ACI 329R-14

This report discusses the differences between performance and prescriptive requirements for concrete, and provides information on developing performance requirements as an alternative to the current prescriptive requirements in codes and specifications. Performance-based requirements allow the contractor and concrete producer to be more innovative in concrete applications, providing an element for sustainability of concrete construction. The essential elements of a performance-based requirement are reviewed, which include the desired performance characteristics, sampling and testing procedures to verify these characteristics, and acceptance criteria. Because acceptance criteria are crucial elements of effective performance specifications, factors to consider in developing criteria that distribute risks to the owner and members of the construction team are also discussed. Considerations for implementing performance-based requirements on a project are presented and development of performance-based requirements for durability emphasized. Alternative performance based requirements are proposed for the prescriptive durability requirements in ACI 318.