BE 3103Specification WritingCourse WorkSpecifications for
Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation SystemStudent
Name(s)Reg. No.
Asmone A.S.092404N
Kodippily T.T.092647K
Saranga N.B. Ranasinghe 092457D
Satharasinghe N.R.P.
082460V
Senarathna W.D.D.A.
092687G
Wijekoon K.A.D.N.C.092451E
Lecturers Name: Prof. Archt. Lalith De Silva: Miss. Harshini
Mallawarachchi
Date of Assignment: 16th May 2012
Date of Submissions : 11th June 2012
Department of Building EconomicsUniversity of Moratuwa
Course Work Brief and Feedback Form
Degree programme titleHonours Degree of Bachelor of Science in
Quantity Surveying and Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in
Facilities Management
Module number and title BE 3103 Specification Writing
Lecturer(s) name(s)Prof. Arch. Lalith De SilvaMs. Harshini
Mallawarachchi
Moderator(s) name(s)
Course work titleSpecifications for Partitioning and Air
Conditioning/ Ventilation System.
Set date
Moderated date
Date of assignment 16th May 2012
Dates of submissions11th June 2012
Student declaration
I / We confirm that the works submitted for this assignment are
my /our own work
Students names / Signatures
Asmone A.S.Kodippily T.T.Saranga N.B.Satharasinghe
N.R.P.Senarathna W.D.D.A.Wijekoon K.A.D..N.C.
Stamp for date receipt of the assignment
Assessment Criteria
Report Feedback SheetReport Evaluation
Group BasisTotal
Preparation/ organization and structure of reportNew design of
work place with provisions of appropriate
assumptionsIdentifications of different types of partitioning and
A/C and or ventilation system for different floor
locationsIdentification of specification formats and clausesCorrect
writing of specification for each itemConclusion
Maximum marks101520103510100
Student(s) names(s) / Reg. No.
Asmone A.S.
Kodippily T.T.
Saranga N.B. Ranasinghe
Satharasinghe N.R.P.
Senarathna W.D.D.A.
Wijekoon K.A.D.N.C.
Table of Content1. Introduction32. New Design of the Work
Place43. Selection of a Specification Writing Method and
Language54. Selection of a Partitioning System for Floor
Locations64.1 Board Room74.2 Specification Board Room
Partitioning84.3 Cubicle of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer Room94.4
Specification Cubicles of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer Room104.5
Documentation Room114.6 Specification Documentation Room125.
Selection of a Air Conditioning System and Accessories135.1 General
Notes136. Specification - Installation of Air Conditioning Units
and Accessories156.1General Specification156.2 Compressor
Specification156.3 Air Condition Unit Enclosure166.4 Room
Conditions176.5 Installation, Testing and Commissioning176.6
Maintenance Period186.7 Technical Literature186.7 Special
Specifications197. Conclusion20References21Annexure22BE 3103 -
Specification Writing Specifications for Partitioning and Air
Conditioning/ Ventilation System
Department of Building Economics 10
IntroductionSpecification can be defined as a detailed, exact
statement of particulars, specially a statement prescribing
materials, dimensions, and quality of work for something to be
built, installed, or manufactured. In the eye of a professional in
the construction industry or built environments, specifications are
found as an integral element of project information.Common
Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS) is a working convention
designed to promote standardization of, and detailed coordination
between, bills of quantities and specifications. It is part of the
industry wide coordinated projects information (CPI) initiative and
has been used for the arrangement of the national Building
Specification. With the coordination given by CAWS between
drawings, specifications and bills of quantities and flexibility to
the contractor in dividing the project information into work
packages. But here in this report we have used the traditional
method of specification writing instead of CAWS method because Sri
Lankan construction industry is not used to use it. And usage of
CAWS will make the bidders ambiguous about the specification.Given
above is the basic introduction to specifications and the scope of
specification related in this study. The understanding of writing
and understanding specification is quite important to quantity
surveyors as well as facilities managers who will have to deal with
specifications of all sorts and means, day-in and day-out.
