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.
Understanding 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.
They are a cost-effective stabilization method for slopes, portals, and underground excavations where immediate tensioning is not required.
This technique is used in our services for:
Drilling 
Mesh & Barrier Systems 
Rock Anchoring Typical Applications
How It Works
Our proven methodology ensures consistent, high-quality results for every installation.
Borehole Drilling
A borehole is drilled into the rock mass at the designed angle and depth.
Bar Insertion
A steel bar is inserted (typically #5–#8 rebar or threaded rod) with centralizers.
Cement Grouting
Cement grout fills the annulus, bonding the bar to the entire hole length.
Curing & Activation
Once cured, the dowel acts as a shear key across rock joints and discontinuities.
Key Advantages
Cost-Effective Reinforcement
Rock dowels provide reliable stabilization at lower cost than tensioned systems, making them ideal for large-area treatments.
Simple Installation
No specialized tensioning equipment required—drill, insert, grout, and move to the next location.
Full-Length Bond
Complete grouting along the entire bar length provides uniform load transfer and excellent corrosion protection.
Low Maintenance
Passive reinforcement requires no periodic re-tensioning or adjustment after installation.
Rapid Production
Simplified installation process allows crews to achieve high daily production rates.
Technical Considerations
Soil/Rock Conditions
Works best in controlled geological conditions with identifiable joint sets. Requires competent rock for full grout bond development.
Groundwater
Groundwater can dilute grout during installation. May require water control measures or rapid-set grout formulations in wet conditions.
Load Capacity
Load capacity develops through shear resistance along the grouted length. Not intended for applications requiring immediate active load.
Spacing
Spacing determined by block geometry and joint patterns. Typical patterns range from 4-8 ft centers.
Installation Method
Rotary or percussion drilling followed by gravity or pressure grouting. Full-column grouting is essential for performance.
Equipment Used
- Track or wagon-mounted drills
- Rope-access drilling platforms
- Grout mixers and pumps
- Centralizers and grout tubes
- Hand tools for plate installation
Limitations
- Not intended for load-tensioning applications
- Requires full grout cure before loading
- Less effective for active block movement
- Hole stability required during grouting
Technical Specifications
System Variations
Fully Grouted Cement Dowels
Standard installation using portland cement grout for long-term durability and corrosion protection.
Best For:
- Permanent slope stabilization
- Highway cuts
- Portal reinforcement
Epoxy-Grouted Dowels
Rapid-setting epoxy provides quick load capacity, often within hours of installation.
Best For:
- Time-critical projects
- Mining production areas
- Emergency stabilization
Fiberglass Dowels
Non-metallic reinforcement for temporary applications or where future excavation is planned.
Best For:
- Temporary tunnel support
- TBM breakout zones
- Demolition areas
Integration With Other Systems
Pinned Mesh Systems
Dowels anchor mesh to the slope while providing shear reinforcement across rock discontinuities.
Learn More
Shotcrete Reinforcement
Dowels secure loose blocks while shotcrete provides surface sealing and weathering protection.
Learn More
Rock Scaling
Scaling removes immediate hazards; dowels then stabilize remaining fractured rock.
Learn MoreExample Project Types
- Portal support at tunnel entrances
- Fractured road cut stabilization
- Rock face reinforcement prior to mesh
- Mining drift support
- Railway cut slope protection
- Spillway and dam abutment stabilization
Our Work in Action
Why Choose Rock Supremacy for Rock Dowels
Precision Drilling
Our experienced crews deliver accurate hole placement in steep and challenging terrain.
Rope-Access Capability
We install dowels on vertical faces and remote slopes where conventional equipment cannot operate.
In-House Drill Platforms
Custom drill platforms allow access to difficult terrain without expensive crane support.
Rapid Emergency Response
48-hour mobilization for emergency stabilization of failing slopes and rockfall hazards.
Quality Grouting
Proper grout mixing and tremie placement ensures full-column bond and long-term performance.
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.
Ketchum-Challis Highway Scaling
Large-scale rock scaling and mesh installation along 3 miles of Highway 75 through the Sawtooth Mountains.
Rock Dowels FAQ
Client Testimonials
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Related Techniques
Explore other engineering methods we use to deliver comprehensive geotechnical solutions.
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.
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.
Blasting & Boulder Busting
Controlled blasting breaks rock in a precise, predictable manner for excavation, scaling, access road construction, and geotechnical stabilization. When performed by trained specialists, blasting creates clean rock faces, removes hazardous overhangs, and improves slope geometry for long-term stability.