Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts Building Technology 4 PDF

Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 WEEK 2 MODULE: Introduction to Specification Writing- Types of Specification This m...

Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 WEEK 2 MODULE: Introduction to Specification Writing- Types of Specification This module covers the introduction to Specification Writing. Types of Specifications, Uniform System (Masterformat), Three-part Format and the Sixteen Division Uniform Construction Index are included in this module. Specification writing techniques are also included in this module. At the end of this module, the student shall be able to: Discern the essentials of specification writing in identifying, recommending and using appropriate material for a situation and condition. Demonstrate and establish the importance of specifications as non-graphical tool that complements working drawings. Identify and discern between different types of specifications. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Specification- an act of describing or identifying something precisely or of stating a precise requirement. Knowledge of specification writing principles and procedures is essential to the specifier in an architectural or engineering firm in order to prepare sound, enforceable construction specifications. Unless skills are properly developed to understand and apply these principles, and unless expert knowledge of materials, contracts, and construction procedures is also applied, the architect or engineer cannot communicate successfully with the ultimate users of the specifications: facility owners, general contractors, subcontractors, materials suppliers, code authorities, and quality assurance inspectors. The factors that permit architects and engineers to understand clearly the relationship between drawings and specifications—between the graphic and the verbal—and should enable them to communicate effectively by setting forth in logical, orderly sequence information to be incorporated into the specifications portion of the construction documents. The Role of Specification The Architect or Engineer, and his or her various consultants, prepare documents for construction of the facility. These develop over time, from conception of the design through gestation of design development, through the birth pangs of bidding/pricing and construction, until delivery of the completed facility at closeout of the construction Contract. Many types of documents are used during design and construction, but for actual construction three basic types of documents are used: 1. Bidding and Contract Requirements: Text documents 2. Drawings: Graphic documents 3. Specifications: Text documents Combined, these three types of documents are called the Bidding Documents (before signing of the Agreement or “contract”) and the Contract Documents (after signing the Agreement or contract). The difference concerns when the documents are used. Prior to execution (signing) of the Agreement, the combined documents are known as Bidding Documents under traditional design-bid-build projects. Under design-build and certain types of construction management-type projects, the documents prior to execution of the Agreement may be known as “Procurement Documents.” This is a fine distinction reflecting the process of negotiation for selection of product vendors and subcontractors, but in most cases, even under design-build and construction management-type projects, a competitive bidding process is used. So, “Bidding Documents” will be the term used here for the documents prior to execution of the Agreement. After execution of the agreement, the documents are known as the Contract Documents. Bidding documents is a term generally used to describe the documents furnished to bidders. consisting of bidding requirements, Drawings, and Specifications. Issued to prospective general contractor bidders for competitive bidding and for the Owner to select the Contractor named in the Agreement and referenced in other Contract ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Documents. Direct selection by the Owner based on qualifications of the Contractor. In such cases, competitive bidding still occurs but it is managed by the Contractor, who issues Bidding Documents and manages the bidding process. The primary difference in documents between Bidding Documents and Contract Documents is the Inclusion in the Bidding Documents of Bidding Requirements. These generally consist of the Advertisement or Invitation to Bid, the Instructions to Bidders, the Bid Form, and other documents to be submitted to the Owner for the Owner's selection of the Contractor and modifications to the documents issued during bidding (addenda). The Bidding Requirements are removed after bidding and selection of the Contractor and are replaced by the Contract Requirements. The Contract Requirements typically consist of the executed (signed) Agreement with its related documents, such as insurance forms, bonds, and certifications. Note: the Bidding Documents typically include copies of the Agreement form and the Conditions of the Contract (General Conditions and Supplementary Conditions when industry-standard documents are used). Contract Documents- is the term used for documents identified in the Agreement (construction Contract). Agreement —A written agreement between the Owner and the Contractor summarizing the work to be performed, the Time in which the Work shall be completed, and the Contract Sum to be paid. The Agreement is typically prepared by the Owner's legal and insurance counsels or by the Construction Manager if one is involved in the project. The Architect/Engineer typically does not prepare the Agreement and its attachments. If the Architect/Engineer is involved in producing the Agreement and its attachments, it should be under the direction of the Owner. Owner-Architect Agreement Owner-General Contractor Agreement Owner-Specialty Trade Contractor Agreement General