 Specification is an important document attached with a tender form/contract

agreement which in most cases controls the quality of materials and works.
Sometimes, specifications may be used to describe matters which could not be
explained clearly by drawings/sketches. This chapter explains the different types
of specifications and their necessity.
 In case of disputes between the owner and contractor with respect to the method of
construction, quality and quantity of materials used, equipments and machineries
used etc, the specifications play the major role in solving the disputes and arriving
at a settlement.
 Importance of Specifications Drawings and Specifications form two important
contract documents. Information such as dimensions, type of construction, etc.
 Which can be easily expressed graphically For each proposed work, numbers of
drawings are prepared to explain the details of foundations, basement,
superstructure, roof and floors joinery etc., whatever attempt is made to furnish
complete working drawings, it becomes necessary to describe the drawing in
detail.
 This description in works without sketches and sometimes with line sketches
giving details of standard materials, method of construction and the requirements
of workmanship of construction etc., is called specification.
 The specifications define the quality of materials and workmanship. Hence this will
help the contractor to quote correct rates for the different items of works.

 The information contained in the specifications will serve as a guide to the

contractor as well as to the supervising staff during execution of thework.

 Specifications help the owner to check and satisfy with the works.
The specifications are broadly divided into three categories as

 1. General or brief specifications

 2. Detailed specifications, and
 3. Standard specifications.
 General specification gives the nature and class of work and materials in general
terms to be used in the various parts of the work, from the foundation to the
superstructure. It is a short description of different parts of the work specifying
materials, proportions, qualities etc.

 General specifications give general idea of the whole work or structure and are
useful for preparing the estimate. These general specifications doe not form part of
the contract document.

 They are used in the estimates by the person who prepares the estimates.
 The detailed specification of an item of work specifies the qualities and quanitites
of materials, the proportion of mortar, workmanship, the method of preparation and
execution and the method of measurement.

 The detailed specifications of different items of work are prepared separately

which describe what the work should be and how they should be executed and
constructed. Detailed specifications are written to express the requirements clearly
in concise form avoiding repetition and ambiguity.

 The detailed specifications are arranged as for as possible in the same sequence
or order as the work is carried out
 The following provisions are made in the detailed specifications. a General provisions

 Technical provisions.

 General provisions

General provisions

 These are also known as conditions of contract and they apply to the work as a whole. In
this document, the conditions governing the contract are written. The following groups
of conditions of contract are generally accommodated under the general provisions.
 i. Conditions relating to documents

 Bill of quantities and schedule of prices Drawings

 Standard specifications

 ii. Conditions relating to the general obligations of the contractor These pertain to
 Acts, bye-laws and regulations .Fencing, watching and lighting of the work spot
Insurance.

 iii. Conditions a relating to labour and personnel

 Specifications are seldom written completely for all items of the work.

 It is possible to standardize specifications for most of the items occurring in works

of similar nature. Hence every engineering department prepares the detailed
specifications of the various items of works and gent them printed in book form
under the name “Detailed Standard Specifications”.

 When the work, or a structure or project is taken up0, instead of writing detailed
specification every time, the printed standard specifications are referred in the
contract document and other documents pertaining to the work.
In the case of Civil Engineering Works, the specifications shall contain the following

i. Quality of materials to be used with strength/size requirements,

ii. Quantity of materials to be used and the methods of measurements to be followed.
iii. Method of mixing when different materials are used.
iv. Construction methods to be followed mentioning the equipment and machinery to
be used.
v. Dimensions of works such as breadth, thickness etc.,
 1. Detailed Specification for sand and mortar

 The Sand used for mortar shall be clean, sharp, heavy and gritty.
 It should be free from clay, salt, mica and organic impurities.
 It shall not contain harmful chemicals in any form.
 Medium and fine sand are to be used in mortars.
 Coarse sand shall be sifted through 600 micron sieve and used in mortars for
plastering works.
 2. Detailed Specification for first class bricks:
 The earth used for molding the bricks shall be free from organic matters salts and
chemicals. The size, weight and colour of the burnt bricks should be uniform. The
adjacent faces of the bricks are to be right angles to each other.
 The bricks shall be free from cracks, flaws and lumps.
 They should not break where dropped, from 1 metre height, on the ground.
 The size, weight and colour of the burnt bricks should be uniform. The adjacent
faces of the bricks are to be right angles to each other.
 The bricks shall be free from cracks, flaws and lumps. They should not break where
dropped, from 1 metre height, on the ground.
 5. Detailed Specification for water for concrete:

