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 www.nrmca.org/P2P