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Introduction to specification OMSC

The document provides an overview of specifications in building technology, detailing their nature, types, and importance in construction projects. It outlines the threefold function of specifications, methods of specifying materials, and the requirements for good specification writing. Additionally, it highlights common pitfalls in specification writing and the necessary knowledge for writing effective specifications.

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Rezin Jay Melitante
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5 views

Introduction to specification OMSC

The document provides an overview of specifications in building technology, detailing their nature, types, and importance in construction projects. It outlines the threefold function of specifications, methods of specifying materials, and the requirements for good specification writing. Additionally, it highlights common pitfalls in specification writing and the necessary knowledge for writing effective specifications.

Uploaded by

Rezin Jay Melitante
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 04

Specifications and Quantity Surveying

INTRODUCTION TO SPECIFICATION

Dr. Dennis L. Estacio, uap, pia


Associate Professor V/ Dean CAFA
INTRODUCTION TO SPECIFICATION

A. NATURE OF SPECIFICATIONS

• In the beginnings of Architecture, the originator of a design explained his idea directly to
his working crew and clarified his explanation by showing them what to do.
• Later, the designer supplemented his drawings with descriptions written in longhand.
• In 1966, the U.S. and Canadian Contractors adopted the Uniform Construction
Index that included the Construction Specifications Institute’s CSI Format for
Construction Specification.
• Division 0 : Bidding and Contract Requirement

• Division 01 : General Requirements

• Division 02 : Sitework

• Division 03 : Concrete

• Division 04 : Masonry

• Division 05 : Metals

• Division 06 : Wood and Plastics

• Division 07 : Thermal and Moisture Protection

• Division 08 : Doors and Windows

• Division 09 : Finishes

• Division 10 : Specialties

• Division 11 : Equipment

• Division 12 : Furnishing

• Division 13 : Special Construction

• Division 14 : Conveying System

• Division 15 : Mechanical

• Division 16 : Electrical
• SPECIFICATIONS are the written or printed description of the Work to
be done describing qualities of the materials to be used, the equipment to
be installed, and the mode of construction.

• These are sets of documents that define the properties and quality of
materials and products and how they should be installed in the building or
the processes and workmanship required for the construction work.
• The usual documents governing building by contract
are as follows:
A. Agreement,
B. General Conditions,
C. Drawings and
D. Specifications
• The primary contract documents are the drawings and
specifications.
• They define the extent of the Contract.
• The drawings and specifications are complementary,
they should interlock, but not overlap.
• After the agreement has been signed by the Owner and
the Contractor, the drawings and specifications become
legal documents and cannot be altered.
• SPECIFICATION is one of the project manager’s vital tools for
the conduct of project management in a competent manner.
• The following is a condensed listing of some of the Contract
document components and their relative importance:
● Agreement governs over Specifications
● Specifications govern over drawings
● Detail Specifications govern over General Specification
● In cases where the specified brand carries with it the
manufacturer’s
specifications shall hold precedence over this specifications
THREEFOLD FUNCTION OF SPECIFICATIONS

1. They provide basis for accurate estimate of the cost of the


work;
2. They form legal document and, with the drawings, determine
the extent of the contract;
3. They provide an index of materials and workmanship to be
used and provide the instructions for the construction and finish
of the building.
TYPES OF SPECIFICATION

• 1. Descriptive Specifications – The exact properties of the


materials and methods of installation are described in detail
without using proprietary or manufacturer’s names. This
method is used for products for which no standards exist, on
projects where proprietary names are restricted, and in
situations where Architect/Engineer want to exercise tight
control over the specified work.
• 2. Performance Specifications – The required end results
are specified along with the criteria by which the performance
will be judged and the method by which it can be verified. The
Contractor is free to choose the materials and methods that
comply with the performance specification. They are generally
used to encourage the use of new and innovative techniques
that may lead to more economical construction. They are also
used to supplement other specification methods.
• 3. Reference Standard Specifications – Under this
method, reference is made to an established standard
defined by the associations very knowledgeable about a
certain part or phase of construction. This method is
used for commodity products in the marketplace,
where brand names are not important.
• 4. Proprietary Specifications – The actual brand
names, model numbers, and other proprietary
information is specified. They are primarily used for
private commercial projects where the Owner knows
what products they want.
METHODS OF SPECIFYING MATERIALS:

• A. Closed specifications specify one product without any qualifying


clause. Close specifications means only one material or process
appears, or in which a description of a material is so detailed that
only one product can qualify for use.
• B. Restrictive specifications list two or more proprietary names for
each item. Of the brands listed, the choice lies with the Contractor.
• C. “Or Equal” specifications list two or three proprietary
names and add the words “or equal”. This is a poor phrase for
use in the contract document, as demonstrated by many
problems and conflicts that have accompanied the use of this
method.
• D. Restrictive specifications with Limited Approvals, list two or
more proprietary names for each item, but allow the prime
Contractors to submit other brands for approval during the
bidding period.
• E. Open specifications permit substitution, it is necessary to
specify the process and the criteria the alternate manufacturer
will be judged by
REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD SPECIFICATION

• 1. Clear – Avoid ambiguity, use proper grammar and choose precise words to convey the
message. It should be clear as to meaning.
• 2. Correct – Present information accurately and precisely using proper terminology,
indefinite specifications are often the result of carelessness and ignorance of the detailed
requirement. It should be correct as to technical content.
• 3. Complete – Do not left out necessary and important information, brevity at the expense
of completeness should be avoided.
• 4. Concise – eliminate unnecessary words but at the expense of clarity, correctness and
completeness. Concise as to wordings.
PITFALLS IN SPECIFICATION WRITING

• 1. Saying Too Much – Many specification writers trying hard to be both legal and
inclusive have produced specifications that have been complex and involved, and frequently
verbose and contradictory. Legal requirements and general procedures should be
contained in the Agreement and in the general conditions, and should not be duplicated in
the technical section, which should be devoted to technical information.
• 2. Saying Too Little – When necessary work is not specified, there are extra charges that
are irritating to the Owner. Incomplete information permits the Contractor to furnish the
cheapest type for a specified material.
• 3. Arbitrary Attitude – Specification writers must prepare
specifications that are fair to both the Owner and the Contractor
and must define accurately the workmanship and materials to be
supplied by the Contractor and in return for the consideration to
be paid by the Owner. Specification should not be vague and
general.
• 4. Lack of Investigation – Specification writers should avoid
clauses that reflect indecision or lack of knowledge or ambiguous
words that are subject to different interpretation.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR WRITING
SPECIFICATIONS
• 1. Basic Knowledge – familiar with all aspects of construction drawings,
thorough knowledge of construction and acquired experience in construction
supervision, able to describe building operations that cannot be shown on the
drawings.
• 2. Materials and Trade Customs – The specification writer must know the
characteristics of various building materials, their comparative costs, durability
and availability; he must investigate and keep abreast of new materials as they
appear. He should have knowledge of trade customs and the extent of the
work of each trade.
• 3.Visualization – the ability to visualize a building in
various stages of construction is the most important
faculty a specification writer can possess; this will
enable him to solve probable problems and describe
clearly the details of the building construction.
THE SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE

1. Manufacturer’s Catalogs and Specifications


2. Association Standards and Technical Society Specifications
3. Building Codes and Building Laws
4. Master Specifications and Specifications of Existing Buildings
5. Samples
6. Handbooks
• END OF PRESENTATION

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