A1:  The advantage of Performance-based design method・is the clear description of required performance with wordings understandable to ordinary people.  Completed structure should show itself to satisfy only required performance but not necessarily specific design, material and/or construction details (rules).  Therefore, any new structural type, material and construction method can be applied once the completed structure is verified that it satisfies the required performance.  Since required performance is described in non-engineering terms, people involved in the structure, such as users, can easily know its possessed performance.  The difference between PBD and LSD is in this description of required performance.  Usually there is no clear explanation about which required performance each limit state should be examined.  However, methodology for LSD is suitable for verification of required performance.

Q2:  Why do we need ACMC even though we already have our own codes?

A2:  This is because there is a general trend towards borderless world.  ISO codes are along this line.  For international projects we need a common language in design, material, construction and maintenance.  If local codes are in accordance with ACMC, it is easy for international project team to understand and to show better alternative if any.  Since ACMC is based on PBD concept, which is considered to be the next generation for design method, it is a good model for code writer to revise their local codes.  

Q3:  Who is responsible for maintaining and/or upgrading ACMC since ICCMC is just an international committee not a well established organization like, for example, ACI?

A3:  ICCMC is only the body to do so at this moment.  Later, if our Asian countries unite a federation of concrete institutions may be set up to, among other activities, oversee this task.

Q4:   Although the committee calls itself "international committee", in reality it is financially backed by governmental organizations and construction companies in Japan.  How can we be sure that this is not yet another attempt by Japan to influence the fastest growing construction industry in Asia with Japanese born concept?

A4:  When ICCMC was set up in 1992, this question was our major concern.  As Japan is in a relatively better position financially it is natural that supports mainly come from Japan.  The Japanese members have been asking other members to get financial support from their own countries/regions or to host the secretariat, unfortunately no country/region has offered to do so.  The committee is now moving towards a self-sustainable path through introduction of membership fee, sale of publications, etc., it is expected that this concern will gradually disappear.