# Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement

Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP, Figure 1) uses contraction joints to control cracking and does not use any reinforcing steel.

- Canonical URL: https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/jointed-plain-concrete-pavement/
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Review: reviewed by licensed professional engineers on the previous Pavement Interactive site, where reviewers were not recorded by name

![Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP)](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/jpcp.gif)

*Figure 1.* Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP).

Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP, Figure 1) uses [contraction joints](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/construction/placement/joints/) to control cracking and does not use any reinforcing steel. Transverse joint spacing is selected such that temperature and moisture stresses do not produce intermediate cracking between joints. This typically results in a spacing no longer than about 6.1 m (20 ft.). [Dowel bars](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/construction/placement/joints/) are typically used at transverse joints to assist in [load transfer](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/load-transfer/). [Tie bars](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/tie-bars/) are typically used at longitudinal joints.

## Properties

### Crack Control

[Contraction joints](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/contraction-joint/), both transverse and longitudinal

### Joint Spacing

Typically between 3.7 m (12 ft.) and 6.1 m (20 ft.). Due to the nature of concrete, slabs longer than about 6.1 m (20 ft.) will usually crack in the middle. Depending upon environment and materials slabs shorter than this may also crack in the middle.

### Reinforcing Steel

None.

### Load Transfer

[Aggregate interlock](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/load-transfer/) and [dowel bars](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/load-transfer/). For low-volume roads [aggregate interlock](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/aggregate-interlock/) is often adequate. However, high-volume roads generally require [dowel bars](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/dowel-bar/) in each transverse joint to prevent excessive [faulting](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/faulting/).

### Other Info

A majority of U.S. State DOTs build JPCP because of its simplicity and proven performance.