 Water used for mixing and curing concrete shall be clean and free from injurious
amounts of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, sugar, organic materials or other substances
that may be deleterious to concrete or steel.
 Potable water may be used for mixing concrete.
 The suspended organic solid matter in the water shall not exceed 200 mg/l and
inorganic solid matter shall not exceed 3000 kg/l, the pH value of water shall be
not less than 6.
 6. Detailed Specification for coarse aggregate:
 The aggregate to be used in reinforced cement concrete shall be of blue granite
stone, machine crushed and well graded with a nominal size of 20 mm. It shall be
hard, dense, durable strong and free from flakes.
 The aggregate shall not contain harmful materials such as coal, mica clay, shells,
organic impurities etc.
 The whole area of construction is to be cleared of tees, grass, roots of trees etc.,
complete and leveled horizontally to enable easy marking of centre line of the
building.
 The compressive strength, crushing value etc of the aggregate shall be in
accordance with the requirements of IS:383 – 1970.
Various factors influence the cost estimation of a construction project.

Preparation of a construction cost estimate for any project is a very complex process
which consists of many variable factors.

Every variable has to be correctly estimated based on proper study, past experience
and research to calculate total project cost of construction.

There are many factors which affect the construction cost estimate and have
significant impact on project cost and they are as following:
 1. Similar Construction Projects
For the construction estimate, the best reference will be similar construction
projects. The final cost of those similar projects can give the idea for the new
construction project cost calculation. The final cost of past project needs to be
factored with current construction cost indices.

2. Construction Material Costs

Construction material cost consists of material cost, shipping charges and taxes
applicable if any. So, it is important consider all these variations while calculating
construction material cost.
3. Labor Wage Rates
Labor wages varies place to place. So, local wage rate should be considered in
calculation. If the project has to be started after several months of estimating the project
cost, the probable variation in wage rates has to be considered in the calculation.

4. Construction Site Conditions

Project site conditions can increase construction costs. Site conditions such as poor soil
conditions, wetlands, contaminated materials, conflicting utilities (buried pipe, cables,
overhead lines, etc.), environmentally sensitive area, ground water, river or stream
crossings, heavy traffic, buried storage tanks, archaeological sites, endangered species
habitat and similar existing conditions etc. can increase the project cost during
construction phase if these variations are not considered during estimation.
 5. Inflation Factor
A construction project can continue for years before completion. During the
construction period, the cost of materials, tools, labors, equipments etc. may vary
from time to time. These variation in the prices should be considered during cost
estimation process.
6. Project Schedule
Duration of construction project is affects the cost. Increase in project duration can
increase the construction project cost due to increase in indirect costs, while
reduction in construction cost also increases the project cost due to increase in
direct costs. Therefore, construction project schedules also need to be considered
during project cost estimation.
 7. Quality of Plans & Specifications
Good quality construction plans and specifications reduces the construction time by
proper execution at site without delay. Any vague wording or poorly drawn plan not
only causes confusion, but places doubt in the contractor’s mind which generally
results in a higher construction cost.

8. Reputation of Engineer
Smooth running of construction is vital for project to complete in time. The cost of
projects will be higher with sound construction professional reputation. If a
contractor is comfortable working with a particular engineer, or engineering firm,
the project runs smoother and therefore is more cost-effective.
 9. Regulatory Requirements
Approvals from regulatory agencies can sometimes be costly. These costs also need
to be considered during cost estimate.

10. Insurance Requirements

Cost estimation for construction projects should also need to consider costs of
insurance for various tools, equipments, construction workers etc. General insurance
requirements, such as performance bond, payment bond and contractors general
liability are normal costs of construction projects. In some special projects, there can
be additional requirements which may have additional costs.
 11. Size and Type of Construction
Project For a large construction project, there can be high demand for workforce. For
such a requirements, local workmen may not be sufficient and workmen from
different regions need be called. These may incur extra costs such projects and also
for the type of construction project where specialized workforce is required.

