Writing Specifications Presentation(I)-Revised

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WRITING SPECIFICATIONS (I)WRITING SPECIFICATIONS (I)

Dr. Hani ObeidAssoc. Prof. EE, SMIEEE, MNYAS, P. Eng.

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Main Objective

The main objective of specification writing is to get Project done with as little cost growth As possible.

Cost growth shows up as:

1. Engineering Change Proposals ECP2. Request for Equitable Adjustments (claims)3. Modifications to recently bought items (mods)

Some ECP & mods arise legitimately from Changingmission requirements.

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When a project goes sour, the most likely the Contractor’s lawyers will do is to examine the Specifications and to find a number of errors & Inconsistencies in them they claim to have Mislead their clients.

The party responsible for losses is the party Who drafted the defective specifications.

Such responsibility is a fundamental principle Law.

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•Assume design knowledge

Design leader in a design team must be responsible for not only the Tender Drawings but all of the Tender Documents including Specifications

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التاريخ في مواصفات أول

مساكن واجعله قطراني خشب من تابوتا لك إصنعواطله

. طوله ذراع مائة ثالث بالقارب خارج ومن داخل من . وتجعل سمكه ذراعا وثالثون عرضه ذراعا وخمسون

واجعل فوق من تكمله ذراع حد والى للتابوت طاقاباب

وثوالث وثواني سفلى ومساكن جانبه في التابوتتصنعه.

..........................

. فعل هكذا به الله امره ما كل بحسب نوح فعمل

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Chief Specification Writer

1. Keep the design office master up to date2. Collection & analysis of technical & product

information.

Assistant Specification Writer for Each Discipline:

ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL STRUCTURAL,ARCHITECTURAL

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HISTORY

1830 – Condition of Contract began to appearAt the beginning of the specifications.

1870 – Royal Institute of British Architect (RIBA)& London Builders Society: produced a Form of Contract.

1903 – Form of Contract was agreed between RIBA, The Institute of Builders & National Federation of Building Trades Employers NFBTE (don’t obtain General acceptance).

1909 – RIBA Form of Contract was successful

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1928 – RIBA Form of Contract was fully approved & 1931Edition was fully accepted. Joint Contracts Tribunal JCTWas formed.

1939 – next edition was produced by JCT, further editions Followed in 1963 & 1980.

1945 – Standard Conditions of Contract were issued by the Institution of Civil Engineers ICE.

1950, 1955 & 1973 – Revisions.

1957 – 1st Edition of Conditions of Contract for Works ofCivil Engineering Construction was issued by FIDIC(Federation of Consulting Engineers).

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1984 – Association of Consultant Architects (ACA) British Property Federation BPF brought out their form of Building Agreement.

1991 – Sixth Edition.

.

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MASTER FORMAT

Before 1960 standard specifications formats didn’t exist.

In 1962 CSI developed the concept of divisions & sections within each division .

In 1963 16- division CSI Format was announced MF95 was issued in 1995

MF04 – new Master Format was issued in 2004

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SPECIFICATIONS

are

part

of

Construction Documents

(USA)

Contract Documents

(Europe)

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Bill of Quantities

Until 17th Century Completed works. Measurements are based

on actual costs incurred by builders.

In 1774 Thomas Skaife Designer’s Drawings

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For specification we need a format to be Used for:

-Uniform system for construction specs.

-Data filing

-Cost accounting

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Reasons for Specifications

A specification should state what an element of construction should consist of and how it should be installed in sufficient detail so that it can be constructed.

If there was no specification, the designer should specify each element on the drawing.

Workmanship & construction methods is Difficult to specify.

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SPECIFICATION CRITERIA

Minimum error.

Easy and economic to produce.

Easy to use

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PROBLEMS

Omissions

Repetitions

Inconsistencies

To avoid problems Check List

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Types of Specification Section

Two basic types of specification:

Prescriptive: defines materials, products and workmanship. But do not define the end result.

Performance: defines the end result. This is done by specifying Design criteria but not material and products.

The Contractor will be responsible for design as well as Construction.

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SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Technical data in the design office

Product data regarding similar products

Trade association guides

Government publications from professional institutions

Commercial master guides

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CSI Standards for Specifications

The criteria for good specification must follow thefollowing standards:

Masterlist Section format Specification language Page format

CSI Standards are modified for use with FIDICConditions and local practice.

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The Common Arrangement of Work Sections CAWS

In 1987 the Building Project Information Committee BPIC Published a Master List Named

CAWS

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CAWS

The Common Arrangement at Work Sections

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Common Arrangement of Work Section (CAWS)

Groups (Divisions) – 24 Groups

Sections – Three Types

1. Broad scope section: for small projects, one section per Division.

2. Medium scope section: for more complex projects. A number of sections of more limited scope.

3. Narrow scope section: for more specialist work, section of extremely limited scope.

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Example

Broad scope Section: Metal joists (CAWS G12)

Medium scope sections: under “metal Joists”

•Steel joists •Aluminium joists•Composite joist system

Narrow scope section: under steel joist

•Hot rolled steel members•Castellated steel members•Lattice steel members•Purpose made girds.