Therefore the coursework for this module BE 3103 Specification
Writing, Specifications for partitioning and air conditioning
systems has proven to be of utmost interest and significant to the
undergraduates. In this course work report where a scenario is
given for them to redesign the space plan of the department of
Building Economics and to prepare a proper air circulation and
conditioning system, the specifications for all these proposals are
given in detailed manner following international standards and
methods.The report unveils with the first chapter where we identify
an appropriate method of specification writing for the selected
systems, then we have selected suitable partitioning systems for
office spaces with different functional requirements. Afterwards we
have selected a suitable air conditioning system and developed a
specification.
2. New Design of the Work PlaceThe existing premise of the
Department of Building Economics is located at the 3rd floor of
sumanadasa building. Interior of it is bit congested because they
have to accommodate several functions within a limited floor area.
Workplace environment quality makes a big impact on employee
productivity and efficiency and the Department of Building
Economics is not exempt. We have understood certain negative
aspects of the existing layout and partitioning system/ air
conditioning system and suggested alterations as mentioned below.
For existing layout of premises, proposed partitioned layout and
air conditioning system layout please refer annex 1, 2 and
3.Drawbacks of Existing SystemProposed Suggestions
Partitioning System and Layout
Partition layout does not allow space for future expansion
Install demountable partitioning system at eastern side of the
premises rather than around the perimeter. Tenants can merge with
existing class room and make space for future expansion.
The strength of existing system is not sufficientUse 75mm powder
coated aluminum frame partition
Existing layout limits visual privacy because the cubicles are
arranged around the passagePlace the cubicles at the rear and make
separate access to them
The partitioning at the documentation area is not fire rated,
this is a critical drawbackUse 120 minutes fire rated partitioning
system
Space for data cabling, electricity wire cabling is
insufficientUse a partitioning system that have insulation of at
least 40mm wide
Air Conditioning System and Layout
Current layout does not allow proper air flow to some
cubiclesArrange the cubicles in stacked form to allow moderate flow
of air
3. Selection of a Specification Writing Method and LanguageWhen
selecting an appropriate method of specification writing, we have
considered that partitioning system requires a specification that
identifies both performance as well as aesthetical appearance.
Because of that we have selected a combination of
descriptive-performance specification writing method. When
scrutinizing on the specification writing methods practiced in the
Sri Lankan industry we have understood that it is more meaningful
and bidders will get a good idea on what the design intents.While
we have recognized that the specification of air conditioning
system should be based on performance of the selected service. That
allows the bidder to use suitable air conditioning system to cater
the need and detach the client or consultant from the
responsibility of selecting a system. Hence when writing
specification for air conditioning system we have used performance
specification method after carrying out a technical analysis.To be
effective, writing needs to be clear and unambiguous, it should be
technically correct and correct grammatically. Moreover it shall be
concise so the bidders get the information they need with least
amount of effort. We have avoided using dead words and broad
statements when writing the specification, and have written the
attribute of the specification first followed by a colon and then
the details. Examples are mentioned below;i. Attribute: Details of
specificationii. Fire resistance: To BS 476, 30 minutesiii. Cavity
filling: 45mm thick mineral fibre wool to density of 60kgm-3
4. Selection of a Partitioning System for Floor LocationsA
partition wall can be considered as a wall or division made up of
bricks, studs, timber, plasterboard, glass or other such material
and provided for the purpose of dividing one space from another.
Generally partition walls are designed as non-load bearing walls
and may come from folding, collapsible or fixed types. Selection of
a partition system depends on several factors such as Required
level of acoustics Required level of fire resistance Required level
of thermal insulation Structural criteria (dead load, imposed
loads) Services, fixtures to be installed Budget available Nature
of the environment and occupants Material, technology and craftsmen
availability The department of building economic premises is the
space that is needed to be partitioned, the spaces of the
department accommodate several functions. Based on those functional
requirements, the type of partition can be varied. We have
identified the spaces and categorized them as follows,i. Board
roomii. Cubicles of academic/ non academic staffiii. Toiletiv.
