dowel bars rods depends on the slab’s thickness and expected load. Common diameters range from 12 mm to 25 mm, with lengths typically between 450 mm and 600 mm. For expert advice on sizing, feel free to contact Allcon.

Proper spacing of dowels for concrete joints is typically 300 mm to 600 mm, depending on the load-bearing requirements. For additional support, products like dowel plates can be used to enhance alignment and durability in construction joints.

Dowel bars are essential in concrete pavements for facilitating load transfer across joints, thereby preventing deflection and maintaining slab alignment. They are particularly crucial in high-traffic or heavy-load areas, such as highways and industrial zones, to prevent cracking and ensure structural integrity. In lighter applications, alternative reinforcement methods like deformed steel tie bars may be sufficient, depending on the project's requirements.

While both dowel bars and tie bars are used in concrete joints, they serve different purposes. Dowel bars transfer loads across joints, allowing for horizontal movement while preventing vertical displacement.

Tie bars, on the other hand, are designed to hold adjacent slabs together and prevent separation rather than facilitating load transfer. For projects requiring more specialised solutions, products like dowel flanges provide additional options for managing joint movement and load distribution.