The spacing of the contraction joint
is estimated from the shrinkage potential of concrete.
The spacing of the expansion joint is estimated
from the coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete,
maximum change of temperature and the acceptable
joint gap. Since, the concrete is good in compression,
the experience over last few decades indicates that
concrete pavement can be constructed without any
provision of expansion joint (ACPA 1992). The dowel
bars are designed by assuming that they participate
in the load transfer, when the vehicle moves from
one slab to other. The tie bars are designed in such
way that they have enough strength to tie the two
adjacent slabs. The design of dowel bar and tie bar
is discussed in detail later.