Kitchen/ lunch roomv. Documentation room/ research roomvi. Computer
room
4.1 Board RoomRequirement ConsideredDetails
AcousticsAcoustical control is critical in virtually every
office space but it is of paramount importance when it comes to
partitioning a board room. The partition at a board room shall
absorb internal sounds so that it will not reflect and cause
resonance, secondly it should keep sound from outside coming in and
sound of inside not reflecting to out. Hence we have determined
that the selected partition shall have following characteristics
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) > = 0.70 Sound Transmission
Class (STC) > = 0.45 as per BS 2750-3:1995
Fire resistanceThe selected space is not subjected to a higher
level of fire hazard. Hence we assumed that there is no requirement
of using a partition with superior fire resistant characteristics.
Fire resistance shall be 30 minutes
Thermal insulationThe board room is air conditioned with a
separate split type air conditioner. The important factor we have
to consider is that one adjacent side of the room is the proposed
kitchen area. But since that side is covered by existing block
wall, there is no need of consideration on that matter.
Structural characteristicsThe structural characteristics
considered are the horizontal imposed loads (crowd pressure) and
vertically imposed loads. Since there are no imposed horizontal
loads, we have reflected on horizontally imposed forces only.
Services to be installedThere may be a requirement to install
service lines such as audio system and electricity lines. But
because there are existing block wall partitions on 3 sides of the
space, we assumed necessary service line will be fixed on them. We
have suggested a dry wall lining to the existing block walls.
Selected partitioning systemWe have suggested a dry wall lining
to the existing block walls.
4.2 Specification Board Room Partitioning
Performance Criteria Fire resistance: To BS 476, 30 minutes
Noise reduction coefficient: Equal or exceed 0.70 Sound
Transmission Class (STC): Equal or exceeding 0.45 as per BS
2750-3-1995 Strength: Shall be capable of withstanding a nominal
horizontal concentrated force of 700N acting nominal to the wall
surface over an area of 0.1 m x 0.1 m at any point Cavity
insulation: With mineral fiber confirm to BS 2750 part 3 of
1995
Materials Studs: Single frame of 50mm CStuds at 700mm centers
and 50mm UChannel for the head/base track Lining: 15mm thick
acoustic panel Cavity filling: 45mm thick mineral fibre wool to
density of 60kgm-3 Finishing: 20mm width, 2mm thick aluminum
beading Glazing: With 4mm thick toughened clear glass
Fixing and installation Studs: Fixed to inner side of existing
wall with 50mm stainless steel screws, CStuds at 700mm centers and
UChannel for the head/base track at 1000mm centers Cavity filling:
Install 45mm thick mineral fibre cavity filling, cut neatly between
studs to ensure no gaps or excessive filling
4.3 Cubicle of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer Room
Requirement ConsideredDetails
AcousticsAcoustical control is not the major factor when it
comes to partitioning the cubicles. Sound Transmission Class (STC)
> = 0.25 as per BS 2750-3:1995
Fire resistanceThe selected space is not subjected to a higher
level of fire hazard. Hence we assumed that there is no requirement
of using a partition with superior fire resistant characteristics.
Fire resistance shall be 30 minutes
Thermal insulationThe cubicles of staff are air conditioned.
Since there arent dedicated air conditioners or air supply ducts,
it is important to install cubicles in such a way that air flow
will be maintained at an acceptable level. To allow moderate air
flow within cubicles, it is assumed that fully covered partitioning
is not supportive.
Structural characteristicsThe structural characteristic
considered was the dead load of the partitioning system. Since
there is a large area to be partitioned the weight of the cubicles
might be considerable.
Services to be installedThere may be a requirement to install
service lines such as internet cables and electricity lines.
Selected partitioning systemWe have concluded that an aluminum
framed composite partitioning system with plasterboard lining is
appropriate for cubicles.
