What Is Performance Based Practical Design?
What Is Performance Based Practical Design?
FHWA has defined PBPD as a decision making approach that relies on quantitative analyses to guide decision-making through the project development process resulting in a better system performance. PBPD is not intended to replace existing design standards or project development processes but provides flexibility and encourages project development professionals to diligently evaluate planning and design decisions and consideration of alternatives.
What it is
- Planning and Design Decisions based on quantifiable performance data - both existing and proposed performance conditions.
- Focuses on satisfying the project’s objective and need with minimum acceptable standards.
- “Design Up” from existing instead of beginning with “ideal” (maximum) standards.
- Designs that maintain or improve operational and safety performance of the roadway system - focusing on reducing fatal and serious injury crashes for all road users.
What it is not
- Designs that compromise safety (fatal and serious injury).
- Designs decisions that are solely based on reducing project costs.
- Reducing standards to simply save costs.
- An excuse to diminish environmental concerns or stakeholder engagement.
