12 Issues related to performancebased specifications for concrete

12.1 Introduction

12.2 What is a performance specification?

12.3 Why have performance specifications become an issue now?

12.4 The essence of prescription versus performance

12.5 Advantages and disadvantages

12.6 Available options

12.7 Concept of �point of performance�

12.8 Potential performance, prequalification and identity testing

12.9 Concrete performance characteristics

12.10 Exposures and exposure classes

12.11 Prescription and performance elements in the ACI 318 building code

12.12 Changing role of testing

12.13 Risk and responsibility

12.14 A few comments about the current general state of practice

12.15 Keys to the concept of performance specification and the challenges they present

12.16 International perspective and progress

12.17 Testing and quality management

12.18 Conclusions: how do we get there from here?

References

Further reading