This paper was presented at the "Innovation life cycle costing analysis for pavements" session. These proceedings are available on CD-ROM. Highway agencies in Canada and elsewhere have been exploring the use of performance specifications for network roadway maintenance contracts and standard rehabilitation projects as well as for build/own/operate/transfer projects. Such specifications are expected to create a greater degree of innovation than exist in traditional contracts as well as to reduce the costs of monitoring of contractors required by owner agencies. The incorporation of performance specifications raises several issues that have yet to be resolved. This paper summarizes the state of practice of performance pavement specifications and reports on early experience with this concept. It identifies issues that still need to be resolved to adopt such specifications successfully. Finally, it identifies areas requiring more development to enhance the application of performance pavement specifications for highways that are relevant to the road users and road owners. (A)
Abstract