Performance-Related Specifications for Concrete Pavements Volume I: Development of A Prototype Performance-Related Specification

This study continued the development of performance-related specifications (PRS) for concrete pavements. Drawing upon previous work, a prototype PRS was developed that considers the expected life-cycle cost of the as-constructed pavement as the overall measure of quality. The approach calls for measurement of in situ concrete properties and explicitly considers variability and multiple quality characteristics in the determination of pay adjustments. Extensive laboratory testing was conducted to determine material relationships needed in the prototype PRS, and a detailed test plan has been developed for the evaluation of construction variables (e.g., dowel misalignment) that significantly affect concrete pavement performance, but are not currently accounted for in the specification. A computer program, PaveSpec, has been developed for use with the specification in simulation and in generating pay adjustments. This volume describes the development of the prototype PRS. Concrete strength, slab thickness, air content, and initial roughness are included in the specification as the key quality characteristics. Both cost models and distress prediction models are used to compute life-cycle costs. The difference between the life-cycle costs of the target, as-designed pavement and the actual, as-constructed pavement is used to determine the pay adjustment. Numerous examples on the use and sensitivity of the specification are presented. A summary of the laboratory testing results that were used in the specification is given, along with a test plan for the evaluation of quality characteristics not currently included in the specification.