So rather than just laying the bars continuous we have to place "18' x 18' groups" of bars with perimeter dowels/baskets? Why do the dowels need sized for shear transfer when the method assumes the load transfers directly to the subgrade? What have you seen happen (or heard) if dowels are not used?
I'm designing a concrete slab that going to see an axle load of around 137 kips. My concern is with the contraction joints. PCA method mentions every 18', I doubt that the cost estimate for the foundation accounted for all the dowels/support baskets that would be necessary to follow these guide...