12. Location of Construction

When a location of construction project is far away from available resources, it

increases the project cost. Cost of transportation for workmen, equipments,
materials, tools etc. increases with distance and adds to the project cost.
 13. Engineering Review

Sometimes it is necessary to carry out technical review of construction project to

make sure the project will serve the required purpose with optimum operational and
maintenance cost. This review cost shall also be added to the project cost.

14. Contingency

It is always advisable to add at least 10% contingency towards the total project costs
for unforeseen costs and inflation.
What should be included in a specification?
 Price format.
 For Services: day/hourly/all-inclusive rates (total cost)
 Quality.
 Quantity.
 Required supplier experience.
 Size / dimensions.
 Performance.
 Installation / maintenance / servicing / warranty.
 Particular electric specifications
 Accessories (general)

 Accessories of electric installation shall be specified in detailed manner in the

following points of this section.
 We are giving here general requirements and technical conditions of application
needed to fulfil those accessories and electric installation in general. Electric
installation in general needed to be complete (mounting and materials) as is it
shown in sketches and projects, described with specifications or project
Instruction.
 Mounting must include supplying of electrical energy for all quoted and offered
electrical equipment's, installed by others.
 Accessories (general)
 Supplying point of equipment must be supply to the terminate box in pack or near
closing apparatus (isolating)/ opening.
 Position of all points through sketch is approximate and needs to be confirmed
from contractor referring to the latter sketch of the project, for all regulations of
particular settings.
 Specification constitutes a completion of the project sketches. In case of any
discrepancy between the sketches and specifications, the person recommending
(offering) must give same explanations (in writing) or interpretation from projector
before giving his offer (his tender) if this explanation is not required, interpretation
of the engineer in the site (work place) will be definitive. Contractor must outline
(control) working place before appreciating his aim (scope).
 Wire and cables
 All wires and cables must have the relevant local authorities approval certificate
and the factory test certificate.
 Wires must be plain annealed copper conductors, insulated with PVC single core
for drawing inside conduits and trunking.
 Insulated wires and sheath need to be with colored isolating to identify phase and
neuter.
 All the cases when PVC cables terminate in a fuse distribution board, electrical
equipment etc must be left a freely quantity cable to permit in the future stripping
of reconnection wire terminals without causing their withdrawal.
 Wire and cables
 Stripping of cable insulation with PVC must be done using a proper tool for
stripping and not a knife.
 Wires must be colored to be identified. BLACK must be used for neutral
conductors; GREEN/YELLOW must be used for earth conductors and RED, BLUE
and Yellow for phase conductors.
 The same colors must be used for connection of the same phase conductors.
 The same colors shall be used for connection on the same phase of supply
throughout the installations.
 Wire and cables

 All single core cables must be delivered in such a way to show the labels of
producen, seals or other proof of origin and the contractor, must obtain certificates
of routine tests against a given order, when requested by the Engineer.
 The number of cables to be installed in conduits or trunking must be such as to
permit easy drawing in without damaging the cables and must never be more than
40%.
 Installation shall comply with the Local Electricity Authority’s regulations
 Flexible cables (with some multiple core wires for every wire).

 All the cables must have approval certificate from relevant local authority and
fabric certificate.
 PVC insulation of the cable multiple wire or with single wire easy conductor from
temper conductor isolating with PVC upper final sheath must resist 600/1000V.
 All the cables put within tubes shall be isolated with high conduction PVC.
 Flexible cable consist of multi-striped wire and depending on what we have:
  Three wire cable, 1 neuter, 1 earth (for mono phase system)
  Four wire cable, 3 phase and 1 neuter (for three phase system, without earthing)
  Five wire cable,3 phase and 1 neuter and 1earthing(for three phase system, with
earthing)
 Flexible cable must have colored wire for identification. BLACK shall be used for
neuter conductor, GREEN/YELLOW shall be used for earth conductor and
RED/BLUE and YELLOW for phase conductors.
 Same colors shall be used for connections on the same phase conductors. Same
colors shall be used for connections on the same phase of supply throughout the
installation.
 Channels and accessories
 Electric installation can be done in two ways:
  Under plaster inserted in flexible PVC tube
  Above plaster in PVC channels

 Accessories of installation under plaster are:

