Case Studies of Asphalt Pavement Quality Assurance Specifications, Performance-Related Specifications, and Performance-Based Specifications

Abstract

Quality assurance (QA) specifications for asphalt pavement construction measure quality characteristics to adjust payments. The measured quality characteristics are assumed to empirically relate to performance. The validity of this assumption, however, has been questioned in recent years; thus, there has been increased interest in finding ways to more directly evaluate the performance of the as-constructed materials. One proposed method to meet this need involves using the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) and its associated test methods, which measure fundamental material properties that are then used to calculate the fatigue cracking performance index, Sapp, and a rutting strain index (RSI). These indices can be used in performance-related specification (PRS) or performance-based specification (PBS) frameworks to determine the pay adjustments during the construction of asphalt pavement. While PBS requires measured indices, PRS uses index-volumetrics relationships (IVRs) to predict Sapp and RSI based on conventional acceptance quality. Payment can then be based on a percent within limits (PWL) approach. This paper demonstrates how pay adjustments can be made for a paving project in Indiana following three different QA specification frameworks: the current QA specifications framework in the Indiana Department of Transportation, a PRS framework using IVRs, and a PBS framework that employs measured Sapp and RSI. For each framework, the main elements of the specification were identified and determined. The specification limits for Sapp and RSI and weight factors in composite pay factor equations were determined such that the resulting pay factors are comparable to pay factors obtained from the current QA practices.