BT 4 Week 2 Lecture PDF Construction Specifications

Introduction to Construction Specifications Part One Building Technology 4 Week 2 Online Lecture Ar. Kareen Jane Abiabi, UAP | Instructor Introduction The history of construction specifications can be traced all the way back to Noah’s Ark. Instructions for...

Introduction to Construction Specifications Part One Building Technology 4 Week 2 Online Lecture Ar. Kareen Jane Abiabi, UAP | Instructor Introduction The history of construction specifications can be traced all the way back to Noah’s Ark. Instructions for construction of the Ark were expressed in specifications; there were no drawings: So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. Genesis, Chapter 6, Verses 14–16 Today, however, the process has become more complicated and specifications have evolved into complex documents and drawings have been added, reflecting new technologies and contractual relationships. Specifications were essentially notes on the drawings, except on some large projects where the notes were gathered into “book specs.” Now, production of graphic and text documents has been computerized with Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and at least computer-based word processing. History of Specifications Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) was founded in 1948, with the intention to organize construction specifications and develop recognized principles and procedures to make bidding and construction more coherent. In 1963, CSI introduced a 16-division format for organizing specifications. In 1965, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) conceived a new title for the book of specifications, calling it the Project Manual because it contained more than the specifications. The Project Manual also contained bidding, construction contract, insurance, administration, and technical documents and specifications. CSI’s 16-division format was applied to AIA’s Project Manual concept and resulted in CSI’s flagship document, MasterFormat. A national trend toward the development of master specifications started in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when large public agencies and private organizations began to produce standardized master texts for specifications. Specification Sub-Topics 1. The Role of Specifications 6. Types of Specifications Specifications, as written instructions, are frequently judged by There are four methods of specifying the Work of a construction Contract to be courts as having greater importance than drawings when these performed by the Contractor. Chapter 6 discusses how to choose and use the documents are in conflict, with judgments based usually on what is various methods of specifying. contained in the specifications. This means that specifications should be carefully prepared by knowledgeable people. 7. Specifications Writing Principles After the formats for specifications and the methods of specifying are 2. The Relationship between Drawings and Specifications understood, the technical and procedural content of the Specifications needs to There should not be duplication or conflict between these two be determined. documents. Instead, they should be complementary. To improve 8. Bidding Requirements coordination between drawings and specifications, there should be Bidding requirements consist of documents that are used in the solicitation of standardization of the information appearing in them. bids and typically include the Advertisement or Invitation to Bid, the Instructions 3. Organization of Specifications to Bidders, and the Bid Form. Industry standards, including CSI formats, for organizing 9. General Conditions of the Contract specifications, The Conditions of the Contract define basic rights, responsibilities, and 4. The Project Manual and Specifications Sections relationships of the entities involved in the performance of the Contract. Determining the level of detail for Specifications and the appropriate 10. Supplementary Conditions of the Contract Section number and title according to MasterFormat Chapter 10 discusses the typical content of Supplementary Conditions of the 5. Format for Specification Sections Contract. Discussion on how to organize and present a Section of the 11. Bonds, Guarantees, and Warranties Specifications. To ensure performance by the Contractor and to protect the owner from premature failure of products and workmanship, the Contract Documents include provisions related to bonds, guarantees, and warranties. Specification Sub-Topics 12. Division 01 - General Requirements 18. Master Guide Specifications These are Sections of the Specifications that apply generally to all Chapter 18 discusses the use of master guide specifications published by Sections. commercial organizations and public agencies, as well as the development of 13. Modifications office-specific masters. Chapter 13 discusses the procedures and formats for preparing the 19. Computer-Assisted Specifications various types of modification documents. Chapter 19 discusses the history and current offerings of three of the 14. Specification Language computer-assisted specifications programs. The specifier must not only follow hard rules of language but must 20. Preliminary Project Description understand the subtleties of language. Chapter 20 discusses the Preliminary Project Description of a project. 15. Specification Resources 21. Outline and Shortform Specification Construction technology, project delivery methods, and sources of Outline Specifications describe preliminary product selections and other project construction information change constantly and rapidly. Chapter 15 specific requirements. Shortform specifications, is used for less complicated presents some common resources useful for specifiers. projects or those of limited scope where highly detailed information is either 16. Products Evaluation unnecessary or inappropriate. Chapter 16 discusses fundamental procedures for evaluating 22. Green Specs / LEED Specs products, identifying necessary attributes, and selecting appropriate Specifications for projects seeking USGBC LEED certification must include products to be included in the Specifications procedures and products that comply with the requirements for achieving individual LEED credits. 