  Flexible tube PVC different dimensions in dependence of dimension and
number of wires that shall be put in it.
  Distribution boxes
 All those must be set before plastering is done.
 Electrical installation under plaster must be done according to the following steps:
  Opening of channels in the wall with such a dimension that flexible tube will be
freely inserted and such a depth that must draw above final plaster level.
  Put flexible cable and PVC tube which will be temporary fixed with plaster (later
close channels with mortar plaster)
  After plastering is done, insert wire or cable with their guide which will be
entered freely and leave an adequate amount on both sides to continue the
connections and mounting
 Flexible tube shall be of type DL 44 Range (NF Range) for corridors and/or of the
type DL 50 Range (BR PVC Range) for fabricated rooms of GEWISS-ITALY or
another similar producer will be accepted according to the appropriate standards
as following:
  Compliance with standards: CEI 23-32
  (Resistance) Firmness of isolation: 100M
  IP rating IP:IP40  Impact resistance: IK08
  Installation temperature:-5/60C
 Channels and putting of PVC flexible tube shall be fixed in distance of 0.4 m
suspend ceiling on horizontal runs and lowering for switches and plugs shall be
made right vertical and no with angle and arc form
 Distribution boxes

 Distribution boxes, depending on the system to be used, are under plaster and
above plaster so that the way of fixing them is with plaster or screw.
 Materials and their technical characteristic are the same as for flexible tube.
 Dimensions of distribution boxes vary according to the circumstances and need.
 They are in circle form, square, rectangle and their shutter covers are with different
colors It is important that connections of wires/cables inside draw boxes shall be
realize with joined clamp (point).
 Flexible connection

 Flexible connections are used usually in laboratories and consist of the electric
line runs near device with ending draw box and from here into device that will be
connected one flexible connection is used outside wall.
 For this outlet cable from the draw box must be well insulated within technical
condition.
 Cable is to be with two insulation layers and inside flexible tube. Its connection
with the device shall be made in its holder.
 System of channels

 System of canals channels is frequently used in reconstruction especially when an

old electric system have be put out of work and a new one shall be installed
without damaging plaster or in construction with dismounting materials.
 Systems of channels as system under the plaster with flexible tube have to be
completed according to all the technical condition of electrical installation
 System of channels must be on series NP 40/42 produced by GEWISS-ITALY or
other producer meating the appropriate standards.
 System of channels consist of accessories such as:

  Channels with different dimensions, depending on the number of the wire/

cable plugs, switches etc, to be installed in it, length 2 m
  Corners (serve to form an angle in installation) which depend on the channels is
being used
  Deviation in T form
  Draw boxes at different dimensions. Mounting of channels is to be made by
screws, and be put 0.4m under level of ceiling, distribution network and on high
plugs/switches for their mounting.
 Lamps and Luminaries

 The location of luminaries must be as indicated in drawing of electrical engineer.

The lighting installation have be carried out using PVC insulate cables type NUM
run within PVC conduit concealed inside building plaster or in canals when is
system of canals is being used.
 The cables must be 1.5mm2 (minimum) section to suit the circuit loaded, the
needed tolerance, being made to ensure that the limit of volt drop for the final sub-
circuits. In all instances a separate earth continuity conductor must be installed.
 Lamps and Luminaries

 Throughout suspended ceiling area where fluorescent luminaries are to be

installed, final connections of each luminaries shall be made by means of a three
core flexible cable of suitable heat resisting qualities via a plug in ceiling rose
connected to the conduit box or cable trunking.
 The appearance and light distribution characteristics of all luminaries must comply
the detailed information given in this specification.
 The design and the construction of the luminaries shall be such that lamp cap are
not subject to temperature in excess of the continuous running temperatures for
which they are designed
 Lamps
 All fluorescent lamps must be of the hot cathode type except for the area where
voltage is not provided.
 For general use the lamp characteristics required are as follows, and all lamps must
have outputs at least equal to those in the table.
 All lamps must have identical color rendering and shall be enclosed in envelopes
of volumes not less than required by the table below.
 Control gear
 Control gear for fluorescent lamps must be electronic ignition inductive choke
circuitry engineered to minimize losses, which shall not exceed 8 watts for a 1200
lamp length and 10 watts for a 1500 mm lamp length.
 The electronic ignition must be asymmetric in application avoiding any possibility
of saturation choke resulting in high starting currents.
 The appearance and light distribution characteristics must comply with
information given in the drawings.
 All fluorescent luminaries shall be provided with power factor correction, which
must be correct overall Power factor of fitting to no less than 0.9 lagging
 Each luminary must be provided with a fixed connector block clearly marked for
phase, neutral and earth, sized 2.5 mm2 cables in each connector.
 A suitably rated cartridge fuse shall be provided in the phase line of each
luminary to which easy access shall be provided In the figure below some different
types of lamps are shown:
 Each luminary must be provided with a fixed connector block clearly marked for
phase, neutral and earth, sized 2.5 mm2 cables in each connector.
 A suitably rated cartridge fuse shall be provided in the phase line of each
luminary to which easy access shall be provided In the figure below some different
types of lamps are shown:
 Halide Lamps

