May 23, 2009 [MASTER FORMAT CSI ]

CSI's MasterFormat

MasterFormat is a widely used standard for organizing specifications and other written
information for commercial and institutional building projects in the U.S. and Canada [1].
The MasterFormat is a product of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and
Construction Specifications Canada. In November 2004 MasterFormat expanded from 16
Divisions to 50 Divisions, reflecting innovations in the construction industry. It provides
a master list of divisions, and section numbers and titles within each division, to follow in
organizing information about a facility’s construction requirements and associated
activities [2].

One objective in many construction planning efforts is to define the plan within the
constraints of a universal coding system for identifying activities. Each activity defined
for a project would be identified by a pre-defined code specific to that activity. The use of
a common nomenclature or identification system is basically motivated by the desire for
better integration of organizational efforts and improved information flow. In particular,
coding systems are adopted to provide a numbering system to replace verbal descriptions
of items. These codes reduce the length or complexity of the information to be recorded.
A common coding system within an organization also aids consistency in definitions and
categories between projects and among the various parties involved in a project.
Common coding systems also aid in the retrieval of historical records of cost,
productivity and duration on particular activities. Finally, electronic data storage and
retrieval operations are much more efficient with standard coding systems, as described
in Chapter 14.

In North America, the most widely used standard coding system for constructed facilities
is the MASTERFORMAT system developed by the Construction Specifications Institute
(CSI) of the United States and Construction Specifications of Canada. [10] After
development of separate systems, this combined system was originally introduced as the
Uniform Construction Index (UCI) in 1972 and was subsequently adopted for use by
numerous firms, information providers, professional societies and trade organizations.
The term MASTERFORMAT was introduced with the 1978 revision of the UCI codes.
MASTERFORMAT provides a standard identification code for nearly all the elements
associated with building construction.

MASTERFORMAT involves a hierarchical coding system with multiple levels plus

keyword text descriptions of each item. In the numerical coding system, the first two
digits represent one of the sixteen divisions for work; a seventeenth division is used to
code conditions of the contract for a constructor. In the latest version of the
MASTERFORMAT, a third digit is added to indicate a subdivision within each division.
Each division is further specified by a three digit extension indicating another level of
subdivisions. In many cases, these subdivisions are further divided with an additional
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three digits to identify more specific work items or materials. For example, the code 16-
950-960, "Electrical Equipment Testing" are defined as within Division 16 (Electrical)
and Sub-Division 950 (Testing). The keywords "Electrical Equipment Testing" is a
standard description of the activity. The seventeen major divisions in the UCI/CSI
MASTERFORMAT system are shown in Table 9-6. As an example, site work second
level divisions are shown in Table 9-7.

TABLE 9-6 Major Divisions in the Uniform Construction Index

0 Conditions of the contract 9 Finishes

1 General requirements 10 Specialties
2 Site work 11 Equipment
3 Concrete 12 Furnishings
4 Masonry 13 Special construction
5 Metals 14 Conveying system
6 Wood and plastics 15 Mechanical
7 Thermal and moisture prevention 16 Electrical
8 Doors and windows

While MASTERFORMAT provides a very useful means of organizing and

communicating information, it has some obvious limitations as a complete project coding
system. First, more specific information such as location of work or responsible
organization might be required for project cost control. Code extensions are then added in
addition to the digits in the basic MASTERFORMAT codes. For example, a typical
extended code might have the following elements:

0534.02220.21.A.00.cf34

The first four digits indicate the project for this activity; this code refers to an activity on
project number 0534. The next five digits refer to the MASTERFORMAT secondary
division; referring to Table 9-7, this activity would be 02220 "Excavating, Backfilling
and Compacting." The next two digits refer to specific activities defined within this
MASTERFORMAT code; the digits 21 in this example might refer to excavation of
column footings. The next character refers to the block or general area on the site that the
activity will take place; in this case, block A is indicated. The digits 00 could be replaced
by a code to indicate the responsible organization for the activity. Finally, the characters
cf34 refer to the particular design element number for which this excavation is intended;
in this case, column footing number 34 is intended. Thus, this activity is to perform the
excavation for column footing number 34 in block A on the site. Note that a number of
additional activities would be associated with column footing 34, including formwork
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and concreting. Additional fields in the coding systems might also be added to indicate
the responsible crew for this activity or to identify the specific location of the activity on
the site (defined, for example, as x, y and z coordinates with respect to a base point).

As a second problem, the MASTERFORMAT system was originally designed for

building construction activities, so it is difficult to include various construction activities
for other types of facilities or activities associated with planning or design. Different
coding systems have been provided by other organizations in particular sub-fields such as
power plants or roadways. Nevertheless, MASTERFORMAT provides a useful starting
point for organizing information in different construction domains.

In devising organizational codes for project activities, there is a continual tension

between adopting systems that are convenient or expedient for one project or for one
project manager and systems appropriate for an entire organization. As a general rule, the
record keeping and communication advantages of standard systems are excellent
arguments for their adoption. Even in small projects, however, ad hoc or haphazard
coding systems can lead to problems as the system is revised and extended over time.