Contractor- Specialty Trade Contractor Agreement Owner-Project Management Agreement Owner-Construction Management Agreement Conditions of the Contract—Typically, these consist of the General Conditions and the Supplementary Conditions. General Conditions- Documents stipulating the procedural and the administrative aspects of the contract. It also set forth the rights, responsibilities, and relationships of the parties involved. These are general clauses that establish how the project is to be administered. It contains provisions which are commonly practiced nationwide. Standard documents published by professional societies are often used. Supplementary Conditions- Represent part of the contract documents which supplements and may also modify provisions of the general conditions. These supplements or modifications may be needed to provide requirements unique to a specific project, ex. wage rate. Drawings—Graphic descriptions of the Work to be performed by the Contractor. This includes supplemental details and shop drawings. Working Drawings- intended. For the use of contractor, subcontractor/fabricator, which form part of the contract documents for a project. Contains necessary graphical information to manufacture, erect, fabricate, or construct a building or portion of the building. o Architectural Drawings o Engineering Drawings Specifications—Written descriptions of the Work to be performed by the Contractor. Modifications—Architect's Supplemental Instructions ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Special Provision- Instructions which may be issued to the bidding to supplement and/or modify drawings, specification, and/or general conditions of the contract. Addendum/Addenda- written or graphic instruments that supplement the bidding documents for the purpose of clarifying, correcting or adding to the specifications previously issued. Become part of the contract documents when construction contract is executed. This is typically issued prior to the opening of bids. These are changes made before the execution of contract. Contract Modifications o Change Orders o Construction Change Authorization o Supplemental Instruction Often the term “construction documents” is used as a synonym for “Contract Documents.” This is incorrect. Simply stated, the Contract Documents are the documents identified in the Agreement. The Contract Documents, together with other documents used during construction, may be called construction documents. Contractually, this is a fine but important distinction. The Contractor, the Architect/Engineer, and the Owner are only obligated to perform according to the Contract Documents. Other documents may be required by the Contract Documents to be produced and used during performance of the Work under the Contract, including shop drawings, construction schedules, construction reports, meeting notes, submittals, installation instructions, test reports, permits, and certificates from authorities having jurisdiction, and operating and maintenance data. However, these are not Contract Documents, although most should become part of the “contract record documents,” which describe the completed Work of the Contract and which may be used by the Owner for operation and maintenance purposes. SPECIFICATION- The Contract Specifications are essential for complete understanding of the Work to be performed by the Contractor. Imagine the movie or video presentation without a sound track. There is not only no background music, there is no dialog. It would be very difficult to construct the facility based only on a silent movie. To properly understand the requirements and construct the facility, dialog is essential. The Architect/Engineer should be just as skilled in preparing the Specifications as in preparing the Drawings. The documents are complementary and carry equal weight for interpretation of Contract requirements. It is imperative that all parties identified in the Agreement (the Owner, the Architect/Engineer, and the Contractor) understand the role of the Specifications and understand how the Specifications are used during bidding and performance of the Work under the Contract. Besides drawings and spreadsheets Work requires clear, correct, and adequate descriptions of the requirements of the project, including written documents called the “Specifications.” Specifications A written document prescribing in detail the scope of work to be done, materials and equipment to be used, method of installation or application and the quality of workmanship for a certain work to be placed under a contract Generally it does not include material cost. It is an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product or services. A written, verbal description of the work to be. Performed. Specifications govern over drawings. Supplementary Specifications- additional information which may be issued as an addition or amendment to the provisions of the specifications. Guide Specifications- a guide is a standardized document intended to provide the guidance to the specifier in preparing particular portion of the contract documents. Project Manual- complete set of bid and contract documents that include the bidding requirements, contract forms, contract conditions and project specifications ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Contents of Project Manual 1. Title Page 2. Table of Contents 3. Addenda 4. Bidding Requirements 5. Invitation to Bid 6. Invitation to Bidders 7. Information Available to Bidders 8. Sample Forms 9. Agreement 10. Bid Form 11. Bid Bond 12. Performance and Payment Bonds 13. Other Sample Forms 14. Conditions of the Contract 15. General Conditions 16. Schedule of Drawings 17. Technical Specifications 18. Division 1-48 Submittal- document/material provided to the Architect/Engineer for their review/ approval. Insurance- basic insurance requirement and coverage that may be necessary to safeguard the interest of all parties to the contract, including the designers. The Relationship between Drawings and