 All lamps must be suitable for 220 volts operation and be complete with control
gear.
 The characteristics of metal halide lamps shall be such that they will start with a
10% reduction in rated voltage.
 Luminaries and other auxiliary equipment must be manufactured according to the
European standards, or approved similar as follow:
 Type 1131 Punto, JM-IS glass diffuser, IP55, biege color.
 Spot light

 Used luminaries powerful spot light are:

  Indoors area (halls) and

  Outside area; in sports ground, in the area in the front of school, at the main gate of
the school luminaries of flower garden etc. As spotlights for indoor area (gymnastics
hall) can be put suspend ceiling or inside wall.
 They must be put in such a way to light better all the hall and not preventing (blinding)
sport persons/students during their exercises. Number of spotlights depends on:
  The space of the hall that is to be lit

  Type of spotlight

  Power of the spotlight

 Below some types of spotlights for indoor halls, with some their technical data are
introduced.
 In the water supply systems of buildings will be used PPR (Polypropylene Random)
pipes. It will be in accordance with international quality standards ISO 9001 or DIN
8078 (Quality and Test Requirements for pipes).
 With writing request of supervisor, there can be used stainless steel pipes in a way
that conforms to above international standards for quality and test.
 Note: The weight of PPR pipes is 15 times less of stainless steel.
 The Pipes of water supply systems should be excellent resistant against corrosion
and chemical agents, resistant against hot water, low weight, ease of maintenance
for repair and transport, simple welding and fast installation, long working life over
30 years.
 Properties of PPR pipes are as follows:
  Density of material PPR 0,9 g/cm3
  Temperature of welding 146 grade Celsius
  Thermal conductivity in 20 degree 0,23 W/mK
  Thermal Linear expansion coefficient 1,5 x 0,0001 K
  Measure of elasticity in 20 degree 670 N/mm2
  Stress against leakage in 20 degree 22 N/mm2
  Stress against the broken in 20 degree 35 N/mm2
 The welding process with electro fusion will be as follows:
  Should be prepared the welding equipment with electro fusion methods and
their parts for diameters of pipes that we will connect.
  The welding equipment will be connected with electric power in a socket and
we will check working lamp.
  We will wait some minutes that the welding temperature will be 260 degree
Celsius
  Should be marked the depth of welding with a conductivity pencil.
  The pipes and their fittings should be cleaned before the starting of heating
process.
 Valves
 The valves consist of the following parts:
  Cylindrical body of bronze or pig iron. In this body should be fixed the
respective flangen, which enable the valve joining to the network pipeline.
  The sphere, which should enable the opening and closing of the valve. They are
of steel or bronze material and should be resistant to the corosion, mechanical
attacks, etc.
  The bar, which is connected to the center of the turning, which realises the
opening and closing of the disc through routation vertical removal.
  The valve shutter, which is fixed by screws to the cylindrical body of the valve or
by filleting.
 Properties of PPR pipes that will use for heating water supply system are as follows:
  Density of material PPR 0.9 g/cm3
  Temperature of welding 146celsius degree
  Thermal conductivity in 20 degree 0.23 W/m.K
  Thermal linear expansion coefficient 1.5 x 0,0001 K
  Measure of elasticity in 20 degree 670 N/mm2
  Stress against leakage in 20 degree 22 N/mm2
  Stress against the broken in 20 degree 35 N/mm2