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LIST OF CAWS GROUPS

GROUP A: Preliminaries/General Conditions

Description of existing site, description of works, site procedures, temporary facilities, temporary works, nominated subcontractors.

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GROUP B:

Complete Building

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GROUP C:

Demolition/Alteration/Maintenance

Demolition, alteration work, repairs and renovation

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GROUP D: Groundwork

Ground investigation, soil stabilization, site dewatering, excavation, filling, piling, diaphragm walling, underpinning

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GROUP E: In Situ Concrete/Large Precast Concrete

In situ concrete, gun applied concrete, formwork, reinforcement, precast concrete, composite concrete decking.

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GROUP F: Masonry

Brick, block and stone walling, small precast concrete units.

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GROUP G: Structural/Carcassing Metal/Timber

Structural steel framing, structural aluminium framing, metal decking, timber decking, wood wool decking.

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GROUP H: Cladding/Covering

Patent glazing, curtain walling, concrete roof lights, concrete pavement lights, sheet cladding, timber weather boarding, concrete cladding, stone cladding, roof tiling, flashing.

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GROUP J: Waterproofing

Waterproof rendering, asphalt rendering, asphalt coating, liquid applied coating, flexible sheets.

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GROUP K: Lining/Sheathing/Dry Partitioning

Plasterboard lining, rigid sheet sheathing and lining, timber boarding, dry partitions and linings, suspended ceilings and access floors.

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GROUP L: Windows/Doors/Stairs

Windows, roof lights, screens, louvers, doors, shutters, hatches, stairs, galleries, balustrades, glazing.

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GROUP M: Surface Finishes

Screeds, plastering, tiling, flexible sheet coverings, painting

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GROUP N: Furniture/Equipment

General purpose, special purpose, site and street furniture, signs, notices.

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GROUP P: Building Fabric Sundries

Sundry insulation, cavity wall insulation, trims and skirtings, ironmongery, sealant joints.

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GROUP Q: Paving/Planting/Fencing/ Site furniture

Edgings, bases, site surfacing, site planting, fencing.

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GROUP R: Disposal Systems

Drainage, sewerage and refuse disposal

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GROUP S: Piped Supply Systems

Water supply, gas supply, petrol/oil lubrication, vacuum and steam supply, water fire fighting, gas/foam fire fighting

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GROUP T: Mechanical Heating/Cooling/Refrigeration Systems

Heat source, primary distribution, heat distribution with water and air, heat recovery, refrigeration.

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GROUP U: Ventilation/Air Conditioning Systems

Ventilation and fume extract, air conditioning, air curtains.

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GROUP V: Electric Supply/Power/Lighting System

HV and LV distribution, special types of distribution, special lighting, electric heating.

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GROUP W: Communication/Security/Control Systems

Speech, audio visual, data, security, protection, control.

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GROUP X: Transport Systems

Transport systems for people, goods, maintenance and documents.

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GROUP Y: Services Reference SpecificationGROUP Y: Services Reference Specification

GROUP Z: Building Fabric Reference Specification

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Master Format

Master format has gained acceptance as an Industrystandard in USA & Canada.

16 divisions published by CSI as part of “CSI Format for Construction Specifications In 1963”.

It is a basic format for:

- Uniform System for Construction Specs.- Data filing- Cost accounting.

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Master Format

Master Format doesn’t establish design discipline

Master Format doesn’t establish trade jurisdiction

Master Format doesn’t provide product classifications

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Master Format 1995

16 Divisions

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List of Master Format Divisions

Division 1: General Requirements

General and administrative requirements, Procedural matters, and temporary facilities and controls that apply to all other sections in the Technical Specification.

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Division 2: Site Work

Work and materials pertaining to the site and preparation, including demolition, earthworks, piped utilities, paving and surfacing.

Division 3: Concrete

Concrete including forms, reinforcement and precast items.

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Division 4: Masonry

Brick, stone, concrete and other masonry units and associated mortars and accessories.

Division 5: Metals

Structural metal framing, metal decks, metal fabrications, and ornamental metal

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Division 6: Wood and Plastics

Carpentry, structural plastics and plastic fabrications and laminates.

Division 7: Thermal and Moisture Protection

Work and materials associated with the thermal and moisture protection of the Building envelope, including waterproofing, insulation, cladding, roofing, flashing, sheet metal, sealants and roof accessories.

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Division 8: Doors and Windows

Metal and timber doors and windows, special doors and windows, shop fronts, glazed curtain walling, ironmongery and glazing

Division 9: Finishes

Finishing work and materials such as plaster,Plasterboard, tile, carpet, painting, wall coverings and associated treatments.

