Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is an example of a basic material standard specification?
What is an example of a basic material standard specification?
What is a disadvantage of reference standard specifications?
What is a disadvantage of reference standard specifications?
Which advantage of reference standard specifications relates to market competition?
Which advantage of reference standard specifications relates to market competition?
What does the designation 'G90' in a reference standard specification for galvanized steel indicate?
What does the designation 'G90' in a reference standard specification for galvanized steel indicate?
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Which of the following codes deals with qualifications for welders?
Which of the following codes deals with qualifications for welders?
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What is required to properly incorporate reference standards into specifications?
What is required to properly incorporate reference standards into specifications?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of standard listed in the content?
Which of the following is NOT a type of standard listed in the content?
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What is a primary purpose of standards organizations in developing standards?
What is a primary purpose of standards organizations in developing standards?
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What is the main purpose of reference standards published by trade associations in the construction industry?
What is the main purpose of reference standards published by trade associations in the construction industry?
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Which of the following organizations jointly publishes metal door and door frame standards?
Which of the following organizations jointly publishes metal door and door frame standards?
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One advantage of having established standards in construction is:
One advantage of having established standards in construction is:
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Which of the following is NOT a reference standard organization mentioned?
Which of the following is NOT a reference standard organization mentioned?
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Quality assurance measures include which of the following activities?
Quality assurance measures include which of the following activities?
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What is the primary purpose of the Specifications checklists in construction documentation?
What is the primary purpose of the Specifications checklists in construction documentation?
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Why is it crucial for specified product names and models to be verified?
Why is it crucial for specified product names and models to be verified?
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What issue may arise if Specifications contain duplicate information present in the Drawings?
What issue may arise if Specifications contain duplicate information present in the Drawings?
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What is a significant consideration when checking cross-references in the Specifications?
What is a significant consideration when checking cross-references in the Specifications?
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Why is it necessary to have current contact information for manufacturers in Specifications?
Why is it necessary to have current contact information for manufacturers in Specifications?
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What should industry professionals consider regarding referenced standards in Specifications?
What should industry professionals consider regarding referenced standards in Specifications?
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What advantage does a well-coordinated Drawing and Specification provide?
What advantage does a well-coordinated Drawing and Specification provide?
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What is a common mistake made regarding product specifications in construction documentation?
What is a common mistake made regarding product specifications in construction documentation?
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Study Notes
Week 2 Module: Introduction to Specification Writing- Types of Specification
- This module introduces specification writing, types of specifications, the uniform system (Masterformat), three-part format, and the sixteen division uniform construction index.
- Specification writing techniques are also included.
- Students will be able to discern the essentials of specification writing, demonstrate the importance of specifications as a non-graphical tool complementing working drawings, and identify different types of specifications.
Specification
- Specification is the act of describing or identifying something precisely or stating a precise requirement.
- Understanding specification writing principles and procedures is crucial for architects and engineers in creating enforceable construction specifications.
- Effective communication requires an understanding of relationships between drawings and specifications (graphic and verbal) to effectively communicate with facility owners, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, code authorities, and quality assurance inspectors.
The Role of Specifications
- Architects, engineers, and their consultants prepare construction documents, evolving from design conception to completion, including bidding and construction contract phases.
- Three basic types of documents (for actual construction) are used:
- Bidding and Contract Requirements (text documents)
- Drawings (graphic documents)
- Specifications (text documents)
- These combined documents are called Bidding Documents before the agreement is signed, and Contract Documents after it.
- Bidding documents are issued to potential contractors for competitive bidding.
Contract Documents
- Contract Documents are defined as the documents identified in the construction contract.
- The agreement between the owner and contractor summarizes work, completion timelines, and the total contract price.
- The agreement is typically prepared by the owner's legal and insurance counsel or construction manager.
Conditions of the Contract
- General Conditions define administrative and procedural aspects of the contract, including rights, responsibilities, and relationships between parties.
- Supplementary Conditions supplement or modify the General Conditions, addressing project-specific requirements.
Drawings
- Drawings are graphic descriptions of the work, including details and shop drawings.
- Working Drawings are for contractors, subcontractors, and fabricators, providing necessary graphical information to build or construct the facility.
Specifications
- Specifications are written descriptions of the work, detailing the scope of work.
- It includes materials, equipment, methods of installation, and the quality of workmanship.
- Specifications are generally based on the details needed to complete work but not typically include material costs.
- Supplementary Specifications and Guide Specifications expand or clarify the main Specifications document.
Project Manual
- A complete set of bid and contract documents including bidding requirements, contract forms, contract conditions, and project specifications.
Special Provision/Addendum
- Special Provisions are instructions that supplement drawings, specifications, and general conditions.
- Addenda (addendums) are written or graphic instruments that supplement or modify specifications, clarifying, correcting, or adding details.
- Addendums become part of the contract documents during execution.
Contract Modifications
- Include Change Orders, Construction Change Authorizations, and Supplemental Instructions.
Specifications
- Specifications are essential for completely understanding the work a contractor is performing.
- They're comparable to dialogue in a movie; without them, the construction process can't be understood.
- Architects/engineers must be skilled in creating Specifications to complement drawings, effectively communicating the work's details.
Demarcation Between Drawings and Specifications
- Drawings provide general visualizations of materials; Specifications detail specific attributes.
- Drawings should be concise and unambiguous.
- Specifications should be thorough and clear without repeating the Drawings.
- Drawings and Specifications must be complementary, not contradictory.
- Checklists help ensure consistency between Drawings and Specifications.
Proprietary Specifications
- Proprietary specifications use specific manufacturers' materials and methods.
- This method offers high control, potentially reducing risks.
- Closed proprietary allows for only specific manufacturers' products, while open proprietary allows for alternative manufacturer's products.
Reference Standard Specifications
- These specifications refer to standards published by professional bodies.
- It gives a level and widely recognised acceptance in the design industry.
- Standards commonly include materials, methods, quality criteria, and more.
- Using well-established standards makes specifications more reliable.
Performance Specifications
- Performance specifications provide result-oriented descriptions of the desired results, giving contractors more latitude for execution.
- These specifications allow contractors to be inventive and result in more efficient/economical performance of building work.
- Performance specifications are increasingly used to describe projects.
Mixed Method Specifying
- This involves a combination of methods (proprietary, reference standard and performance).
- Combining methods allows for maximum flexibility while ensuring comprehensive requirements.
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Description
This quiz covers the essentials of specification writing, highlighting various types of specifications and techniques. Students will learn about the uniform system (Masterformat) and the importance of specifications in the construction process. Prepare to demonstrate your understanding of how specifications complement working drawings.
