What is the purpose of having dowels in concrete joints?

The purpose of having dowels in concrete joints is to transfer loads between adjacent slabs while accommodating movement. Dowels are essential in maintaining structural integrity in concrete slabs, particularly in applications like pavements and floors where slabs are subjected to various loads and environmental changes.

When two slabs are connected, dowels help facilitate load distribution across the joint, ensuring that stress is evenly transferred from one slab to the next. This reduces the risk of cracking and maintains the overall stability of the structure. While also allowing for horizontal movement due to expansion and contraction, dowels prevent the slabs from binding against each other, which can lead to damage over time.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary functional role of dowels. They are not intended to modify the color of joints, enhance aesthetic appeal directly, or improve bonding between materials. Their main function is centered around effective load transfer and accommodating joint movement, which is critical for the performance and longevity of concrete installations.