In the construction of concrete slabs, either on grade, elevated, or otherwise, joints, known by such terminology as expansion, contraction, etc., are purposely positioned in the slab to control where cracks in,or movement of the slab will occur. These joints may be cut into the slab after the concrete material is placed and hardened, into the concrete during placement, or defined by means of various joint making materials which are placed prior to the concrete placement.

In some cases, transverse joint restraint devices, dowel bars, are cast into the slabs so that the dowel bar longitudinal center is mid point longitudinally between the joint. These devices function, primarily, to restrain vertical movement between adjacent slabs, while permitting the slab to move horizontally. Dowel bars, are typically Grade 60 (ASTM A615) plain uncoated steel or coated steel (zinc galvanized, epoxy or other coating material) of various cross sectional areas to accommodate anticipated loads. The coating for current, steel, dowel bars and dowel baskets is to prevent, or forestall corrosion, rusting, of the steel as a result of environmental or project conditions.

The Pulwell fiberglass(GFRP) dowel bar is the answer to the aforementioned corrosion. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Dowel Bars have a number of advantages when used as load transfer devices for extended life pavement. The Achilles Heel of concrete pavement is the joint. Joint failure is often the result of corrosion of the steel dowel bar. Pulwell Dowel bars will not rust or corrode, locking a concrete joint together or causing spalling of the surrounding concrete. In addition, while providing the necessary shear capacity at the joint, the lower stiffness of the GFRP Dowel bars reduce fatigue stresses in the concrete surrounding the dowel.

Benefits of Pulwell GFRP Dowel Bars

★Impervious to Chloride Ion and Chemical Attack

★1/4 the weight of traditional steel dowels means:

   Easier handling

   Fewer injuries

   Faster installation

★Modulus of Elasticity closer to concrete than steel

   Less stress in concrete around the dowel

   Allows for lower strength concrete

★ No Need to Grease Dowels

Typical Applications of Pulwell GFRP Dowel Bars

Pulwell GFRP dowel bars are highly versatile and suitable for a broad range of concrete pavement projects, including:

• Highways and Roads: This includes interstate highways, state roads, and county roads, particularly in regions that experience frequent deicing salt use or high rainfall.

• Airports: This encompasses runways, taxiways, and aprons, where non-magnetic properties and high load capacity are of critical importance.

• Industrial and Commercial Pavements: Such as warehouse floors, manufacturing plants, port yards, and distribution centers, which are resistant to chemicals and heavy equipment loads.

• Municipal Projects: For instance, sidewalks, bike lanes, parking lots, and public plazas, which can reduce maintenance burdens for local governments.

• Coastal and Marine Environments: Roads, Streets, and port pavements—where innovative materials like GFRP demonstrates resistance to saltwater corrosion.

Choose Pulwell  GFRP Dowel Bars for Long-Lasting Pavements

Whether constructing a heavy-duty highway, a corrosion-prone coastal roads, a industrial floor or a low-maintenance municipal street or parking lot, Pulwell GFRP dowel bars can provide the strength, durability, and cost savings that modern pavement projects demand. By eliminating corrosion, reducing installation time, and lowering  long-term maintenance costs, they are not just a material choice—they are an investment in the durability and performance of your pavement.

The use of Pulwell GFRP Dowel Bars promotes sustainable development in global infrastructure by cutting life-cycle costs and minimizing environmental impact.

Get in touch with our team today to to learn more about our GFRP dowel bar specifications, customized solutions, and how we can support your upcoming project.

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GFRP (fiberglass reinforced polymer)  dowel bars for concrete pavement, which are corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and non-magnetic, come in different sizes as well as round or square shape. When comparing steel and GFRP dowels, high-strength GFRP dowels have their own advantages. Airport paving dowels, highway,road, street dowel bars, and industrial floor dowel bars are applied in different scenarios.