SPECIFICATIONS

DEFINITION: Specifications convey the information regarding the quality of materials , deals with
method of execution, nature of labour to be employed, proportions in which materials are to be mixed ,
measurements of work done , etc..

Drawings of a structure will show the proportions and relative positions of its various parts.

Thus, it is intended that the combination of the drawings and specifications will completely define the
structure, physically as well as technically.

OBJECTIVES \PURPOSE OF THE SPECIFICATIONS:

The specifications of the work are mainly written for the following 3 objectives:

1. To know the quality of the materials and workmanship. It makes the work of the contractor easier for
the tender, to put the correct rates.

2. The information and instructions serve as guide to the contractor as well as supervising staff.

3. Specifications are done to state the information which the engineer wants to convey so as to fulfill the
needs of his design. The ideal specification aims to protect the owner from any damage due to bad
workmanship or low quality materials.

Thus, the specifications describe and limit the responsibilities of the owner and
contractor.

IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFICATIONS:

The drawings are given in two important documents

1. Information drawings

2. Specifications (written in words)

Incase of discrepancy between the drawings and specifications, the provisions of the specifications shall
govern.

Thus, the specifications play an important part in construction work and heavy responsibility is attached
to the specification writer.
TYPES OF SPECIFICATION:

The specifications are broadly divided into two categories:

1. Brief specification
2. Detailed specification

1. Brief specification: While preparing the estimate the quantity surveyor writes down the brief
description of every item. These are known as brief specifications and they do not form part of the
contract document. They are only useful to the person preparing the estimate of the work.

2. Detailed specification: They form a part of the contract document and they are divided into 3
groups:

1. General provisions
2. Technical provisions
3. Standard specifications

1. GENERAL PROVISION: They are also known as conditions of contractor and they apply to the
work as a whole. In this document the conditions governing the contract are written.

2. TECHNICAL PROVISIONS: These specifications describe the technical requirements of each type of
construction. They contain detailed instructions of the quality of the final product. They also provide
for the inspection and tests during the construction to make sure that the specified requirements
are being obtained.

Technical provisions are of 3 types:

1. Specification for material and workmanship

2. Specification for performance
3. Specifications for proprietary commodities

1. SPECIFICATION FOR MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP:

1. These are written for engineering structures such as bridges, buildings etc..
2. In the specifications the stress is put up on the quality of materials and workmanship.
3. For materials following properties should be included:
(a) Physical properties (strength, hardness…)
(b) Chemical composition of the materials
(c) Electrical , thermal and acoustical properties
(d) Appearance of the material
(e) Information regarding protection during transport, handling, storage.
(f) Statements regarding the inspection and procedure of test.
4. For workmanship the following important feature should be included in the specifications:
(a) The results desired should be specified while keeping in the view the practical limits of
tolerance.
(b) Detailed description of the construction method of each item should be written.
(c) The instructions regarding the protection of the finished work as well as of the adjacent
property should be specified.

2. SPECIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE

These are based on the overall performance of the finished product and hence, they are written
for equipment and machinery such as pumps, motors, etc…

The principle features to be included in this type of specifications are as follows:

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Specifications for equipment and machinery is described to the contractor to give complete
idea regarding size, shape etc... Of the equipment or machinery.

2. DESIGN AND INSTALLATION:

If the equipment is to be of particular design it is to be specified.
In case the owner invites invites separate tenders and enters into a separate contract. The
specification should clearly state the final responsibility of erection and installation of the
equipment.

3. PROVISION FOR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:

If the equipment is of special type, the specification should clearly state the detailed design
of the special equipment and details such as: type, power capacity, efficiency, etc…

4. GUARANTEE:
The specification should also provide for the period of guarantee from the contractor for the
performance and the durability of the equipment. It should also provide for the supply of
spare parts, special tools, etc.

3. SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROPRIETARY COMMODITIES:

These specifications include commercial

products which are standardized or patented. Hence it is essential to know exactly the
quality of the product beforehand because there is no control over the materials or
workmanship or performance. Hence only name of a particular brand or firm is sufficient to
mention.
4. STANDARD SPECIFICATION: The specifications are seldom written completely for all items of
the works. It is possible to standardize the specifications for most of the items occurring in
works of similar nature. Hence, each office develops its own standards specifications in due
course.