Specification should not be contradicting. Specification always govern. Contract Documents-pictorial and graphic. The Drawings are the graphic and pictorial portions of the Contract Documents showing the design, location and dimensions of the Work, generally including plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules and diagrams.” Contract Specifications-verbal or contextual. The Specifications are that portion of the Contract Documents consisting of the written requirements for materials, equipment, systems, standards and workmanship for the Work, and performance of related services.” The term ‘Work’ means the construction and services required by the Contract Documents, whether completed or partially completed, and includes all other labor, materials, equipment and services provided or to be provided by the Contractor to fulfill the Contractor's obligations. The Work may constitute the whole or a part of the Project. Consider that the Work may be simple or complex. Consider the broad range of activities embodied in the Work, from procurement of materials and manufactured products, through fabrication, delivery to the project site, storage and staging at the project site, surface preparation, mixing, application, installation, fitting, and finishing. Consider that the activities include administrative procedures, such as preparation and review of shop drawings, product data, and samples. Consider that the Work includes tests and inspections, as well as demonstrations, adjustments, and validation of performance, also known as “commissioning.” Consider that the Work includes activities and construction that are temporary in nature, such as temporary utilities, barriers, field offices, security, and cleaning. Descriptions of the Work need to be detailed to suit the nature of the Work—its simplicity or complexity, its need for careful craftsmanship, its need for monitoring to ensure quality, and its need for compliance with codes, standards, and administrative requirements. Most of these do not lend themselves to graphic depictions. Most are best described in written requirements presented in the Specifications. The two are interconnected but should not overlap or contradict. There should be a clear understanding of the Drawings and the Specifications. ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 The Drawings- Drawings present a picture or a series of pictures of a project or parts of a project to be constructed. a Drawing can be considered a special language or means of communication to convey ideas of construction from one person to another. These ideas cannot be effectively conveyed by words alone. Drawings should indicate the relationship between elements of the facility and may designate the following for each material, assembly, component, and accessory: Location of each material, assembly, component, and accessory. Identification of components and pieces of equipment. Use only generic names and locations, and coordinate terminology used on Drawings and in Specifications with short keynotes. Give dimensions of components and sizes of field-assembled components. Indicate interfaces and connections between materials, detail assemblies, and diagram systems. Indicate boundaries between materials of different capacities. Show forms and relationships of building elements. Indicate limits of Work and, as applicable, indicate areas of construction phases. Indicate extent of alternates and indicate “base bid” and “alternate bid” construction so that the scope of each condition is clear. Indicate work to be performed by or for the Owner under separate contracts. On multiple-prime contract projects, indicate locations, limits, and extent of the Work included in separate contracts and detail interfaces between scopes of Work. Identify applicable Drawing symbols in a schedule of symbols. Indicate the graphic scale of Drawings. Well-prepared Drawings: Should not use comprehensive or too many notes. Redundancy should be avoided; concise notes enhance the clarity of the Drawings. The Specifications should present information in text form. Should not use notes that define Work to be performed by a specific subcontractor or trade unless required by authorities having jurisdiction. The Contract Documents are addressed to the Contractor, who has overall responsibility for all Work under the Contract. The General Conditions of the Contract typically note that the Contract Documents do not establish trade or subcontract jurisdiction for portions of the Work. Should not use proprietary names and slang terms. Instead, use proper, generic terms that are coordinated with the terminology used in the Specifications. Should not cross-reference with specifications by indicating “SEE SPECS.” The Specifications should always be “seen.” Use of this phrase could be interpreted to mean that there is information presented that does not require “seeing” or reading of the Specifications. The Drawings and the Specifications each serve distinct purposes in telling the story. Specifications should generally describe the following: The Drawings and the Specifications each serve distinct purposes in telling the story. Specifications should generally describe the following: Type and quality of every product in the work, from the simplest material through the functioning system Quality of workmanship, including quality during manufacture, fabrication, application, installation, finishing, and adjusting Requirements for fabrication, erection, application, installation, and finishing Applicable regulatory requirements, including codes and standards applicable to performance of the Work Overall and component dimensional requirements for specified materials, manufactured products, and equipment Specific descriptions and procedures for allowances and unit prices in the contract Specific descriptions and procedures for product alternates and options Specific requirements for administration of the contract for construction ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Specifications