Objective and scope The objectives of this report are as follows: a) Provide an introduction to performance specifications and discuss how they compare with prescriptive specifications b) Discuss the essential features of performance specifications c) Discuss how performance-based requirements can be used as alternatives to traditional prescriptive requirements With respect to the third objective@ the performance-based tests and criteria discussed in this report are intended to serve as examples and should not be interpreted as specification requirements. Design professionals should determine what is applicable to their projects in accordance with established codes and local practice.