Title:
Canadian Adoption of Performance Standards
Author(s):
R Doug Hooton
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F23_DougHooton_BridgingGap.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/29/2023
Abstract:
Prior to 2009, Canadian CSA A23,1 standard for concrete was a hybrid of prescription and performance, with both restrictions on materials and mix proportions and requirements for strength. In the 2009 revision, the hybrid approach was dropped and specifications had to be identified as either performance or prescriptive, to remove confusion as to roles and responsibilities of he owner/specifier. The contractor and the concrete producer. With the performance option, the producers did not have to provide their proprietary mix designs, but had to meet the specifier’s performance requirements for strength and the identified exposure conditions. While there was initial resistance to the performance option, when it was made clear that specifiers who selected the prescriptive option would have to accept the risk related to meeting performance, most specifiers adopted the performance option. In addition to strength, some exposures required meeting performance requirements beyond strength, such as ASTM C1202 coulomb limits, and drying shrinkage limits. More recent editions of CSA A23.1, have provided more clarity, based on experience gained. These options will be discussed.