Epoxy-Grouted Dowels
Epoxy-grouted dowels provide rapid-set, high-strength reinforcement by bonding steel bars into holes drilled in rock or concrete. This technique is ideal for small to medium stabilization tasks, repairs, or situations requiring fast loading and strong adhesive properties.
Understanding Epoxy-Grouted Dowels
Epoxy-grouted dowels provide rapid-set, high-strength reinforcement by bonding steel bars into holes drilled in rock or concrete. This technique is ideal for small to medium stabilization tasks, repairs, or situations requiring fast loading and strong adhesive properties.
The fast cure time and excellent bond strength make epoxy dowels perfect for emergency stabilization, key block security, and repairs where minimal downtime is critical.
This technique is used in our services for:
Grouting 
Rock Anchoring 
Rock Scaling Typical Applications
How It Works
Our proven methodology ensures consistent, high-quality results for every installation.
Drill & Clean
Drill hole to specified depth and clean thoroughly with air/water to ensure adhesion.
Epoxy Injection
Fill hole with structural-grade epoxy using cartridge or bulk injection.
Dowel Installation
Insert steel dowel, spinning through epoxy to mix components and ensure encapsulation.
Cure & Plate
Allow curing before installing bearing plate and nut for load application.
Key Advantages
Fast Cure Time
Epoxy reaches working strength in 2-4 hours, allowing rapid loading compared to cement grout's multi-day cure.
Superior Bond Strength
Epoxy develops higher bond strength than cement grout, particularly in clean, dry holes.
Key Block Security
Individual unstable blocks can be secured quickly without waiting for cement cure.
Repair Applications
Excellent for concrete repair, doweling across cracks, and reinforcement of delaminated material.
Precise Placement
Cartridge systems provide consistent mix ratios and controlled placement in the hole.
Technical Considerations
Soil/Rock Conditions
Epoxy bonds best to clean, dry rock or concrete. Wet holes may require special formulations or cement grout alternative.
Groundwater
Moisture in holes reduces bond strength. Underwater epoxies available for wet conditions but cement grout may be preferred.
Load Capacity
Capacity determined by bar size, embedment length, and epoxy bond strength. Test pulls verify installation quality.
Spacing
Spacing per structural design. Minimum spacing typically 6-8 bar diameters to prevent group effects.
Installation Method
Hole drilled slightly larger than bar, cleaned thoroughly, epoxy injected from bottom, bar spun during insertion to mix components.
Equipment Used
- Rock drill (hand-held or track-mounted)
- Hole cleaning equipment (air/water)
- Epoxy cartridges or bulk system
- Dispensing gun or pump
- Steel dowel bars and plates
Limitations
- Temperature sensitivity—cure time varies with temperature
- Hole must be clean and dry for full bond
- Higher material cost than cement grout
- Limited working time once mixed
Technical Specifications
System Variations
Cartridge Systems
Pre-measured cartridges ensure consistent mix ratio and simplified installation.
Best For:
- Standard installations
- Quality-critical work
- Remote sites
Bulk Injection
Pump-dispensed epoxy for high-volume applications or deep holes.
Best For:
- Large projects
- Deep embedment
- Production work
Threaded Rod Dowels
Threaded bars allowing adjustment and nut tensioning at the surface.
Best For:
- Plate connections
- Adjustable installations
- Mesh attachment
Rebar Dowels
Standard reinforcing bar for maximum capacity and economy.
Best For:
- Structural connections
- High-load applications
- Concrete repair
Integration With Other Systems
Pinned Mesh Systems
Epoxy dowels provide fast anchorage for mesh plate connections.
Learn More
Shotcrete Reinforcement
Dowels anchor reinforcement and provide connection to existing rock or concrete.
Learn MoreRock Scaling
Epoxy dowels secure key blocks identified during scaling operations.
Concrete Repair
Dowels stitch cracks and anchor repair patches to parent material.
Example Project Types
- Emergency rock stabilization
- Key block security
- Tunnel rehabilitation
- Mesh plate anchorage
- Concrete crack repair
- Structural connections
- Rapid-response stabilization
Our Work in Action
Why Choose Rock Supremacy for Epoxy-Grouted Dowels
Precision Installation
Proper hole cleaning and epoxy placement ensure full bond development.
Quality Materials
We use proven structural epoxy systems with documented performance.
Rapid Response
Emergency mobilization for key block stabilization and safety-critical repairs.
Integrated Solutions
Epoxy dowels combined with scaling, mesh, and shotcrete for complete stabilization.
Our Work
See how we've applied this technique and others to solve real-world geotechnical challenges.
Bingham Canyon Mine Support
Highwall stabilization in one of the world's largest open-pit mines to ensure safe ongoing extraction.
I-70 Corridor Stabilization
Installed 50,000 sq ft of high-tensile mesh and performed extensive scaling after a major weather event.
Lava Hot Springs Slope Stabilization
Multi-phase slope stabilization project protecting the historic hot springs resort and Highway 30 from an active landslide.
Epoxy-Grouted Dowels FAQ
Client Testimonials
Trusted by DOTs, engineering firms, and property owners nationwide.
Deploy Us
Ready to discuss your project? Our team is standing by to assess your site conditions and develop a custom solution using Epoxy-Grouted Dowels and other proven techniques.
Emergency (24/7)
(541) 383-7625Bidding & Estimates
Info@RockSupremacy.comHeadquarters
Licensed in CO, UT, WY, ID, MT, CA, WA, OR, TN, VA
Request Consultation
Related Techniques
Explore other engineering methods we use to deliver comprehensive geotechnical solutions.
Pinned Mesh Systems
Pinned mesh systems combine steel mesh with rock bolts or dowels to create a secure, reinforced slope surface. This containment system prevents loose blocks from detaching and provides long-term stability in both civil and mining applications.
Rock Bolting
Rock bolting stabilizes fractured, jointed, or unstable rock masses by anchoring steel bars deep into competent rock. By tying loose blocks back to stable substrate, rock bolts improve the overall strength and cohesion of slopes, cuts, tunnels, and vertical faces.
Rock Dowels
Rock dowels are passive reinforcement elements used to lock loose or fractured rock blocks into place. Unlike tensioned bolts, dowels rely on full-length grouting to create shear resistance across joints and discontinuities.
Structural Shotcrete
Structural shotcrete is high-strength, reinforced concrete applied pneumatically to create durable retaining walls, tunnel linings, and slope support systems. Engineered to carry significant loads, it provides monolithic construction that conforms to irregular surfaces.