Module 2: Lesson 2

Calculations and Specifications

Introduction
Design documentation is prepared to a level that allows the works to be constructed
accurately. The design documentation includes design drawings, bill of quantities and
technical specifications.
Design drawings are developed to a level of detail necessary to prepare a clear, coordinated
visual depiction of all aspects of the works. Major project elements including overall layout,
earthworks equipment, mechanical, electrical, structural, and water supply systems are
designed and depicted through coordinated scale drawings and detailed elevations and plans.
The lot feeder may engage consultants to ensure well-coordinated drawings and bill of
quantities are prepared.
Technical specifications are prepared to provide consistency and to instruct construction
contractors on how the works are to be carried out, the quality of the workmanship and
methods of quality assurance for the construction. Technical specifications describe the
project design and construction practices, technical standards, specifications and principles to
be followed during construction

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the session, the students should be able to:

1. Familiarize the technical aspects required in construction;

2. Understand the execution of the construction; and
3. Set standards for documenting the design, tendering, and construction process.

Discussions

Technical Data

The design drawings and technical specifications should include:

 Design drawings – these set out design information and procedures which are
required to be used on the works.
Bill of Quantities – this itemizes the quantity of materials to enable a tenderer to
accurately cost the work for which they are bidding.
 Material specifications – such as diameter, type and grade of material for
pipes (e.g. polyethylene pipes or UPVC), joining methods (e.g. electro-fused or
compression fittings etc), or 28- day compressive strength of concrete.
Requirements for Material Testing e.g. testing required for earthworks (i.e. minimum
required compaction and moisture range to be achieved), frequency of testing (e.g.
one soil density test per 1,000 m3 of bulk earthworks) or the number of tests per
1,000 m2 of area for hydraulic conductivity tests in sedimentation ponds.
 Construction and installation methods.
 Development approval conditions that have to be complied with throughout the
construction
Intended Learning
Outcomes
At the end of the
session, the students
should be able to:
1. Familiarize the
technical aspects
required in construction;
2. Understand the
execution of the
construction; and
3. Set standards for
documenting the
design, tendering, and
construction process.
Discussions
Technical Data
The design drawings
and technical
specifications should
include:
Design drawings – these
set out design
information and
procedures which are
required to be used on
the works.
Bill of Quantities – this
itemizes the quantity of
materials to enable a
tenderer to
accurately cost the work
for which they are
bidding.
Material specifications –
such as diameter, type
and grade of material
for pipes
(e.g. polyethylene pipes
or UPVC), joining
methods (e.g. electro-
fused or
compression fittings
etc), or 28- day
compressive strength of
concrete.
Requirements for
Material Testing e.g.
testing required for
earthworks (i.e.
minimum
required compaction
and moisture range to
be achieved), frequency
of testing (e.g. one
soil density test per
3
1,000 m of bulk
earthworks) or the
number of tests per
2
1,000 m of
area for hydraulic
conductivity tests in
sedimentation ponds.
Construction and
installation methods.
Development approval
conditions that have to
be complied with
throughout the
construction
Design documents
Design documents relate to the design, construction, and commissioning of the project works.
Typically, the documents should include:
 design drawings
 construction specifications
Design drawings
Design drawings for construction contain all the information necessary for the construction
contractor to bid on and build a particular project. Typically, the preparation of design
drawings provides a detailed record of the design and structural requirements of the works. A
contract or tender document often references design drawings.
Design drawings should show details on layout, measurements, plan, cross-sectional and
vertical profiles. This information is prepared as scale drawings of the works to be
constructed.
Design drawings should be presented in such a way that:
 the project can easily be understood they visually communicate the concept to the lot
feeder and the construction contractor
 they are legible
 they include all information from previous revisions and updates.
The design drawings should include the following aspects:
site layout and the location of the works to be constructed plan views
 detailed designs and cross-sectional profiles of the works
 dimensions and units gradients titles and scales that meet the required standards and
units
 adequate labelling elevations that are referenced to meters
Computational devices and computer aided drafting and design (CADD) packages have made
the creation of project design information in digital form commonplace. Construction machine
guidance is now a widely adopted tool in the construction industry, particularly in earthwork
operations, due to its accuracy and ease of use. Thisis an important consideration for the
transfer of engineering design data in electronic form for import into these global positioning
system (GPS) guidance software and systems
Technical Specifications
A contract or tender document often references technical specifications about the specific
requirements and construction standards for various elements of a project. This includes how
the work will be done, the quality of workmanship and methods of testing. Typically,
construction projects require construction of various elements and use of various materials.
More than one technical specification may be required for the whole project. For example, a
construction project may require individual technical specifications for
 earthworks
 erosion and sediment controls
 concrete works
 fencing building
 works roads
 electrical systems
 water reticulation systems
For small projects, the material and construction specifications may be documented in the
form of notes on the design drawings. For larger projects, a separate specification document
is more practical.
Designers will usually have suitable standard technical specification documents. However, as
a guide a specification might include:
 descriptive title, number, identifier etc. of the specification date of last effective
revision and revision designation
 logo or trademark to indicate the document copyright, ownership and origin Table of
Contents (TOC) if the document is long
 person or office responsible for questions on the specification, updates and deviations
 the significance, scope or importance of the specification and its intended use
 terminology, definitions and abbreviations to clarify the meanings of the specification
 references and Standards used or to be complied with test
  methods for measuring all specified characteristics
 material requirements: physical, mechanical, electrical, chemical
 targets and tolerances
 acceptance testing, including performance testing requirements and tolerances

 workmanship

 certifications required
 safety considerations and requirements environmental
 considerations and requirements approval authority
 considerations and requirements
 quality control requirements, acceptance sampling, inspections, acceptance criteria
 person or office responsible for enforcement of the specification completion and
delivery
 provisions for rejection, reinspection, rehearing, corrective measures
Technical specifications may specify a performance goal (a performance standard) or
procedures used to meet the performance goal (design standard). A performance standard
permits flexibility and change. For example, a performance specification for a Feed processing
system may specify that the capacity be some nominated tons per hour
Summary
Technical specifications are an integral and important component of a construction project.
 For small projects, the material and construction specifications may be documented in
the form of notes on the design drawings.
 For larger projects, the preparation of a separate specification document is more
practical.
Ensure adherence to the technical specifications as this determines the quality of the
project and influences the performance of the constructed facility.
Ensure that all parties responsible for the creation, processing or supply of
drawings and diagrams standardize the layout and content of all drawings. Ensure
that electronic design data is compatible with construction contractor GPS-based
machine control systems