Slab Load-Transfer Dowel Schedule (ACI 302)
The smooth, GREASED load-transfer dowels for a jointed slab-on-grade, per ACI 302 detailing -- round bond-broken dowels that make two panels deflect together under wheel loads while still free to shrink and slide (distinct from the deformed bonded bars of rc-shear-friction). One dowel every spacing (commonly 12 in o.c.) along the joint, inset from each edge: dowels per joint = floor((joint length x 12 - 2 x edge clearance) / spacing) + 1. A 40 ft joint at 12 in o.c. with 6 in edge clearance takes 40 dowels; five such joints need 200. Dowel diameter ~ slab thickness / 8 (about 3/4 in for a 6 in slab), ~18 in long, ONE end greased so the joint can open -- but ACI 302.1R gives the actual size/length/spacing by thickness in a table, which governs. Dowels must be aligned parallel (a basket), or a locked joint cracks the slab. A takeoff/detailing aid; the structural drawings, ACI 302/360, and the engineer of record govern.
Formula and source
dowels_per_joint = floor((joint_length_ft x 12 - 2 x edge_clearance_in) / dowel_spacing_in) + 1; total_dowels = dowels_per_joint x num_joints; dowel_diameter_in ~ slab_thickness_in / 8 (advisory).
Slab-on-grade load-transfer dowel detailing (ACI 302.1R Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction; ACI 360R design of slabs-on-ground), by name; the dowel size/length/spacing table and the engineer of record govern.
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