Construction Specifications

Introductory Information

00001 Project Title Page

00005 Certifications Page
00007 Seals Page
00010 Table of Contents
00015 List of Drawings
00020 List of Schedules

Bidding Requirements

00100 Bid Solicitation

00200 Instructions to Bidders
00300 Information Available to Bidders
00400 Bid Forms and Supplements
00490 Bidding Addenda

Contracting Requirements

00500 Agreement
00600 Bonds and Certificates

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00700 General Conditions

00800 Supplementary Conditions
00900 Modifications

Facilities and Spaces

Note: MasterFormat currently does not include a list of facilities and spaces.

Systems and Assemblies

Note: MasterFormat currently does not include a list of Systems and Assemblies.
Use UniFormat for element numbers, titles, and descriptions, associated with
systems and assemblies.

Construction Products and Activities

Division 1 — General Requirements

01100 Summary
01200 Price and Payment Procedures
01300 Administrative Requirements
01400 Quality Requirements
01500 Temporary Facilities and Controls
01600 Product Requirements
01700 Execution Requirements
01800 Facility Operation
01900 Facility Decommissioning

Division 2 — Site Construction

02050 Basic Site Materials and Methods

02100 Site Remediation
02200 Site Preparation
02300 Earthwork
02400 Tunneling, Boring, and Jacking
02450 Foundation and Load-bearing Elements
02500 Utility Services
02600 Drainage and Containment
02700 Bases, Ballasts, Pavements, and Appurtenances
02800 Site Improvements and Amenities
02900 Planting

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02950 Site Restoration and Rehabilitation

Division 3 — Concrete

03050 Basic Concrete Materials and Methods

03100 Concrete Forms and Accessories
03200 Concrete Reinforcement
03300 Cast-in-Place Concrete
03400 Precast Concrete
03500 Cementitious Decks and Underlayment
03600 Grouts
03700 Mass Concrete
03900 Concrete Restoration and Cleaning

Division 4 — Masonry

04050 Basic Masonry Materials and Methods

04200 Masonry Units
04400 Stone
04500 Refractories
04600 Corrosion-Resistant Masonry
04700 Simulated Masonry
04800 Masonry Assemblies
04900 Masonry Restoration and Cleaning

Division 5 — Metals

05050 Basic Metal Materials and Methods

05100 Structural Metal Framing
05200 Metal Joists
05300 Metal Deck
05400 Cold-Formed Metal Framing
05500 Metal Fabrications
05600 Hydraulic Fabrications
05650 Railroad Track and Accessories
05700 Ornamental Metal
05800 Expansion Control
05900 Metal Restoration and Cleaning

Division 6 — Wood and Plastics

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06050 Basic Wood and Plastic Materials and Methods

06100 Rough Carpentry
06200 Finish Carpentry
06400 Architectural Woodwork
06500 Structural Plastics
06600 Plastic Fabrications
06900 Wood and Plastic Restoration and Cleaning

Division 7 — Thermal and Moisture Protection

07050 Basic Thermal and Moisture Protection Materials and Methods

07100 Dampproofing and Waterproofing
07200 Thermal Protection
07300 Shingles, Roof Tiles, and Roof Coverings
07400 Roofing and Siding Panels
07500 Membrane Roofing
07600 Flashing and Sheet Metal
07700 Roof Specialties and Accessories
07800 Fire and Smoke Protection
07900 Joint Sealers

Division 8 — Doors and Windows

08050 Basic Door and Window Materials and Methods

08100 Metal Doors and Frames
08200 Wood and Plastic Doors
08300 Specialty Doors
08400 Entrances and Storefronts
08500 Windows
08600 Skylights
08700 Hardware
08800 Glazing
08900 Glazed Curtain Wall

Division 9 — Finishes

09050 Basic Finish Materials and Methods

09100 Metal Support Assemblies
09200 Plaster and Gypsum Board
09300 Tile
09400 Terrazzo

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09500 Ceilings
09600 Flooring
09700 Wall Finishes
09800 Acoustical Treatment
09900 Paints and Coatings

Division 10 — Specialties

10100 Visual Display Boards

10150 Compartments and Cubicles
10200 Louvers and Vents
10240 Grilles and Screens
10250 Service Walls
10260 Wall and Corner Guards
10270 Access Flooring
10290 Pest Control
10300 Fireplaces and Stoves
10340 Manufactured Exterior Specialties
10350 Flagpoles
10400 Identification Devices
10450 Pedestrian Control Devices
10500 Lockers
10520 Fire Protection Specialties
10530 Protective Covers
10550 Postal Specialties
10600 Partitions
10670 Storage Shelving
10700 Exterior Protection
10750 Telephone Specialties
10800 Toilet, Bath, and Laundry Accessories
10880 Scales
10900 Wardrobe and Closet Specialties

Division 11 — Equipment

11010 Maintenance Equipment

11020 Security and Vault Equipment
11030 Teller and Service Equipment
11040 Ecclesiastical Equipment
11050 Library Equipment
11060 Theater and Stage Equipment
11070 Instrumental Equipment

