Lockable Dowels

Lockable Dowels are used at temporary movement joints in post-tensioned concrete frames. These dowels allow initial shrinkage of the concrete to take place and are then locked in position with a mechanical plate and a controlled amount of epoxy resin. The locked dowels continue to transfer shear, but prevent further movement taking place.

Advantages

The use of Lockable Dowels can save a significant amount of time and materials over other construction methods. Traditionally, concrete shrinkage has been accommodated by leaving gaps in the slab called ‘pour strips’ or ‘closure strips’. These strips are filled once movement has stabilized, however until they are filled the slabs must be propped, restricting site access and delaying site progress.

Lockable Dowels improve site access, minimize formwork requirements and accelerate the rate of construction. With a Lockable Dowel, there is less requirement for the slabs to be propped or a support corbel to be constructed, as shear load is transferred by the dowel. The time saved by early removal of slab props can be significant.

A Lockable Dowel also provides many advantages over the site-assembled arrangement of carbon steel reinforcing bar, galvanized or plastic ducting, vent tubes and a non-specific grout, which is sometimes used by contractors.

• Eliminate pour strips

• Reduce propping times

• Reduce formwork

• Improve site access

• Faster, safer construction

• Proven performance

Lockable Dowels can be used to replace pour strips at temporary movement joints in post-tensioned concrete frames. Standard systems are available for use at slab joints and retaining / core walls.

Slab-to-Slab

• Proven performance
• Minimal material usage

Slab-to-Wall

• Improved site access
• Reduced propping time