Joints in concrete roads – Aspects of construction and performance

Increasing demands are bein~ made on joints in conérete roads by greater traffic 'voluines anld heavier loads. Most joints 'perform satisfactorily, yet a small proportion fail in service, resultinn in expensive remedial work. The paper reviews the main types of joints, and problems associated with their construction and performance. It deals principally with UK practice but also draws on International experience. It considers tolerances on dowel bar alignments, methods of forming and sealrng joint grooves and aspects of joint movements. Load transfer systems other than dowel bars are considered. Recommendations for research are made. The paper is based on a state-of-the-art review recently completed by the Roads and Pavements Commitee of The Concrete Society.