4.4 Specification Cubicles of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer
Room
Performance Criteria Fire resistance: To BS 476, 60 minutes
Sound Transmission Class (STC): Equal or exceeding 0.25 as per BS
2750-3-1995 Strength: Shall be capable of withstanding a nominal
horizontal concentrated force of 500N acting nominal to the wall
surface over an area of 0.1 m x 0.1 m at any point Cavity
insulation: With extruded polystyrene foam confirm to BS 2750 part
3 of 1995
Materials Frame: Single frame of 75mm powder coated aluminum at
700mm centers and 100mm powder coated head and base rails Covering:
10mm thick plasterboards on both sides fitted with 25mm screw bolts
Cavity filling: 55mm thick mineral fibre wool to density of 60kgm-3
Finishing: 20mm width, 2mm thick aluminum beading
Fixing and installation Studs: Base rail fixed to floor with
50mm stainless steel screws, vertical braces at 700mm centers fixed
to base rail and head rail Cavity filling: Install 55mm thick
mineral fibre cavity filling, cut neatly between studs to ensure no
gaps or excessive filling. Covering shall be upto 1.20m height on
both sides Glazing from 1.20 level to ceiling level with single 4mm
thick clear glass Contractor shall calibrate with electrical
contractor in providing space for cables inside the cavity
4.5 Documentation Room
Requirement ConsideredDetails
AcousticsAcoustical control is not the major factor when it
comes to partitioning the documentation room since it is not used
by occupants that often, hence it is acceptable to use partitioning
with lower STC value
Fire resistanceThe selected space is not subjected to a higher
level of fire hazard. But the protection of the documents is of
utmost importance. Hence we assumed that there is a considerable
requirement of using a partition with superior fire resistant
characteristics. Fire resistance shall be 120 minutes
Thermal insulationAs previously stated this area is not used by
occupants commonly, hence thermal insulation is not considered.
Structural characteristicsThis area is subjected to loading and
unloading of documents in bulk. Due to that reason the partition
system shall have sufficient strength to bear heavy forces.
Services to be installedRequirement of service cabling or
lighting on partitions is minimal. It is not considered when
selecting a partitioning system.
Selected partitioning systemWe have concluded that a steel
framed and steel covered partition system is appropriate for
documentation area.
4.6 Specification Documentation Room
Performance Criteria Fire resistance: To BS 476, 120 minutes
Strength: Shall be capable of withstanding a nominal horizontal
concentrated force of 1000N acting nominal to the wall surface over
an area of 0.1 m x 0.1 m at any point
Materials Frame: Double frame of 100mm powder coated aluminum at
700mm centers and 100mm powder coated head and base rails Covering:
10mm thick plasterboards on both sides fitted with 25mm screw bolts
Cavity filling: 90mm thick mineral fibre wool to density of 60kgm-3
Finishing: 20mm width, 2mm thick aluminum beading
Fixing and installation Studs: Base rail fixed to floor with
50mm stainless steel screws, vertical braces at 700mm centers fixed
to base rail and head rail Cavity filling: Install 90mm thick
mineral fibre cavity filling, cut neatly between studs to ensure no
gaps or excessive filling. Covering shall be upto ceiling height on
both sides Contractor shall calibrate with electrical contractor in
providing space for cables inside the cavity
5. Selection of a Air Conditioning System and Accessories 5.1
General NotesNature of BidThe Contractor shall carefully study the
drawings mentioned under scope of work and fill in the price in the
attached bill of quantities. It is to be distinctly understood that
the total quantity Bided for is to be complete and comprehensive of
all minor deficiencies if any, in the brief description. No
variation or extras will be allowed except in respect of
alterations, which are specially authorized in writing. No
alterations shall be made without the written permission of the
Engineer.Surplus StockNo compensation shall be paid by the Board on
completion of the work for any surplus stock of pipes, specials,
fittings etc. and materials obtained for the purpose of this
Contract. However, on completion of the Contract, the Engineer may
retain any surplus stock, which would be useful for the maintenance
of the above Air Conditioning Unit and pay at prices agreed upon at
that time by the Engineer and the Contractor.Power SupplyThe
necessary 230 V, single phase and neutral 50Hz electric power will
be made available at the power distribution panel of the floor. The
power required for the distribution panel for air conditioning
units shall be from the aforementioned electrical power
distribution point and all cabling and accessories shall be
provided and fixed by the Contractor. All electrical equipment and
wiring shall conform to the standards set by the I.E.E., (UK) as
well as Sri Lanka regulations and be acceptable to the Ceylon
Electricity Board, Sri Lanka.