17. Specification Writing Procedures 23. Building Information Modeling Applying the principles of specifications writing is facilitated if there are established procedures for producing Specifications Sections. The information within a BIM requires standardization and organization to allow clear, concise, complete, correct, and consistent information among the documents, drawings, and 3D models.  1 The Role of Specifications 1. DOCUMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION 2. BIDDING DOCUMENTS The Architect prepares the documents for construction of the “Bidding documents” is a term generally used to describe the documents facility. These develop over time, from conception of the design furnished to bidders. The primary difference in documents between through gestation of design development, through the birth Bidding Documents and Contract Documents is the inclusion in the pangs of bidding/pricing and construction, until delivery of the Bidding Documents of Bidding Requirements. These generally consist of completed facility at closeout of the construction Contract. the Advertisement or Invitation to Bid, the Instructions to Bidders, the Bid Form, and other documents. The Contract Requirements typically consist Many types of documents are used during design and of the executed (signed) Agreement with its related documents, such as construction, but for actual construction three basic types of insurance forms, bonds, and certifications. documents are used: 1. Bidding and Contract Requirements: Text documents 2. Drawings: Graphic documents 3. Specifications: Text documents  1 The Role of Specifications 3. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS 4. SPECIFICATIONS The Contract Specifications are essential for complete understanding of “Contract Documents” is the term used for documents identified the Work to be performed by the Contractor. Most Conditions of the in the Agreement. Considering the typical design-bid-build Contract recognize the significance of construction specifications and project, the Contract Documents consist of the following: (1) refer to the Specifications as part of the Contract Documents, with Agreement, (2) Conditions of the Contract, (3) Drawings, (4) importance equivalent to that of the Drawings. Specifications, (5) Modifications. Moreover, 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 POP QUIZ: Which of the following is not part of the the three basic types of documents used in construction contracts? a. Bidding and Contract Requirements b. Drawings c. Specifications d. Marketing data POP QUIZ: Which of the following is not part of the the three basic types of documents used in construction contracts? a. Bidding and Contract Requirements b. Drawings c. Specifications d. Marketing data POP QUIZ: True or False? Construction specifications apply only to the Construction phase of a project. POP QUIZ: True or False? Construction specifications apply only to the Construction phase of a project. TRUE  2 THE DRAWINGS Relationship Drawings present a picture or a series of pictures of a project or parts of a project to be constructed. Drawings present the size, between Drawings form, location, and arrangement of various elements of the project. Drawings should indicate the relationship between elements of the facility and may designate the following for each material, and Specifications assembly, component, and accessory: Location of each material, Identification of components and pieces of equipment. Dimensions of components and sizes of field-assembled components. WHAT GOES WHERE Show forms and relationships of building elements. Indicate limits of Work and areas of construction phases. These two types of documents are a means of communicating information Indicate extent of alternates and indicate “base bid” and between the Architect/Engineer and the Contractor, but each type uses special “alternate bid” construction so that the scope of each condition forms of communication. One is pictorial or graphic, and the other is verbal or is clear. textual. Despite these distinctions, each type of document should complement Indicate work to be performed by or for the Owner under while not contradicting or duplicating the other. In this way, each type of separate contracts. document fulfills its unique function. Identify applicable Drawing symbols in a schedule of symbols. Indicate the graphic scale of Drawings.  2 THE SPECIFICATIONS Specifications are merely “that portion of the Contract Documents consisting of the written requirements for materials, equipment, Relationship systems, standards and workmanship for the Work, and performance of related services.” Specifications should generally describe the following: between Drawings Type and quality of every product in the work, from the simplest material through the functioning system. Quality of workmanship, including quality during manufacture, and Specifications fabrication, application, installation, finishing, and adjusting Requirements for fabrication, erection, application, installation, and finishing Applicable regulatory requirements Overall and component dimensional requirements for specified materials, manufactured products, and equipment WHAT GOES WHERE Specific descriptions and procedures for allowances and unit prices in the contract These two types of documents are a means of communicating information Specific descriptions and procedures for product alternates between the Architect/Engineer and the Contractor, but each type uses