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11080 Registration Equipment

11090 Checkroom Equipment
11100 Mercantile Equipment
11110 Commercial Laundry and Dry Cleaning Equipment
11120 Vending Equipment
11130 Audio-Visual Equipment
11140 Vehicle Service Equipment
11150 Parking Control Equipment
11160 Loading Dock Equipment
11170 Solid Waste Handling Equipment
11190 Detention Equipment
11200 Water Supply and Treatment Equipment
11280 Hydraulic Gates and Valves
11300 Fluid Waste Treatment and Disposal Equipment
11400 Food Service Equipment
11450 Residential Equipment
11460 Unit Kitchens
11470 Darkroom Equipment
11480 Athletic, Recreational, and Therapeutic Equipment
11500 Industrial and Process Equipment
11600 Laboratory Equipment
11650 Planetarium Equipment
11660 Observatory Equipment
11680 Office Equipment
11700 Medical Equipment
11780 Mortuary Equipment
11850 Navigation Equipment
11870 Agricultural Equipment
11900 Exhibit Equipment

Division 12 — Furnishings

12050 Fabrics
12100 Art
12300 Manufactured Casework
12400 Furnishings and Accessories
12500 Furniture
12600 Multiple Seating
12700 Systems Furniture
12800 Interior Plants and Planters
12900 Furnishings Repair and Restoration

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Division 13 — Special Construction

13010 Air-Supported Structures

13020 Building Modules
13030 Special Purpose Rooms
13080 Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control
13090 Radiation Protection
13100 Lightning Protection
13110 Cathodic Protection
13120 Pre-Engineered Structures
13150 Swimming Pools
13160 Aquariums
13165 Aquatic Park Facilities
13170 Tubs and Pools
13175 Ice Rinks
13185 Kennels and Animal Shelters
13190 Site-Constructed Incinerators
13200 Storage Tanks
13220 Filter Underdrains and Media
13230 Digester Covers and Appurtenances
13240 Oxygenation Systems
13260 Sludge Conditioning Systems
13280 Hazardous Material Remediation
13400 Measurement and Control Instrumentation
13500 Recording Instrumentation
13550 Transportation Control Instrumentation
13600 Solar and Wind Energy Equipment
13700 Security Access and Surveillance
13800 Building Automation and Control
13850 Detection and Alarm
13900 Fire Suppression

Division 14 — Conveying Systems

14100 Dumbwaiters
14200 Elevators
14300 Escalators and Moving Walks
14400 Lifts
14500 Material Handling
14600 Hoists and Cranes
14700 Turntables
14800 Scaffolding

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14900 Transportation

Division 15 — Mechanical

15050 Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods

15100 Building Services Piping
15200 Process Piping
15300 Fire Protection Piping
15400 Plumbing Fixtures and Equipment
15500 Heat-Generation Equipment
15600 Refrigeration Equipment
15700 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment
15800 Air Distribution
15900 HVAC Instrumentation and Controls
15950 Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing

Division 16 — Electrical

16050 Basic Electrical Materials and Methods

16100 Wiring Methods
16200 Electrical Power
16300 Transmission and Distribution
16400 Low-Voltage Distribution
16500 Lighting
16700 Communications
16800 Sound and Video

TABLE 9-7 Secondary Divisions in MASTERFORMAT for Site Work [11]

02-010 Subsurface investigation 02-350 Piles and caissons

02-012 Standard penetration tests 02-355 Pile driving
02-016 Seismic investigation 02-360 Driven piles
02-370 Bored/augered piles
02-050 Demolition 02-380 Caissons
02-060 Building demolition
02-070 Selective demolition 02-450 Railroad work
02-075 Concrete removal

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02-080 Asbestos removal 02-480 Marine work

02-100 Site preparation 02-500 Paving and surfacing

02-110 Site clearing 02-510 Walk, road and parking paving
02-115 Selective clearing 02-515 Unit pavers
02-120 Structure moving 02-525 Curbs
02-530 Athletic paving and surfacing
02-140 Dewatering 02-540 Synthetic surfacing
02-545 Surfacing
02-150 Shoring and underpinning 02-550 Highway paving
02-560 Airfield paving
02-160 Excavation supporting system 02-575 Pavement repair
02-580 Pavement marking
02-170 Cofferdams
02-600 Piped utility materials
02-200 Earthwork
02-210 Grading 02-660 Water distribution
02-220 Excavating, backfilling and
02-230 compaction 02-680 Fuel distribution
02-240 Base course
02-250 Soil stabilization 02-700 Sewage and drainage
02-270 Vibro-floatation
02-280 Slope protection 02-760 Restoration of underground
02-290 Soil treatment pipelines
Earth dams
02-770 Ponds and reservoirs
02-300 Tunneling
02-305 Tunnel ventilation 02-800 Power and communications
02-310 Tunnel excavating
02-320 Tunnel lining 02-880 Site improvements
Tunnel grouting
Tunnel support systems 02-900 Landscaping

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Eng.: Hussam Ezzat Mansour

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