Calibration of Instrument & MetersAll instruments and meters
shall be calibrated in the Metric Units as follows;(a) Pressure
shall be indicated in kg/ cm2(b) Temperature in C(c) Voltage in
V(d) Time shall be indicated in Hours(e) Amperage shall be
indicated in Amperes(f) Relative humidity in RH % with dry bulb
temperature
Literature On Equipment And MaterialsThe Bidder shall supply
detailed literature and specifications from the manufacturers in
respect of all equipment and materials included in his offer and
give the names of all such manufacturers and the countries of
origin of the materials and equipment. Installation, Testing And
CommissioningRefer the specific specifications for split type Air
conditioning units and Accessories.
Calculation of Operational CostIn the evaluation of bidders of
the capacity more than 18,000 Btu / hr Air Conditioning units with
the capacity present worth of operational cost will be considered
and followings will be used in calculation of operational cost.a)
Overall efficiency of the Air conditioning unit / COPb) Economic
life of equipment - 07 yearsc) Annual operational hours of each
unit (As per the specific specifications for Air Conditioning units
and Accessories)d) Cost of Electrical Energy Rs. 19.40 per kWhe)
Discounting Rate - 12%Warranty PeriodThe supplier should provide a
warranty period of minimum 05 years for trouble free operation of
the Compressor and one year trouble free warranty for all equipment
and accessories supplied under this contract. During first year of
warranty period all the works describe under the maintenance period
have to be attended. This should include at least six free services
within warranty period. The contractor should provide required
materials, labour and spare parts during the warranty period
without any charged to the Department of Building Economics. The
warranty period commences from the completion date as per the
completion certificate. The contractor has to assure that he is
equipped with sufficient resources to attend any maintenance or
major breakdowns immediately after informed by Department of
Building Economics.
6. Specification - Installation of Air Conditioning Units and
Accessories6.1General SpecificationThe Air Conditioning Units shall
be of the split type suitable for indoor installation unit with
wall brackets which are necessary in the upper floors of the
building, power connection, condensate water drain piping using
suitable PVC piping to the nearest common drain line. The product
shall be ASHREA Energy efficiency Class A with COP not less than
4.4. The outdoor unit shall be housed in a Galvanized steel
fabricated box with acoustic, heat insulation and vibration
protected painted with corrosion resistive paints suitable for
Tropical climate. The indoor unit shall be architecturally designed
and made in elegant appearance with sound and noise protections,
piping and auto, remote controls. This installation shall
facilitate in such a way to permit the removal of the units when
the repairs to be carried out.a. The unit shall be with fully
hermitic compressor,b. Operate on a Refrigerant free of
halocarbons.c. Condenser with inbuilt fan.d. Evaporator with
Squirrel Cage Fan,e. Air throws control facility with facility for
control for efficient operation.f. Remote Control device.Original
performance curves of the Air Conditioning units certified by the
manufacturer should be provided and photocopies will be accepted
which are duly certified by the local agent. A dimensioned drawing
of the Air Conditioning Units complete with materials of
manufacture shall be provided with the Bid. The brand of the
Compressor shall be provided with performance efficiency, power
supply and capacity details.
6.2 Compressor SpecificationThe Compressor shall be energy
efficient fully hermitically sealed type rotary / reciprocating,
230 V + / - 10 %, 01 Phase, 50Hz. Operating on Refrigerant R134A.
The compressor Motor shall be suitably protected against
overloading using a removable suitably sized over load protection.
