Abstract
This paper traces the recent introduction of performance-based design (PBD) into Japanese design codes (especially geotechnical design codes) and describes the distinguishing characteristics of PBD codes. An overview is provided for source documents that initiated the concept of performance-based design, and consideration is given to the impact of the WTO/TBT Agreement and Japanese government policies on this issue. Three design codes are introduced to explain the development of PBD codes in Japan: JGS4001-2004 ‘Principles for Foundation Design Grounded on a Performance-Based Design Concept’ (Geocode 21); Technical Standards for Port and Harbor Facilities (TSPHF); and Specifications for Highway Bridges (SHB). The first one is a model code established by JGS, whereas the latter two are regulatory design codes used in practice. Performance-based design is now recognized as the most important concept in code drafting and the majority of design codes will introduce this concept at least partially. Thus, PBD is a key concept for understanding the current Japanese design codes.
