Electro-Active Enamel-Coated Dowel Bar
Durable enamel coating strengthens the bond between concrete and steel
Researchers and engineers at ERDC have developed an electro-active vitreous enamel-coated steel dowel bar to reinforce and stabilize cement concrete and reduce repair costs. Used in the construction, manufacturing, and placement of enamel-coated steel dowel bar assemblies, the device joins and stabilizes slabs and other segments in concrete roadways and structures.
Steel dowel bar assemblies are commonly made from epoxy coated steel and are prone to corrosion. Over time, a rust coating will form that is thick enough to crack the surrounding concrete, putting the structure at risk. ERDC’s novel application method does not leave any small areas uncovered, helping the steel both resist salt corrosion and strengthen its bond with concrete by as much as six times. Since damage to even one steel dowel bar can significantly damage adjacent and nearby concrete slabs, this breakthrough enamel-coated dowel bar can substantially improve safety and reduce expenses.
Benefits:
- Strong: Increases the strength of the concrete joints up to sixfold
- Durable: Protects concrete roadways and structures from salt corrosion, thus extending life
- Low-maintenance: Diminishes the need for major reconstruction repairs, reducing life cycle cost
- Low-cost: Reduces the amount of steel needed to bolster concrete joints
- Safer: Stabilizes concrete slabs, prevents cracking and unevenness, and reduces deflection and stresses
Applications:
- Military (e.g., bases, runways, roadways)
- Roadways (e.g., cement concrete, bridges, city and state Departments of Transportation)
- Construction (e.g., pavement joints, cement concrete slabs)
- Structural steel (e.g., rebar, precast concrete)
- Infrastructure (e.g., bridges, buildings, culverts, beams, airports)
