BTECH M1

Specification

as a noun describes a written descriptionor a type of document.

Specification

refers to a detailed document that outlines the requirements, standards, and guidelines for a project

Specification

is a precisedescription of the dimensions, construction, workmanship, materials, and other aspects of work completed or to be completed on a project, prepared by an architect, engineer, or designer, sometimes known as specifiers.

Specification

filled out by the specifier, describes in wordswhat a picture or model cannot.

Scope of Work
Materials
Installation Methods
Quality Standards
Testing and Inspections
Timeline and Milestones
Safety Requirements

Key aspects covered by Specification:

Scope of Work

Specifications define the project’s scope, including what needs to be accomplished and the overall objectives

Materials

They specify the types and quality of materials to be used, ensuring consistency and adherence to standards.

Installation Methods

Details about how materials should be installed or implemented are included in the specifications

Quality Standards

Specifications set expectations for the quality of workmanship and the finished product.

Testing and Inspections

If specific tests or inspections are needed during or after construction, they are outlined.

Timeline and Milestones

Specifications may include information about project timelines and important milestones

Safety Requirements

Compliance with safety standards is often addressed in specifications

Prescriptive Specifications
Performance Specifications
Proprietary Specifications
Reference specifications

Different Types of Construction Specification:

Prescriptive Specifications

These provide step-by-step instructions regarding the required materials and preferred installation methods.

Performance Specifications

Instead of detailing specific materials, performance specifications focus on the operational requirements of the finished project.

Proprietary Specifications

Contractors may use proprietary specifications to supplement architectural drawings, describing information that may not be visually evident.

Reference specifications

Incorporate industry standards by reference instead of writing them out in full. Lists recognized documents, codes, and standards from organizations and uses accepted benchmarks to define quality and compliance

• Clarity and Communication
• Quality Assurance
• Compliance and Standards
• Cost Control
• Risk Management

WRITING A SPECIFICATION IS CRUCIAL FOR SEVERAL REASONS:

Clarity and Communication

Specifications provide clear and detailed instructions, ensuring that all parties involved in a project understand the requirements and expectations.

Quality Assurance

Specifications outline quality standards, performance criteria, and testing procedures, ensuring that the final product or outcome meets desired quality levels.

Compliance and Standard

Specifications ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices.

Cost Control

Specifications help control costs by providing clarity on materials, resources, and processes required for the project.

Risk Management

Specifications help identify and mitigate risks associated with the project, such as technical challenges, safety hazards, and environmental impacts.

50 divisions

Master Format consists of ______ numbered 00-49), each referring to a specific aspect of construction. These divisions cover various materials, trades, and disciplines. Some divisions are reserved for future use as the industry evolves. (Master Format 2020 Edition)

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TESTING AND MATERIALS

ASTM -

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARS

PNS -

16 major divisions

Initially, MasterFormat had ______ representing different trades. (Master Format 1995 Edition)

MASTER FORMAT

A product of the construction specifications institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada; also known as Uniform System

construction specifications institute

CSI -

GENERAL
PRODUCTS
EXECUTION

CSI THREE-PART SECTION FORMAT

General

This section describes administrative, procedural and temporary requirements specific to this section of specification

Products

This section describes, in detail, the materials, products, equipment, systems or assemblies to be used in the project.

Execution

This section describes, in detail, any preparatory actions and how the products shall be incorporated into the project

precise

Specification language should be ____.

Vague and ambiguous text

________ can be open to multiple interpretations.

Be clear
Be correct
Be complete
Be concise

Four important sections for specification writing

Imperative Mood
Indicative Mood

SENTENCE STRUCTURE

Imperative Mood

This puts the verb that defines the action as the first word in the sentence. It is a recommendedmethod for specifications covering installation of products and equipment. It is easily understandable and concise.

Indicative Mood

Uses the passive voice with the use of the word shall in nearly every sentence. Sometimes this can create unnecessary wordiness monotony.

STREAMLINED WRITING

This technique uses a colon (:) to mean shall or shall be

Streamlined specifications

are very concise and clear to read

A

AN

THE

SUCH

SAID

SAME

ALL

WORDS TO AVOID