A Field Study of PCC Joint Misalignment Near Fergus Falls, Minnesota

This report highlights an investigation into concrete pavement performance problems caused by transverse joint misalignment on a segment of westbound Interstate 94 near Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

In 1986, heavy rain during construction resulted in transverse joint locations based on estimated sawing guide marks. The results of dowel bar alignment, faulting, and load transfer efficiency measurements all demonstrate that misaligned transverse joints in relationship to the dowel bar assemblies contributed to early faulting that a minimum dowel bar embedment length of 64 mm (2.5 in.) is needed to prevent significant faulting and maintain reasonable load transfer efficiency across a joint. However, construction alignment tolerances and long-term concrete stress reduction near the dowels warrant the use of embedment lengths longer than 64 mm (2.5 in.).

Since several of the joints investigated can be considered undoweled, accelerated faulting of these joints can be expected.