The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a modified version of the AASHTO T253 dowel bar test procedure. The modified AASHTO test was developed based upon comparisons to previous ISU projects and was compared to an alternate cantilevered dowel bar test. The dowel bar tests were conducted for the purpose of finding a preferred method of obtaining the Modulus of Dowel Support, k0. The series of tests included 54 modified AASHTO specimens and 18 cantilever specimens. Six different dowel bar types were included in the laboratory tests. The bar shapes were both round and elliptical. The dowel bars were made of epoxy-coated steel, stainless steel, and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP).;The study was conducted in the Iowa State University Structural Engineering Laboratories. The data gathered from the laboratory tests was analyzed using modified theories developed by Timoshenko and Friberg.;The results in this study determined that the modified AASHTO test was superior to the experimental cantilever test in both accuracy and precision for the determination of k0. Recommendations are given for an improved AASHTO T253 procedure. Recommendations for further research regarding the determination of k0 are noted at the end of this study.