should not overlap or duplicate information contained on the drawings. Duplication, unless it is repeated word for word, is harmful because it can lead to contradiction, confusion, misunderstanding, and difference of opinion. DEMARCATION BETWEEN DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATION The Drawings should indicate a material such as gypsum board in general terms, using graphic indications or simple notations. It should be left to the Specifications to describe specific attributes of the gypsum board, such as thickness and resistance to fire, impact, and moisture. CHECKLIST- The checklist should indicate milestones for publishing various versions of the Specifications, including preliminary or outline specifications, design coordination draft Specifications, Specifications for plancheck submissions to code authorities having jurisdiction, Specifications for use in preparing estimates of probable construction costs, Specifications for issuance to bidders, and Specifications included as a portion of the Contract Documents used for actual construction. Accompanying the Checklist should be listings of decisions made by designers and detailers, with action items noted for matters to be developed or resolved. Changes in design and detailing should be recorded and described, with notations on why the changes were made. In Masterspec®, published by ARCOM for the AIA, two types of supplementary documents are included with the guide Specifications, titled “Drawing Coordination Checklist” and “Specification Coordination Checklist.” Specifications checklists should be used to ensure that: 1. Necessary items are identified appropriately in the Drawings and Specifications. Specified items need to be consistent with the indications on the Drawings. For example, if acid-resistant sinks are specified for a laboratory, the Drawings should not indicate stainless steel sinks for the laboratory, and the Drawings should indicate and the Specifications should include appropriate drain piping for acid waste. 2. Specified product names and series, models, and catalog numbers are correct. Availability of specified products also needs to be verified, especially for the project location and regulatory requirements such as air quality (VOC emissions). 3. Drawings and Specifications do not contain duplicate and conflicting information. Typically, Specifications supplement and amplify information shown on the Drawings, but they should not repeat the information. For example, the manufacturer and model number of a boiler should be identified in the Specifications and not on the Drawings. The ceramic tile manufacturer, pattern, and colors could be identified in a legend associated with the Finish Materials Schedule included in the Drawings, and the Specifications would then refer to this specific information “as indicated on Legend of Finish Materials Schedule in the Drawings.” 4. Cross-references in the Specifications are correct, especially the use of Section numbers and titles for related Work specified in other Sections. Sometimes, references are made to Specifications Sections that do not exist. 5. Referenced standards are correct and applicable. Industry associations change names. Standards are superseded or withdrawn. 6. Manufacturers’ names are correct and contact information is current. The business world is in constant change, and corporate names, addresses, and telephone numbers change often. Because the Contract Documents are addressed as between the Owner and the Contractor (typically a general contractor), addressing other parties who are not bound to the Owner by the signed Agreement is inappropriate ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 and perhaps creates risk for the one who prepares the Contract Drawings and Specifications. For example, prescribing subcontract responsibilities (“concrete contractor shall prepare floor slab to receive ceramic tile”) may be a noble attempt to ensure quality, but it can backfire when subcontractors claim that certain portions of the Work are not included in the scope of their contracts with the (general) Contractor. Or it can be troublesome when the general contractor intends to have an equipment supplier be responsible for making final utility connections, including engaging licensed plumbers and electricians, when the equipment specifications state, “plumbing connections by plumbing subcontractor” or “electrical connections by electrical subcontractor.” Work may be omitted from the Contract sum or the Contract sum may include double payment for the same portion of the Work. There is typically a line item in applications for payment from the Contractor for this management task. Usually it is called “Division 01” or it is part of the Contractor's “overhead and profit.” When a design professional specifies how the project is managed (what the means, methods, techniques, and sequences of construction shall be, and which trade or subcontractor shall perform which portion of the Work), the design professional is assuming management responsibility over the Work. PLANCHECKERS Cost estimators- They need coordinated Drawings and Specifications in order to prepare a complete and accurate estimate. If the Specifications indicate factory paint color on the louvers “to be selected by Architect from manufacturer's standard selection” but the Drawings indicate a custom color to match other building components, which instruction does the cost estimator follow? These matters need to be resolved for pre-bid estimates of probable construction cost and for bids to be submitted. Finally, Drawings and Specifications need to be understandable by construction inspectors and the supervisors for the Contractor and subcontractors. Field representatives of the Owner, Architect, and Engineer also need to have readily understandable documents. EXAMPLE: For example, in the Drawings, building exterior elevations and sectional views need to correctly represent the grades around the building. There should be graphic indications of below-grade walls to guide material take-offs. The Specifications should generally describe preparation, mixing, application, and curing activities for products, although the Specification may reference much more detailed instructions by the product manufacturer that shall be followed. FUNCTION OF SPECIFICATION Legal Insurance Bidding Requirement Alternate options Subcontractor’s limits Contractors limits Inspection and Testing Procedures Design Criteria TYPES OF SPECIFICATION Four Methods of Specifying In The Project Resource Manual – CSI Manual of Practice, Fifth Edition (McGraw Hill Professional, 2004), four methods of specifying are described, with some supplements and variations. ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 1. Descriptive Specifying: Under this method, exact properties of materials and methods of installation are described in detail without using proprietary names (manufacturers’ trade names). 2. Reference Standard Specifying: Under this method, reference is made to established standards to which the specified products and processes shall comply or conform. 3. Proprietary Specifying: Under this method, actual brand names, model numbers, and other proprietary information are specified. 4. Performance Specifying: Under this method, required results are specified and the criteria are specified by which the performance will be verified. The Contractor is free to provide any material complying with the performance criteria. There is a role for each of these methods in the production of typical construction specifications. DESCRIPTIVE SPECIFICATION Figure 1 Sample of Descriptive Specification Advantages Descriptive specifications indicate exactly what the design intends. If the storefront framing shall be 2 inches wide by 41⁄2 inches deep, that is what is described. If the paint shall be “champagne metallic,” then that is what is described. If the toilet seat shall have an open-front design, that is what is described. Descriptive specifications are applicable to all conditions, methods, or situations of a project. If the project is a modernization project or new construction, or environmentally sensitive or insensitive, descriptive specifications may be used. Descriptive specifications permit free competition. By their very nature, descriptive specifications do not restrict the Contractor to using specific products of specific manufacturers (that is, unless the description is warped to prevent use of competing products). Descriptive specifications are acceptable to all kinds of projects. This method may be used for small or large projects, for public and private projects, and for elaborate elements and for simple elements. Descriptive specifications provide a good basis for bidding. The description supposedly makes it clear what the result of the work shall be. For example, a description that states “3⁄4-inch-thick basecoat” is clear, while a description that states “as necessary as a basecoat for finish coats” is not. Disadvantages Descriptive specifications require the specifier to take special care in describing the design intent in order to achieve the intended results. Careful consultation and “wordsmithing” are necessary to derive a complete and understandable description. Descriptive specifications tend to “bulk up” specifications with more verbiage about products than other specification methods. Descriptive specifications are more time-consuming to produce. They require more time and care than other methods. Leaving out important information may cause misunderstanding and misinterpretation, with unsatisfactory results. ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Descriptive specifications may require more quality control efforts. Each attribute should be verified during construction by quality assurance agents for the Owner and quality control staff for the Contractor. The Contractor must monitor the products and procedures of suppliers and subcontractors. A pre- engineered, proprietary elevator system requires less construction monitoring than a custom-engineered system specified by detailed descriptions of components. Descriptive specifications may be too elaborate for minor construction or a simple project. Consider the descriptions of gypsum board finishes in the applicable reference standard. Writing lengthy descriptions in the contract specifications can be avoided by referencing the appropriate industry standard. Descriptive specifications may be ambiguous. The Contractor must interpret specifications to identify and procure products available in the marketplace. The Architect/Engineer must interpret specifications when evaluating products proposed by the Contractor. It may not be the specifier who does the interpreting but a construction contract administrator who has not participated in making the design decisions and who does not know which described attributes are essential. Descriptive specifications are being used less often as more complete reference standards are being developed and implemented. In such cases, the reference standard, rather than the contract Specifications, describes the product. Common Uses Descriptive specifications are appropriate for products for which no standards exist, for products for projects where administrative restrictions prohibit identifying proprietary products, and for situations where the architect/engineer wants to exercise tight control over the specified work. Basic Steps in Production of Descriptive Specifications Research available products. Research critical features needed. Determine which features to describe on drawings and which to specify (“a picture is worth a thousand words”). Describe critical features (“lowest common denominator”?). Specify quality assurance measures to ensure that products comply with specifications (i.e., submittals, certifications and testing and inspection activities). REFERENCE STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS Authors of Reference Standards Many nonprofit trade