Performance-based Specifications for Concrete A focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction

What is the P2P Initiative?  Prescription-to-Performance  An alternative to current prescriptive specifications  An initiative of the concrete industry  Spearheaded by the NRMCA

P2P GOALS  Allow performance specifications as an alternative to current prescriptive specifications  Leverage expertise of all parties to improve quality and reliability of concrete construction  Assist architects/engineers to address concrete specifications in terms of functional requirements  Allow flexibility on the details of concrete mixtures and construction means and methods  Better establish roles and responsibilities based on expertise  Elevate the performance level and quality of ready mixed concrete  Foster innovation and advance new technology at a faster pace

What is a prescriptive Specification?  Do not always cover intended performance  May conflict with intended performance  Limits competitive bidding  No incentive for quality control  Not in the owner’s best interest

Prescriptive Specification Typical Criteria  Slump  Max w/cm ratio  Min cement content  Min/max air  Min/Max pozzolans/slag  Blended cements  Aggregate grading  Source Limitations  Chloride Limits Intended Performance  Placing/Finishing  Strength  Max Shrinkage  Resistance To: Freeze-Thaw Deicer scaling Corrosion Sulfate attack ASR Cracking Abrasion

Water-cement Ratio Cement Water Air Cement Water Air Paste

Does w/c alone control strength?

Does w/c alone control permeability?

What is a Performance Specification?  Focus on performance and function  Flexibility to adjust mixture ingredients and proportions to achieve consistent performance  Measurable and enforceable

Benefits to the Owner  Improved quality  Improved performance  Reduced construction time  Reduced cost  Higher confidence in concrete construction

Benefits to the Engineer/Architect  Focus on function rather than composition  Strength, Durability, Shrinkage, etc.  Simplified submittal review  Improved product consistency  Reduced conflict with contractor/producer  Reduced risk – contractor and producer are responsible for performance

Benefits to the Contractor  Improved communication/coordination  Constructability requirements addressed  Predictable performance  Innovate on construction means and methods

Benefits to the Producer  Eliminates conflicts and improves clarity in specifications  Encourages innovation and rewards investment in quality control  Allows optimization of mixtures for performance  Allows adjustment of materials/proportions to compensate for material or ambient conditions variations

Learn More and Earn Professional Development Hours by Taking an Online Seminar from NRMCA Visit