Joint Load Transfer System Deterioration
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Description
Transverse crack or corner break developed as a result of joint dowels.
Problem
Indicator of a failed load transfer system, roughness
Possible Causes
Load transfer dowel bars can fail for two principal reasons:
- Corrosion. If inadequately protected, dowel bars can corrode over time. The corrosion products occupy volume, which creates tensile stresses around the dowel bars, and a severely corroded dowel bar is weaker and may fail after repeated loading.
- Misalignment. Dowel bars inserted crooked or too close to the slab edge may create localized stresses high enough to break the slab. Misalignment can occur during original construction or during dowel bar retrofits.
Repair
Removal and replacement of the affected joint load transfer system followed by a full-depth patch for affected area.
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Cite this page
APA
Pavement Interactive. (2026, November 1). Joint load transfer system deterioration. HeadLight. Retrieved [the date you read it], from https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/joint-load-transfer-system-deterioration/
ASCE
Pavement Interactive. (2026). “Joint Load Transfer System Deterioration.” HeadLight, <https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/joint-load-transfer-system-deterioration/> ([the date you read it]).
BibTeX
@misc{pavint-joint-load-transfer-system-deterioration,
author = {{Pavement Interactive}},
title = {Joint Load Transfer System Deterioration},
year = {2026},
publisher = {HeadLight},
howpublished = {\url{https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/joint-load-transfer-system-deterioration/}},
note = {Accessed [date]}
}