Table 6 DBPenalty for Air…

Table 6 DB
Penalty for Air Void System Parameters of Hardened Concrete for Concrete Other Than Silica Fume Overlays and HPC

• Increasing AVS penalties by factors ranging from 3.6 to 7.9 significantly elevates risk for both concrete producers and contractors.
• The magnitude of these penalties may exceed the value of the concrete supplied, creating disproportionate and difficult-to-manage risk exposure.
• Based on industry feedback, contractors may respond by qualifying bids or modifying practices to manage this risk, rather than focusing on in-place performance.
• There is a tendency to rely on concrete properties measured at the end of the chute instead of within the finished structure, which may not accurately reflect in-place conditions.
• Elevated penalties reinforce risk-avoidance behavior rather than encouraging proper placement, consolidation, and curing practices.
• This approach shifts responsibility toward the supplier for factors beyond their control, including placement and finishing operations.
• Overall, the significant increase in penalties amplifies project risk without clear evidence of improved durability or performance outcomes.