Diamond Dowel in Slab-on-grade
Diamond Dowel in Slab-on-grade
(OP)
Does anyone have any credible testing/verification data or documentation regarding the use of diamond dowel (plate) systems for shear transfer in slab-on-grade construction joints? Typically, we would use smooth dowels for shear transfer, however, on a particular job the diamond dowel system has been presented as a "quick and dirty" alternative.
Having no prior experience with this system, I'd like to get some opinions on advantages/disadvantages from those who have utilized both methods. At first glance, I would be concerned about break-out of the concrete above the exposed side of the diamond plate, since the larger surface area (as opposed to intermittent smooth dowels) presents a slippage plane in the slab.
Also, the embedded side of the plate is cast in with the plastic form. I'm not familiar with how plastic would perform through temperature variation, although I believe it has a much lower thermal coefficient than both steel or concrete. Would this have any undesired effect when considering expansion or shrinkage of the slab?
Having no prior experience with this system, I'd like to get some opinions on advantages/disadvantages from those who have utilized both methods. At first glance, I would be concerned about break-out of the concrete above the exposed side of the diamond plate, since the larger surface area (as opposed to intermittent smooth dowels) presents a slippage plane in the slab.
Also, the embedded side of the plate is cast in with the plastic form. I'm not familiar with how plastic would perform through temperature variation, although I believe it has a much lower thermal coefficient than both steel or concrete. Would this have any undesired effect when considering expansion or shrinkage of the slab?






RE: Diamond Dowel in Slab-on-grade
One caveat: I have heard of (but not personally seen) some very bad failures caused by installing the plates too high on poorly compacted sungrade. That said, I wouldn't think round bar dowels would do much better when abused by the installer.
Good luck and please post to let us know how it turns out!
Cheers,
YS
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...
RE: Diamond Dowel in Slab-on-grade
RE: Diamond Dowel in Slab-on-grade
http://www.pna-inc.com/articles/platedowel.pdf