The Durability of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Dowel after Accelerated Environmental Exposure
The corrosion of steel dowel causes potential problems in jointed concrete pavement that necessitate alternative dowel materials. Glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) dowel is a possible maintenance-free alternative that will potentially reduce the overall lifetime cost of pavement. This study evaluated the long-term durability of GFRP dowel. It was subjected to accelerated ageing at an elevated temperature under five environmental conditions: alkaline, water, salt, calcium chloride and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The durability was quantified using the apparent horizontal shear strength test. The results of the accelerated ageing test were compared with those of the natural environment. Based on the test results, the durability of GFRP dowel is acceptable and it is very resistant to the detrimental affects of accelerated ageing.