special and options Specific requirements for administration of the forms of communication. One is pictorial or graphic, and the other is verbal or contract for construction textual. Despite these distinctions, each type of document should complement while not contradicting or duplicating the other. In this way, each type of Specifications should not overlap or duplicate information document fulfills its unique function. contained on the drawings. For example: Drawings = Gypsum Board Specifications = Describe specific attributes of the gypsum board, such as thickness and resistance to fire, impact, and moisture. Example of a Product Specification  2 Relationship between Drawings and Specifications COORDINATING THE DESIGN PROCESS To achieve proper separation of information between the Drawings and the Specifications, it is essential that development of the Specifications go hand in and with preparation of the Drawings. The project checklist should establish a schedule of what is to appear on the Drawings, what is to be described in the Specifications, and what is to be itemized and listed in schedules on the Drawings. 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.  2 Relationship between Drawings and Specifications TERMINOLOGY To ensure correct understanding on the part of users of the Drawings and Specifications, it is essential that standard terminology be employed and used consistently. Often terms are used on the Drawings that do not appear in the Specifications, and vice versa. These are simple principles, and procedures for implementing them can be simple. However, they require a great deal of care and considerable expenditure of time and energy in order to be a regular part of Drawings and Specifications production CONSIDERATIONS FOR USERS OF DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS It is a common maxim that authors should know their readers. This also holds for users of Drawings and Specifications. However, catering to all possible users of the documents is not only impossible but may prove to be counterproductive and may increase the professional liability risk of architects and engineers. It is a matter of organizing—rather than assigning—the information on the Drawings and in the Specifications in such a fashion that these users can find the information they need in order to fulfill their responsibilities. These users are plan checkers, cost estimators, and construction inspectors. The interests of plan checkers, cost estimators, and construction inspectors can be represented by clear, consistent, and uniform presentation of information. The principle is to provide indications of activities that inspectors, supervisors, and observers should see for quality assurance. POP QUIZ: Specifications should not indicate which of the following? a. Descriptions for product bid conditions b. Requirements for installation of equipment c. Dimensional requirements for locating equipment d. Quality requirements for field installation and finishing POP QUIZ: Specifications should not indicate which of the following? a. Descriptions for product bid conditions b. Requirements for installation of equipment c. Dimensional requirements for locating equipment d. Quality requirements for field installation and finishing POP QUIZ: True or False? Repeating requirements on the Drawings and in the Specifications ensures proper installation of materials. POP QUIZ: True or False? Repeating requirements on the Drawings and in the Specifications ensures proper installation of materials. FALSE 3 Following is the table of contents from a new public high school complex, demonstrating the application of MasterFormat 2004, including interpolations and adaptations (not approved by the Construction Specifications Institute): DIVISION 00 - PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS DIVISION 01 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS DIVISION 02 - EXISTING CONDITIONS DIVISION 03 - CONCRETE DIVISION 04 - MASONRY DIVISION 05 - METALS DIVISION 06 - WOOD, PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES DIVISION 07 - THERMAL AND MOISTURE PROTECTION DIVISION 08 - OPENINGS DIVISION 09 - FINISHES DIVISION 10 - SPECIALTIES Organization of DIVISION 11 - EQUIPMENT DIVISION 12 - FURNISHINGS DIVISION 13 - SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION Specifications DIVISION 14 - CONVEYING EQUIPMENT DIVISIONS 15-20: NOT USED - RESERVED NUMBERS DIVISION 21 - FIRE SUPPRESSION DIVISION 22 - PLUMBING ORGANIZATION OF SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 23 - HEATING VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING ACCORDING TO MASTERFORMAT 2004 DIVISION 24-25: NOT USED - RESERVED NUMBERS DIVISION 26 - ELECTRICAL MasterFormat 2004 has been published by the Construction DIVISION 27 - COMMUNICATIONS Specifications Institute (CSI) and is the current edition in the DIVISION 28 - ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY series dating back to the early 1960s. The 2004 edition DIVISION 31 - EARTHWORK incorporates several fundamental changes in the principles of DIVISION 32 - EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS organizing construction specifications. DIVISION 33 - UTILITIES APPENDICES INCLUDE FORMS, CONTRACTOR'S / SUBCONTRACTOR'S / MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY, SUBSTITUTION REQUEST, ETC. POP QUIZ: In the Specifications Group of MasterFormat, 2004 edition, which Subgroup includes plumbing, HVAC and electrical specifications? a. Divisions 02 through 19 b. Divisions 20 through 29 c. Divisions 30 through 39 d. Divisions 40 through 49 POP QUIZ: In the Specifications Group of MasterFormat, 2004 edition, which Subgroup includes plumbing, HVAC and electrical specifications? a. Divisions 02 through 19 b. Divisions 20 through 29 c. Divisions 30 through 39 d. Divisions 40 through 49  4 The Project Manual and Specifications Sections