TOPIC 8: Calculations and Specifications

calculation and specification

are vital aspects of technical documentation. They ensure that the design, materials, and methods are accurately defined, properly measured, and systematically planned.

Calculations

provide the quantitative basis for determining the size, dimensions, and quantities of construction elements.

specifications

describe the quality, standards, and procedures to be followed.

calculation and specification

they form the foundation for preparing accurate project estimates, guiding construction activities, and ensuring compliance with design and safety requirements

CALCULATIONS

Used by engineers to determine the loads that a building must withstand and the properties of members that comprise its structure

live loads

which are imposed by the occupants, furniture, vehicles, and equipment

dead loads

caused by the weight of the building itself

loads inflicted by the forces of nature

such as wind, earthquakes, and etc.

Factor of Safety (FOS)

added for it is important for any building design for the safe and convenient performance of the building during the design life duration.

BUILDING LOAD

a force that a home frame must be able to withstand. Eight of these loads, including wind, earth, and snow, must be accommodated by the frame without causing the structure catastrophic stress.

1. Column = Self-weigh times floors

2. Beam = Self-weight per Running meter

3. Wall = Load per Running meter

4. Slab = Dead load + Live load + Self-weight

LOAD CALCULATION PROCESS ON COLUMN, BEAM, WALL, AND SLAB

Column

vertical load-bearing component in building structure, which is mainly designed to carry the compressive axial and buckling load.

Beam

a horizontal structural member in building construction, which is designed to carry shear force, bending moment, and transfer the load to columns on both ends of it.

Walls

An upright structure made of masonry, wood, plaster, or another material used to enclose, divide, or another protect a space, especially one that is vertical and serves as the interior or exterior siding of a building.

slab

a level structural element of building which provided to create a flat hard surface.

provides a margin against uncertainties such as variations in material strength, unexpected loads, and construction inaccuracies.

ultimate stress/working stress

Bill of Materials (BOM)

is a detailed list of all materials, quantities, and costs needed for a project.

Measure the dimensions

Determine usage

Match with material coverage/unit:

Factor in allowances

steps of BOM

specification

"a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to be used, methods of installation, and quality of workmanship for a parcel of work to be placed under contract; usually utilized in conjunction with working (contract) drawings in building construction".

PRESCRIPTIVE SPECIFICATION -

materials and methods

It conveys the requirements of a project through a detailed explanation of the materials that the contractor must use, and the means of installing those materials.

GENERAL

consists of information such as national quality standards, product handling, design requirements, and keeping quality control.

PRODUCTS

describe in detail the various products required for the task covered by the Specification along with the individual structural and performance requirements of each product.

EXECUTION

explain how to prepare the materials and conduct the installation, including the testing requirements to be followed

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

discuss the operational requirements of a project. It details what the final installed product has capable of doing. - expected outcome or performance requirement.

PROPRIETY SPECIFICATIONS

requires the use of a single approved product type for any particular installation. It is often used in cases where there is an existing equipment or installation on site. The specific brand or product.

Prescriptive Specification

Use kiln-dried Narra timber planks, 50 mm × 150 mm, moisture content not exceeding 12%; apply two coats of wood preservative before installation; fix with stainless steel screws at 300 mm spacing; sand and finish with two coats of polyurethane varnish.

Performance Specification

The timber flooring must support a live load of at least 250 kg/m², maintain dimensional stability with less than 3% shrinkage/swelling due to humidity, and provide a smooth, splinter-free surface suitable for residential use.

Proprietary Specification

Use "Matimco Kiln-Dried Narra Planks" for all wood flooring works.

General Specifications

are commonly used in commercial and residential work. They provide information on products, materials, installation processes (like how many coats of paint to apply), and quality testing standards (such as ASTM, AASHTO, AI, ACI, etc.) without specifying a particular manufacturer.

Detailed Specifications

are more precise, covering every aspect of construction, down to the number of screws used. They are often used when an owner has little experience.

Standard Specifications

Cover common requirements like flooring materials or steel thickness that can be used across similar projects.

Special Specifications

Used for unique or complex situations, such as installing a specific brand of windows, and require approval from key stakeholders

provide information not available in drawings,

list contract conditions,

help estimate costs,

explain construction methods,

record the project's design and materials.

PURPOSE OF SPECIFICATIO

They Serve as a Blueprint

They Help Control Costs

They Promote Quality

IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFICATION