chapter 3 rigid pavement - DOT On-Line Publications - Department ...

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Memorandum
EJC t?lcI Dowel Bar Inserters >ore February 23, 1996
+,, Chref. Pavement Division
Tj: Regional Administrators
Federal Lands Highway Program Administrator
Attention: Regional Pavement Engineers
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Ann. zl- HNG-40
By a March 6, 1990, memorandum, Mr. Louis Papet provided a copy of a Wisconsin
Department of Transportation report on “Dowel Bar Placement: Mechanical Insertion
Versus Basket Assemblies.” Since that time, there appears to have been poor acceptance
of the use of dowel bar inserters. A recent draft NCHRP report noted that 8 States allow
the use of inserters, 13 States allow it as an acceptable option, and 20 States do not allow
their use.
This technique has been used exclusively In some European countries for ove,r 20 years -
with sattsfactory dowel placement results. We believe all States should be encouraged to
make thrs an allowable option in their specifications. We continue to encourage checking
of dowel tolerances by probing through the fresh concrete early during the project and
periodically as the work progresses. We also continue to recommend that when either
baskets or inserters are used, the location of the dowels in the completed pavement be
verified using metal detectors, pachometers, and cores.
If you have any comments or quest ens please contact Mr. John Hallin at (202) 366-1323
or Mr. Roger Larson at (202) 366-l 326
3.5109
T. Paul Teng, P.E. / ’