Title: Policy-Making Framework for Performance-Based Concrete Specifications

Author(s): Francesca Lolli, Renee T. Rios, Katelynn Schoenrock, Emily Grubert, and Kimberly E. Kurtis

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 120

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 41-52

Keywords: carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions; performance-based specification (PBS); supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs); surface resistivity

DOI: 10.14359/51738457

Date: 1/1/2023

Abstract:
The use of performance-based specifications (PBS) may increase quality and sustainability while lowering project costs through innovations in concrete materials selection and proportioning. A preliminary survey was conducted showing that barriers to implementation for PBS still exist, the main barrier being the enforcement of the specification, followed by cost and time. This study aims to develop guidelines to overcome the identified barriers by presenting a laboratory-scale case study of six concrete mixtures that both conform (one) and do not conform (five) to Georgia Department of Transportation specifications. This case study includes experimental results of mechanical (flexural and compressive strength) and resistivity performance properties, as well as three additional parameters: time, cost, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with each mixture design. This study showed that innovation in material use and mixture design can increase durability and performance while reducing the overall project cost and environmental impact.