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Division 10: Accessories (specialties)

Miscellaneous prefabricated items such as toilet partitions and accessories, lookers, Signs, fireplaces and blackboards.

Division 11: Equipment

Specialized building equipment such as Security, catering, stage, laboratory, medical, and water and sewage treatment.

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Division 12: Furnishings

Furniture, curtains, blinds, art works, multiple seating and interior plants

Division 13: Special Construction

Construction components serving specialized purposes, including prefabricated buildings, air supported structures, integrated ceilings, swimming pools, gas storage tanks, utility control systems, solar energy systems and fire suppression systems

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Division 14: Conveying systems

Lifts, cranes, escalators and other powered transportation systems

Division 15: Mechanical

Equipment and systems involved in plumbing, drainage, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and fire sprinkler systems

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Division 16: Electrical

Electrical work, including lighting, power distribution, communications, controls and installation.

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Section Format

Definition

A specification Section Format is a set of standard clause and paragraph headings.

Every paragraph of specification text therefore has a predetermined position in the section.

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Master Format Sections

Each broad scope & medium scope section is given a five digit number, first digits refers one of the 16 divisions.

Broad scope titles are emphasized in the Master Format by use of capital letters & bold type.

Narrow scope sections are titled but unnumbered to allow users the flexibility to add additional titles.

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The Three Section Parts

PART 1: GENERAL

PART 2: MATERIALS (PRODUCTS)

PART 3: WORKMANSHIP (EXECUTION)

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Definitions

Part: a method of organizing a specification section into three distinct groupings of related information.

Clause: a major subject within a part of a specification section consisting of related paragraphs and subparagraphs.

Paragraph: one or more sentences, dealing with a particularitem or point, separated from the preceding text by beginning on a new line. Groups of paragraphs of related information constitute a clause.

Subparagraph: one or two sentences related to and lower than A paragraph. Groups of paragraphs and subparagraphsrelate similar information under an appropriate clause title.paragraphs are separated from the preceding text by beginning on new line.

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Functions of Section Parts

Part 1: General.

Describes the specific administrative and procedural

Requirements unique to the section.

Part 1 is an extension of the General Requirements

Subjects which amplify information unique to the Section.

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Part 2: Materials and Products

Describes in detail, the materials, products, equipment, systems or assemblies that are required for incorporation into the works.

These items include base materials or products and will include shop manufacture, fabrication or level of quality required.

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Part 3: Execution:

Describes, in detail, preparatory actions and how the Products are to be incorporated into the works. These will also include items built on site or products or systems manufactured on site.

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Clause and Paragraph Arrangement

Each part of a section is divided into clauses and thence into paragraphs.

The sequence of clause and paragraph headings in the Standard Section Format should be followed. But the Specification writer should decide what to omit or to Consider.

That depends on the complexity of the project.

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Summary of Prescriptive Section Format Standard

Part 1: General

SUMMARY: Section includes:Construction elements supplied but not installed under this Section.Construction elements installed but not supplied under this Section.Related sections.

REFERENCES

DEFINITIONS

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Design requirementsPerformance requirements

SUBMISSIONS

Product dataShop drawings SamplesQuality assurance/control submissionDesign data, test reports, certificates, manufacturer’s instructions,Manufacturer’s site reports.Submission at completion

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

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QUALITY ASSURANCE

QualificationsStatutory design requirementsCertificates of complianceSite samples mock-upsPre-installation meetings

DELIVERIND, STORING AND HANDLING

Packing, transporting, handling and unloading acceptance at site storage and protection

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Environmental requirementsExisting conditions site measurements

SEQUENCING

PROGRAMMING

GUARANTEESSpecial guarantees

MAINTENANCEExtra materialsMaintenance service

PROJECT AND SITE CONDITIONS

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PART 2: MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

MANUFACTURERS

EXISTING CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS

MANUFACTURED UNITS

EQUIPMENT

COMPONENTS

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MIXES

FABRICATIONShop assembly

FINISHESShop primingShop finishing

SOURCE QUALITY CONTROLFabrication tolerancesTests, inspectionVerification of performance

ACCESSORIES

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PART 3: EXECUTION

ACCEPTANCE INSTALLERS

EXAMINATIONSite verification of condition

PREPARATIONProtectionSurface preparation

ERECTION

INSTALLATION

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CONSTRUCTIONSpecial techniquesInterface with other workSequences of operationSite tolerances

REPAIR/RESTORATION

RE-INSTALLATION

SITE QUALITY CONTROLSite tests and inspectionManufacturer’s site services

APPLICATION

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AdjustingCleaningDemonstrationInstructing Employer’s personnel

PROTECTION

SCHEDULES

COMMISSIONING