Section 8: Reinforcing Steel
Reinforcing steel used in concrete pavement
includes longitudinal and transverse steel in continuously reinforced
concrete pavement (CRCP), dowel bars in concrete pavement contraction
design (CPCD), and tie bars for both CRCP and CPCD.
Longitudinal and transverse steel is designed to keep cracks
tight to prevent water or foreign materials from penetrating the
pavement structure or prevent seepage through the concrete cracks. Dowel
bars are used to provide load transfer at the transverse contraction
joints. Tie bars are installed at the longitudinal construction
joints and maintain the concrete slabs’ structure, which prevents
lane separation.
For the steel to perform these functions satisfactorily, steel
must possess certain engineering properties, which include the modulus
of elasticity of 29 million psi and yield strength of 60 ksi. More specific
requirements are stipulated in Item 440. The steel should meet the
requirements as described in Items 360 and 440 and in the