Mathematical Modeling Procedures for Performance-Related Specifications

Abstract

Performance-related specifications (PRS) that depend on quantified relationships between various construction characteristics and performance provide one of the best means for achieving both effectiveness and fairness in the administration of highway construction contracts. But if this approach is to be used to its fullest advantage, current knowledge must be synthesized into a simple and straightforward process that can be easily understood and applied by engineers having only a basic back-ground in statistics, mathematics, and computer science. A previous paper described how several approaches used successfully by the New Jersey Department of Transportation can form the basis for such a process. A logical continuation of this work has resulted in two important refinements. The first allows high and low failures of a two-sided requirement to be treated as separate quality measures, when appropriate, and the second provides a more general mathematical model to allow greater flexibility in developing multicharacteristic performance relationships. An extensive series of tests necessary to validate performance models derived by this procedure is described. The complete developmental process is offered as a practical alternative for agencies that want to develop their own versions of PRS.