On 14 May 2025, ISCP partner organization EUPAVE hosted its 10th Workshop on Best Practices in Concrete Paving at its Brussels headquarters and online, drawing around 65 participants in total. The hybrid event focused on “Dowels and tie-bars in concrete pavements,” offering a platform to explore both theoretical advancements and practical applications in load transfer systems for concrete pavements. The session opened with remarks from Luc Rens, EUPAVE’s Technical Director, and featured a series of expert presentations from across the industry.
Presenters highlighted the durability of traditional dowel technologies, introduced emerging materials like glass fiber-reinforced products, and addressed challenges in bridging design theory with field application. Topics included over 50 years of reliable load transfer in Europe, the future of pavement reinforcement using FRP, and practical techniques such as dowel bar retrofitting and cross stitching. The session concluded with a discussion on the ongoing standardization of dowels at the European level, offering insights into efforts to harmonize practices across regions.
Moderated by ISCP Director Jeroen de Vrieze of Cement&Beton Centrum, the workshop included a Q&A session and a cocktail reception for in-person attendees. EUPAVE expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants for their engagement. Attendees interested in learning more about FRP dowels can access a recent American Concrete Institute NEx report, which covers materials, design, and performance in the U.S., with references to European and Canadian experience.
Read more and access the presentations here: https://www.eupave.eu/eupave-workshop-load-transfer-in-concrete-pavements/