Warranty Based Specifications for Construction

Project Description

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) must continue to be proactive in finding innovative practices in programming and administering projects, including the construction contracting area. Specifically, warranty contracting has been used successfully by many states. Warranty specifications have shown potential to reduce the life-cycle cost of facilities while insuring the quality of constructed facilities. Further, the use of warranty specifications has reduced the level of inspection required by the department during construction and reduced TxDOT maintenance during the warranty period. This research has developed a warranty contracting implementation plan. The TxDOT plan is based on guidelines for warranty contracting developed for the National Cooperative Highway Research Program. These existing guidelines have been modified to fit within the TxDOT design, contracting, and maintenance system. Warranty specifications were developed for hot-mix asphalt concrete, seal coats, and concrete paving. Researchers recommend that these specifications be tested on pilot projects and a comprehensive plan be provided to implement warranties on a state-wide basis.

Project Publications

Development of Warranty Based Specifications for Construction 0-4498-3

Draft Warranty Specifications 0-4498-1

Draft Warranty Implementation Plan 0-4498-P4

Development of TxDOT Warranty Implementation Plan 0-4498-S

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