Development and Implementation of a Performance-Related Specification for SR 9a, Florida: Final Report

The primary objective of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a Level 1 performance-related specification (PRS) for the construction of a jointed plain concrete pavement in the State of Florida. The study included an evaluation of the construction quality levels achieved on recent Florida JPCP projects and the formulation of a Level 1 PRS using the results of the quality evaluation and defined Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pavement practices as a basis. The Level 1 PRS defined the sampling and testing requirements for three acceptance quality characteristics (AQCs): thickness, strength, and smoothness. The corresponding performance-based pay factor curves were developed for each AQC. The Level 1 PRS was included as an overriding special provision in the July 2001 letting of the paving project SR 9A (I-295 Leg) in southeast Jacksonville, Florida. Construction of the PRS project took place in 2004–05. Three lanes and tied shoulders were placed in both directions. AQC measurements obtained from the project were used to compute PRS pay factors and establish pay adjustments for the contractor. The higher-than-target (i.e., higher-than-design) quality levels achieved by the contractor resulted in significant pay increases for the contractor under the PRS. Feedback from FDOT and the contractor indicated that this first PRS implementation in Florida was successful, particularly with respect to the layouts of lots and sublots and quality achieved. Several suggestions were received to improve and streamline the PRS process.