associations of building product manufacturers publish reference standards. These associations are extremely knowledgeable about a particular aspect of construction technology, and they have established nonprofit associations dedicated to the promulgation of standards, among other mutual- benefit activities for their portion of the construction industry. Examples: AWI: Architectural Woodwork Institute BHMA: Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association ARMA: Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association NRCA: National Roofing Contractors Association WSRCA: Western States Roofing Contractors Association NEMA: National Electrical Manufacturers Association NECA: National Electrical Contractors Association Publishers of Standards ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Trade associations and government and institutional organizations publish standards to bring diverse standards within the construction industry under a national oversight organization, such as the Steel Door Institute (SDI). Metal door and door frame standards are jointly published by SDI and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an ANSI/SDI standard. Joint ANSI/ASTM standards are also published. Examples of Associations ASTM: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) ANSI: American National Standards Institute Examples of Reference Standard Specifications Basic material standard: ASTM C 33 – Portland Cement Product standard: PS-1 – Plywood Design standard: SMACNA – Architectural Sheet Metal Manual Workmanship standard: Woodwork Institute – Manual of Millwork Test method standard: ASTM E 84 – Steiner Tunnel Test (flammability) Qualifications standard: AWS D1.1 – Welders Qualification Codes: ICC Evaluation Service Research Reports Advantages of Reference Standard Specifications Widely known and accepted base for the Contractor and Owner Widely used materials and methods readily recognized Competition not limited Shortens specifications dramatically Disadvantages of Reference Standard Specifications There may be no appropriate standard to reference. Reference standards are generally available only for commonly used products. Referenced standards may be obsolete. Obsolescence is a problem because some standards organizations do not update regularly to keep up with developing technology. Reference standard specification may mean specifying to the lowest common denominator. Standards are typically consensus documents and, in order to serve the interests of the greatest number of members of the publishing organization or faction of the industry may be more lenient than the specifier intends. Reference standard specifications require research and care in use. Remember, industry associations develop and promulgate standards primarily for their own benefit. Reference standards must be incorporated properly, including all supplementary information. Incorrect: “Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Sheet: ASTM A 653/A 653M.” This is incomplete. The coating designation also must be specified. Correct: “Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Sheet: ASTM A 653/A 653M, G90 (Z275) coating designation.” Reference standard specifications are more difficult to enforce. Using them is like playing a game where the design intent is encoded into an industry standard and then decoded by the Contractor for procurement. The Contractor must interpret the specifications to identify and procure complying products available in the marketplace. Information is submitted for review by the Architect/Engineer, who must evaluate whether anything has been lost in translation and determine that the proposed product complies with both the referenced standard and the design intent. Reference standard specifications may require more quality control effort for the Contractor in identifying and monitoring products being provided by suppliers and subcontractors. ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Reference standard specifications may appear to be too elaborate for a minor or simple project. Common Uses of Reference Standard Specifications Reference standard specifications are used for “commodity” products in the marketplace, where the manufacturer and brand name are not important. They are also used for products for projects where administrative restrictions prohibit identification of proprietary products. Figure 2 Sample of Reference Standard Specification Basic Steps in Production of Reference Standard Specifications Standard must be recognized as authoritative in the industry. Standard must be available to all parties concerned. Specifier should know the standard. Bad reference standard = bad specification. Duplication and conflict of information due to mixing of descriptive or proprietary methods with reference specifying method. Address all choices. Standards may refer to a particular trade or subcontractor. Standards may be multiple, referring to other standards for testing and materials. Conflicts and confusion can result. Establish the edition date of the standard: Division 1, Section 01420 – Reference Standards and Abbreviations (or a comparable section) is commonly used to specify the applicable date generally for the specifications. For example, applicable edition date could be as of date of the bid submission or it could be the date of the building permit. Incorporate the standard properly. Often in the manufacturer’s literature, ASTM standards are proclaimed that look authoritative but actually only specify a test method without identifying the acceptable results. Enforce the requirements of the standard. If the standard states a specific metal thickness for a certain grade of product, insist that the proposed product actually comply with that requirement. ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 PROPRIETARY SPECIFICATIONS There are several advantages and disadvantages of proprietary specifications Figure 3 Sample of Proprietary Specification Examples of closed proprietary specifications text. Figure 4 Sample of Closed Proprietary Specification Example of open proprietary specifications text. ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Figure 5 Sample of Open Proprietary Specification Advantages of Proprietary Specifications Offers close control of product selection Enables preparation of more detailed and complete specifications based on precise information obtained from the manufacturer's data Decreases overall length of specifications Reduces specifications production time Simplifies bidding by narrowing the competition and removing product pricing as a major variable Reflects real life by specifying actual products in the marketplace Reduces the Architect/Engineer's design liability by identifying products with which the Architect/Engineer has experience and establishes a clear basis for the design intent Disadvantages of Proprietary Specifications Reduces or eliminates competition May require products with which the Contractor has had little or poor experience Favors certain products and manufacturers over others “Open” versus “Closed” Specifications “Closed” Proprietary Specifying In closed proprietary specifications, specific products of one or more manufacturers are specified, and no substitutions will be considered. “Open” Proprietary Specifying In open proprietary specifications, specific products of one or more manufacturers are specified, but other manufacturers will be considered (“or equal”). It is necessary to specify the process for evaluation and acceptance of products of alternative manufacturers. “Nonrestrictive” Specifications Specifications are generally written to encourage competition in bidding. It may be the policy of the Owner or the requirements of public contracting laws that specifications not restrict competition in bidding for the work. To accomplish this, specifications should be written using a method (described above) that does not restrict competition. At least two (usually three) manufacturers should be specified whose products comply with the specifications. De Facto Restrictive Specifying When the specifying method is based on precise features that only one manufacturer can meet, specifications may be de facto restrictive ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 Performance Specifications The term “performance specifications,” as used in this discussion, pertains to portions of a project specification rather than a whole-building performance specification. Performance specifications allow the Contractor to be inventive and ingenious in complying with requirements of the construction contract. This can and perhaps should result in more efficient and economical construction. Figure 6 Sample of Performance Specification This requires that performance specifications clearly and definitively communicate the required results while not unnecessarily limiting the products, methods or means the contractor uses to achieve those results. Advantages of Performance Specifying “Design intent” (end result) only is specified, giving the Contractor latitude in selecting and applying construction products in a manner that performs as the specifier intends. Expedites construction through systems techniques: For example, specifies a ceiling system that includes lighting, HVAC, and acoustical control features. Encourages development of new technologies. Can result in shorter specifications. Permits free competition. Applicable to all types of projects. Delegates technical responsibilities to the construction industry. The Contractor is responsible for the results rather than the Architect/Engineer. Disadvantages of Performance Specifying No firm, equal basis for bidding. All criteria must be clearly defined. ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 More difficult to enforce. Delegates technical responsibilities to the construction industry. The Contractor is responsible for the results. The specifier is required to take special care in describing the design intent to achieve the intended results. The Contractor must interpret specifications to identify and procure products available in the marketplace. The Architect/Engineer must interpret specifications when evaluating products proposed by the Contractor. Can result in longer specifications if very detailed criteria are specified. Can be time-consuming to produce. May be too elaborate for a minor or simple project. “Underwhelming” success so far, but interest continues to grow. Producing Performance Specifications According to the PRM, there are four essentials in performance specifying: Attributes Requirements CriteriaTests SELECTIG METHOD FOR SPECIFYNG The specifier should determine the following and then select an appropriate method or methods for the Specification Section. What does Owner require? What method best describes the design intent? What method is most appropriate for the project size and complexity? What method will result in the best quality of work? What method will result in the best price for the work? MIXED METHOD SPECIFYING It is not only acceptable but recommended practice to mix methods of specifying. A specification section may be written using mainly the proprietary method. Real products by real manufacturers in the marketplace are specified. Then the specified product is further identified using the descriptions method and the reference standard method. Finally, performance characteristics are specified. REFERENCE STANDARD AGENCY ASTM Standards ANSI Standards ACI Standards NFPA Standards AASHTO Standards Example of Mixed Method Specifying Figure 7 Sample of Mixed Method Specification ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4  Far Eastern University 1st Semester 2021-2022 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts 1st Semester 2023 - 2024 REFERENCE: Harold Rosen, Mark Kalin, et al.(2010). Construction Specification Writing Principles and Procedures. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ARC 1417: BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 4