These shall be mounted on resilient mountings for quite operation.
It shall be with low vibration and noise less than 60dB(A) at 3 m
distance.
6.3 Air Condition Unit EnclosureGeneralThe control panels shall
be completely designed, fabricated, assembled, wired, checked and
tested at the factory as per standards and per descriptions given
below. Modern architectural design arrangement and finish suitable
for luxury living environment shall be elegant and workmanship
shall be of a high order with flushed and concealed type front
cover. The unit shall be wall mounted and locked on to the steel
enclosure made out of Galvanized steel with protective paints
suitable for tropical climate. Earthing of the enclosure shall be
ensured. The units and all electrical components should be suitable
for the operation on 230 volts + 10% 01 phase 02 wire, 50Hz, AC
power Supply.ConstructionThe panels shall be of sheet metal, wall
mounted as per the specification. The design shall be totally
enclosed, dust and rain splash-proof as per IP 55 of IEC
publication 34-5. The housing of the panel shall be fabricated of
14 SWG. The outer and inner surface of the panels shall be primed
and painted with corrosive resist PVC, Epoxy or plastic, marine
grade special coating, colour as specified. Access to all equipment
mounted inside shall be from the front. Switch gears and earth,
main connections and auxiliary wiring shall be arranged and marked
in general compliance with relevant British standards.EarthingA
suitable earth terminal should be provided to facilitate the
connection of the main earth. Earthing arrangement should be
complies with BS 7430 and earth resistance of the main earth should
not be exceed 5 .WiringControl wiring shall be concealed by taking
through neatly arranged PVC Spiral wire protectors and all control
wires shall be terminated with cable lugs or compression type
terminals. All Current carrying bolts and nuts shall be of high
conducting material.
Control Panel Equipment, Remote Controls and ProtectionsThe
equipment to be mounted on the control panel / Remote controller of
Air Conditioning Unit shall consist of the following and starting
method as per the specification. Direct on-line (DOL) starting of
the Compressora. Over Load protection for the all Motor.b.
Thermostatic expansion and flow control of the refrigerantc. Room
temperature sensord. Fan speed control, three minimum speeds.e.
Compressor loading control, high / low and economicalf. Remote
controller with LCD display shall be provided with one on / off
timer, selecting fan speed (three speeds) and setup of
temperature.
6.4 Room ConditionsPlease refer the room layout and the
locations suggested for the installation of the Air Conditioning
units. Room without Air conditioning Temperature shall be limited
to 40 C with Relative humidity at 90%.
6.5 Installation, Testing and CommissioningAll installation work
shall be carried out in accordance with relevant International
Standards and CIBSE code of practice. When all installation work is
satisfactorily completed, the contractor shall inform the Engineer
in writing that equipment are ready for handing over and the
Engineer shall then fix a date for taking over. At the taking over
all equipment shall be tested for a period as per the application
to determine the following.a. Power consumptionb. Room Temperature
and Relative Humidity at full load as givenc. Vibration and NoiseIf
the Engineer is not satisfied with the performance of the equipment
or other installation, he may refuse to take over the equipment
until necessary improvements are effected. Any time necessary for
this additional work will be considered as contractors delay.
6.6 Maintenance PeriodThe Air Conditioning units and other
equipment shall be satisfactorily maintained for a period of 24
months from the date of taken over. During the maintenance period,
the contractor should attend to; a. All periodical serviceb.
Maintain a maintenance recordc. Attending to all the repairs and
replacements to avoid any failure of the system with in a time
period not less than 03 working days from the date the contractor
has been notifiedd. In addition to the equipment which fails, the
equipment that do not give satisfactory performance during the
period of maintenance shall be replaced by the contractor within 3
weeks from the date the contractor has been notifiede. In order to
cut down the downtime in the event of any major failure of unit the
supplier should provide the spare unit till such time the unit is
replaced after repairsThe expenses involved in this connection
shall be met by the contractor who should take this in to
consideration when biding. If the contractor is not attended to the
repair within the time specified as above, the engineer has the
right to rectify the fault and claim the cost thus incurred from
the contractor.