SPECIFICATIONS SECTIONS The Project Manual can be considered a book with many chapters. Some chapters contain introductory information, Bidding Requirements, and Construction Contract requirements. Other chapters concern requirements for construction to be performed under the Contract. This last group is known as “construction specifications.” Because construction projects vary in complexity and scale, dividing the specifications into Sections should reflect the relative complexity and scale of the construction; that is, large, complex projects with many types of products requiring very detailed descriptions, and stringent requirements for quality assurance require lengthy specifications TECHNICAL SECTIONS In the past, Sections of the specifications were considered to be trade sections. That is, each Section described the work that a specific trade was required to accomplish. Thus, current standard practice is for Sections to specify technical requirements for products and installation and to specify related administrative requirements such as submittals, quality control, and warranties.  4 The Project Manual and Specifications Sections SECTION SCOPE For small-scale and less complex projects, Specifications can be organized into broad categories or “broadscope” (Level 2) Sections. As the complexity of a project increases, specification Sections become narrower in scope. Commonly, these are called “mediumscope” (Level 3) and “narrowscope” (Level 4) Sections. The goal of the specifier should be to break the specifications into appropriately scaled units or Sections that are organized in accordance with CSI MasterFormat Section numbers and titles. ALTERNATIVE AND SUPPLEMENTAL FORMATS FOR THE PROJECT MANUAL: Multiple Volumes of the Project Manual The contractual (“legal”) considerations of a large, complex project could result in Division 00 - Procurement and Contracting Requirements and Division 01 - General Requirements being 300 or more pages, which would be better handled in a separate volume. Appendices The concept of Appendices in the Project Manual is not included in CSI MasterFormat but is not prohibited either. Appendices have proven to be useful for including in the Project Manual copies of documents that are classified as “Information Available to Bidders” and that do integrate well into the Specifications in Divisions 00 through 49 POP QUIZ: True or False? In practice, construction specification numbers and titles should follow the same Level of detail throughout the Specifications. POP QUIZ: True or False? In practice, construction specification numbers and titles should follow the same Level of detail throughout the Specifications. FALSE  5 Formats for Specification Sections NEED FOR FORMATS FOR SPECIFICATION SECTIONFORMAT SECTIONS In 1969, CSI developed and promulgated the CSI SectionFormat. he nationally recognized SectionFormat/Page-Format provides guidelines for The arrangement of the subject matter in an orderly, the arrangement of information within a technical Section of the comprehensive format within a specification Section is important specifications. It offers a concise, orderly method for specifiers to follow. for several reasons. The specifier, when following a definitive procedure, is less likely to overlook any item. Similarly, the SectionFormat is another important step toward providing a more unified contractor, estimator, materials manufacturer, and inspector will approach. It permits easier access to information by manufacturers, then find the information much more easily in the individual contractors, and inspectors. section. It provides a checklist for the specifier so that omission of information is A Section in the Specifications can be considered analogous to a minimized. It provides standardization of input that permits its use in chapter in a book. The chapters or Sections make up the book of connection with computerized specifications and information retrieval. specifications, which is properly called the Project Manual. See next page for sample. Example of a Section Template  5 Formats for Specification Sections: SectionFormat PART NUMBERING Overall, a specification Section is organized using levels called Part, Article, Paragraph, and Subparagraph, as indicated below: ARTICLE NUMBERING Article numbers are the Second Level of detail in a specifications Section. The Article Number = PART Number + Consecutive Number. SectionFormat provides for the arrangement and presentation of information under three separate parts. The Part is considered PARAGRAPH NUMBERING the First Level of detail in a specification Section. The three Parts Paragraphs and Subparagraphs are subordinate levels under an Article. are: Paragraphs are the Third Level and use uppercase letters followed by a Part 1—General: Describes administrative, procedural and period (such as “A.”) for identifiers. temporary requirements and is an extension of Division 01 Part 2—Products: Describes, in detail, the materials, products, equipment, systems, or assemblies that are required for incorporation into the Project. Part 3—Execution: Describes, in detail, preparatory actions, what on-site actions are required, and how the products shall be incorporated into the project.  