Project snapshot. More details below.
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Products
(Project Number)
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Impact on Practice
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Product Status
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PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAPID RENEWAL (R07)
Guide performance specifications for hot-mix asphalt, portland cement concrete, concrete bridge decks, embankment/pavement foundations, other geotechnical application areas, work zone traffic control, and quality management. Guidelines for specification writers and a manual for executives and decision makers.
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Clearly specifying the desired performance goals for accelerated road and bridge projects can encourage contractors to apply greater control and ingenuity, reduce costly construction oversight, and apply construction management resources more efficiently. This product provides tools owner agencies can use to reduce claims, reduce inspection costs, accelerate construction, and improve project quality.
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Three pilot tests were conducted: Missouri DOT tested geotechnical performance specifications. Virginia DOT tested performance specifications for a hydraulic cement concrete bridge deck. Louisiana DOT evaluated use of roller-integrated compaction monitoring technology and mechanistic-based in situ point measurements on a new pavement section.
The final report is available at https://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/169107.aspx, Implementation Guidelines: Volume I: Strategies for Implementing Performance Specifications: A Guide for Executives and Project Managers is available at https://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/169108.aspx, Implementation Guidelines: Volume II: Developing and Drafting Effective Performance Specifications: A Guide for Specification Writers is available at https://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/169109.aspx, and Guide Performance Specifications is available on the following page.
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Responsible Staff: James Bryant
This project was tasked with the development and implementation of Performance Specifications for Rapid Highway Renewal. The project adopted a broad definition of performance specifications to address not only the performance of the physical products of construction (including pavements, bridges, and earthwork) but also contractor performance in terms of time, safety, work zone traffic control, and other important project parameters. Performance specifications were considered in the context of different project delivery methods, including design-bid-build and design-build delivery and other innovative contracting variations involving warranties or maintenance and operation agreements.
The objective of this project was to develop performance specifications and strategies to accelerate construction, minimize disruption to traffic and community, and produce long-life facilities in the interest of rapid renewal.
The products of the research include guide performance specifications for different application areas and delivery methods that users may tailor to address project-specific goals and conditions. Implementation guidelines were also prepared to accompany the guide specifications. To validate these materials, demonstration projects were conducted for geotechnical and bridge deck applications. The findings of the study generally support the use of performance specifications as a viable option for agencies interested in empowering the private sector to provide creative solutions to save time, minimize disruption, and enhance durability in the interest of rapid renewal.
The final report documents this research project. Implementation Guidelines: Volume I: Strategies for Implementing Performance Specifications: A Guide for Executives and Project Managers is designed to provide a broad overview of the benefits and challenges associated with implementing performance specifications. Implementation Guidelines: Volume II: Developing and Drafting Effective Performance Specifications: A Guide for Specification Writers presents a flexible framework that agencies may use to assess whether performance specifying represents a viable option for a particular project or project element. If it is indeed a viable option, the Guide discusses how performance specifications may then be developed and used to achieve project-specific goals and satisfy user needs. A separate document, Guide Performance Specifications, includes model specifications and commentary to address implementation and performance targets (for acceptance) for 13 routine highway items. Agencies may adapt guide specifications to specific standards or project conditions. The commentary addresses gaps, risks, and options.
Project Status: This project is complete.