6.7 Technical LiteratureThe following technical literature for
the Air conditioning units, Remote Controls, and accessories, shall
be forwarded along with offer.Technical Specification of the Air
conditioning units (Features, dimensions, cross Sectional drawing
of the Air Conditioning Units showing materials, etc.).
6.7 Special SpecificationsThe Air conditioning units shall be
providing the following room conditions and requirement.Number of
Occupants : 25Number of Air changes per hour not less than 6
Nos.Floor Area - 500m2 and room height 3mWalls Brick / thickness :
225mmType of Ceiling / Floor Slab : Suspended Aluminum Grid
CeilingNumber of Windows : 20 nr covering 50m2 area primarily
facing north Electrical Equipment inside the Room and the heat out
putRoom Lighting : With 60 nr of 65 Watt liner fluorescent
lampsComputers : 25 nrPrinters : 5 nrPhoto copiers : 3 nrAny other
heat sources : Oven, gas cooker, refrigerator and water heater
NoteRoom after Air Conditioning shall be 23C with Relative
Humidity 65%Noise level at full load condition shall be less than
55dB (A)
7. ConclusionIn construction sector, it is vital for suppliers,
purchases, and users of materials, products, or services in-order
to understand and agree upon all requirements. A specification is a
type of a standard, which is open reference by a contract with
providing the necessary details about the specific requirements.
The importance of giving crystal clear details on quality,
standard, and workmanship arises when there is a discrepancy
between the specifications and the drawings, the actual intent made
explicit in the contract between the Owner and the Contractor is
given the priority to the specifications.Compared to the past
practices specification has gained the attention of both contractor
and client as a major project information with the development of
construction industry. The main feature of specifications which is
the capacity of driving the cost of construction has dragged the
attention of all interested parties. What is more, specifications
build up a common language which any party who is in the field
could understand. This becomes more important with the current
trend of absorbing specialized skills with sub contracting.In
general specification of any construction project can be divided
into two major parts namely; structural specifications and services
specifications. Having two separate specifications with as build
drawings are much helpful for maintenance, renovations and
re-designing of a facility. Moving further to redesigning aspect
specifications should be prepared to minimize additional cost while
making maximum use of current assets, materials and designs.
Therefore, the effectiveness of specifications as a cost controller
will always depend on the propose design for the project.Moreover,
Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CWAS) is a framework
introduced to make the specification writing a less burden in
project management. It is an accepted structure followed by many
professionals to make effective specifications for their
construction project. CWAS can be used as reference without writing
in detail specifications for each individual project. Also, it will
guide almost for all constructions do a better specification
document without neglecting any element to be described. But in Sri
Lankan sector it is rarely used, knowledge of the bidders on that
is minimal, hence traditional specification writing methods are
continued to be used.In a word, specification is a tool which
explains the unexplained of the drawings and drives the economic
aspects of a construction project. Even it is prepared in the
inception stage of the building life cycle, it is used throughout
its life span as a reference. Therefore, it is an important
document comes under bidding document which can be influence by
both QS and FM professionals at different stages in diverse manner
of the building life span.
References
Kalms, B., 1995. Guide to Specification Writing, Australian
Government Publishing Service, Canberra. Willis, A., Willis, A.J.,
Willis, C.J., 1997. Specification Writing for Architects and
Surveyors, John Wiley and Sons, London. American Society for
Testing and Materials, 2012 [online] Available from
http://www.astm.org/Standards/C423.htm, [Accessed 28th May 2012].
International Organization for Standardization, 2012 [online]
Available from
http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_ics/catalogue_ics_browse.htm?ICS1=91&ICS2=120&ICS3=20,
[Accessed 29th May 2012].
Annexure