5 Formats for Specification Sections The benefits of using PageFormat are: PAGE FORMAT Text is presented clearly and at a density best suited for easy reading without obscuring the message or hindering rapid understanding. Accompanying and closely related to Section- Format, CSI/CSC It is suitable for use in construction specifications of all types and PageFormat is a standardized presentation of text for each page sizes. of a specification Section, providing an orderly and uniform It is suitable for use with most current production methods (word arrangement of the Articles, Paragraphs, and Subparagraphs. processing and computer-assisted specifications) SectionFormat addresses the content of the Articles, Paragraphs, and Subparagraphs. PageFormat addresses the numbering of Articles, ENHANCED TEXT APPEARANCE Paragraphs, and Subparagraphs. Another concern, dating back to when specifications were produced using typewriters, is text enhancement. That is, adding boldface, PageFormat addresses the physical arrangement on the underlining, and italicizing to text and even changing the type font and page, such as margins, indents, headers, and footers. font size within a Section. A note of caution for specification writers in overall charge of production of Project Manuals: there are usually several contributors to the set of specifications, and the more elaborate the format, the more difficult it can be to follow and match the established format. POP QUIZ: A specification Section is divided into how many Parts according to CSI SectionFormat? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4 POP QUIZ: A specification Section is divided into how many Parts according to CSI SectionFormat? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4 POP QUIZ: True or False? A typical specification Section contains technical and nontechnical (contractual or procedural) information. POP QUIZ: True or False? A typical specification Section contains technical and nontechnical (contractual or procedural) information. TRUE  6 Types of Specifications 4 METHODS OF WRITING SPECIFICATIONS In The Project Resource Manual - CSI Manual of Practice, Fifth Edition, four methods of specifying are described, with some supplements and variations: Descriptive Specifying: Under this method, exact properties of materials and methods of installation are described in detail without using proprietary names (manufacturers’ trade names). Reference Standard Specifying: Under this method, reference is made to established standards to which the specified products and processes shall comply or conform. Proprietary Specifying: Under this method, actual brand names, model numbers, and other proprietary information are specified. 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.  6 Types of Specifications REFERENCE STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS DESCRIPTIVE SPECIFICATIONS Authors of Reference Standards: Many nonprofit trade associations of building product manufacturers publish reference standards. Publishers of Standards: Trade associations and government and institutional organizations publish standards to bring diverse standards within the construction industry under a national oversight organization. Examples include: ASTM: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) ANSI: American National Standards Institute 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. Reference standard specifications are used for “commodity” products in the marketplace, where the manufacturer and brand name are not important.  6 Types of Specifications PROPRIETARY SPECIFICATIONS 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. The key concept behind performance specifications, unlike other methods, is that performance specifications are not prescriptive about the products and processes to be used by the Contractor. Proprietary specifications are commonly used for private commercial For portions of construction specification, products such as ceiling, projects. However, proprietary specifications also may be used for lighting, and HVAC systems lend themselves to performance publicly funded projects with certain provisions. specifications. On a grand scale, entire facilities may be specified by the performance method.  6 Selecting a method for specifying 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? REFERENCE STANDARD AGENCIES ASTM Standards (American Society for Testing and Materials) Federal Specification Standards ANSI Standards (American National Standards Institute) ACI Standards (American Concrete Institute) AASHTO Standards (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) NSIT Standards (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Local Professional Standards POP QUIZ: The four methods of specifying according to The Project Resource Manual/CSI Manual of Practice are all except which of the following? a. Performance b. Generic c. Proprietary d. Reference standard e. Descriptive POP QUIZ: The four methods of specifying according to The Project Resource Manual/CSI Manual of Practice are all except which of the following? a. Performance b. Generic c. Proprietary d. Reference standard e. Descriptive POP QUIZ: True or False? Reference Standard specifications require detailed descriptions of product characteristics. POP QUIZ: True or False? Reference Standard specifications require detailed descriptions of product characteristics. FALSE END OF PART ONE Midterms Plate One-Storey Residential Building You will be provided with a uniform floor plan for a one-storey residential building, and you are given the freedom to make the design of your building, both exterior and interior. You are also given the chance to modify the existing plan and make a twist of your own, as long as proper setbacks are still followed. By the end of the midterms season, you will be expected to produce the following output: Complete Working Drawings (Architectural, Structural, Electrical & Plumbing) Building Specifications Cost Estimates Building Specifications and Cost Estimates will be limited to Architectural, Structural, Electrical Fixtures and Plumbing Fixtures only. You shall make your midterms plate in every F2F classes, with 3 hours to accomplish your drawings in each meeting. All drawings shall be done in an A3-sized paper, with the Building Specifications and Cost Estimates done in a short bond paper. Plan Reference Thank You for Listening, see you tomorrow! Introduction to Construction Specifications Part One Building Technology 4 Week 2 Online Lecture Ar. Kareen Jane Abiabi, UAP | Instructor