Republic of the Philippines

Eastern Visayas State University

Tacloban City
College Of Architecture and Allied Discipline

ARCH 323

Research no. 1

Architectural Specifications

Submitted by;

Jay Bryson H. Ruiz

BSAR 3C

Submitted to:

AR. Julius Tadeo, uap

Instructor

Date Submitted:

14 April 2021
 Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Architectural Specification

1.1Definition

1.2 Purpose

1.3 Types

Chapter 2

Uniform System of Masterformat

2.1 Three Part Format

2.2 Sixteen Division Uniform Format

Chapter 1

1.1 What are architectural specifications?

A specification is a detailed description of the dimensions, construction,

workmanship, materials etc., of work done or to be done on a project, prepared by
an architect, engineer or designer, often referred to as specifiers.

A thorough set of specifications can help everyone on the project reduce

costs, wasted time, and disputes. The more information provided, the better the
chance of work getting done correctly. As a result, correct work means fewer
defects, which means fewer change orders which means fewer disputes over
additional compensation.

Furthermore, having a clear set of specifications using the MasterFormat

divisions helps facilitate coordination and communication between all project
participants. There will be a substantial decrease in the time spent on requests for
substitutions or clarifications concerning materials or installation. Lastly, when
provided in advance, a solid set of specs can lead to more accurate bids, resulting
in fewer cost overruns.

1.2 Purpose of giving Specifications

 The cost of a unit quantity of work is governed by its specifications.

 Specification of a work is required to describe the quality and quantity of
different materials required for a construction work and is one of the essential
contract documents.
 This also specifies the workmanship and the method of doing the work. Thus
specification of a work serves as a guide to a supervising staff of a contractor
as well as to the owner to execute the work to their satisfaction.
 A work is carried out according to its specification and the contractor is paid
for the same. Any change in specification changes the tendered rate.
 As the rate of work is based on the specification, a contractor can calculate
the rates of various items of works in tender with his procurement rates of
materials and labour. Thus tender rate without specification of works is baseless,
incomplete and invalid.
 Specification is necessary to specify the equipment tools and plants to be
engaged for a work and thus enables to procure them beforehand.
  The necessity of specification is to verify and check the strength of materials
for a work involved in a project.

1.3 Types of Construction Contract Specifications

Generally, there are three different types of construction specifications found in

contracts: prescriptive specifications, performance specifications, and proprietary
specifications.

Prescriptive Specs

Prescriptive specifications provide step-by-step details and instructions on how the

types of materials to be used and the desired installation methods. However, these
types of specs can be split into three subcategories.

General Provisions

These provisions will reference national or state building codes and standards
that must be complied with.

Required Products

Lists the type of products and materials required, based on the performance
and structural requirements.

Execution Procedures

Details the methods of installation and how to measure quality or effectiveness.

Performance Specs

Performance specifications will provide all of the operations requirements to

complete a project. Instead of giving detailed instructions on how to achieve the
desired final product, performance specs will describe the anticipated result. This
leaves a broad amount of discretion to decide how to perform, as long as the
desired outcome is achieved. Accordingly, performance specs will invariably
include extensive testing provisions to ensure that the project meets all the
operational requirements.
Proprietary Specs

These third types of specifications are the rarest of the breed. They are used when a
specific type of product or material is required for installation. Typically, proprietary
specs are used when doing renovations to an existing structure, and the client needs
to match the improvements to the completed portion.

Along with these three types of construction specifications, specs can also be
classified as “open” or “closed,” a division often determined by the project’s stage
in design development.

An open specification is when an architect does not name a specific supplier or

product and allows for substitutions to be made by the contractor. It does not limit
competition, but rather is dictated by a set of standards that more than one
manufacturer can meet, allowing for many alternatives to be submitted for
approval. Performance specifications are often considered to be open.

A closed specification lists specific products, systems and manufacturers, with no

alternatives or mechanisms to apply a substitution. Closed specifications are most
often seen when matching a specification to an existing building, or when an exact
duplication is important. By default, closed specifications are proprietary. However,
they can be made “open” by not referring to a singular brand or providing
requirements applicable only to a specific product. This is commonly done by
adding “or equal” after the listed brand.

It is critical for building/design product manufacturers to understand the various

classifications and types of specification in construction, as well as in which spec
scenarios their products will most frequently be considered.
Chapter 2

2.1 Uniform System of Master format

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) publishes the MasterFormat, which is

the standard that is used most often for formatting construction specifications.

2.1.1 Three Part Format

Though they go by other names, such as Product Guide Specifications or Guide

Specifications, 3-Part Specifications, as the name implies, has three parts to the
product specification: General, Products and Execution. Each part provides a
standardized format of presenting specific product information.

PART 1 GENERAL: Describes administrative, procedural and temporary requirements

unique to the section. Part 1 is an extension of subjects covered in Division 1 and
amplifies information unique to the section.

PART 2 PRODUCTS: Describes materials, products, equipment, fabrications, mixes

systems and assemblies that are required for incorporation into the project. Materials
and products are included with the quality level required.

PART 3 EXECUTION: Describes installation or application, including preparatory

actions and post-installation cleaning and protection. Site-built assemblies and
site manufactured products and systems are included.

The CSI publishes MasterFormat®, which establishes divisions and broad

categories for project-related activities such as procurement, contracting, general
requirements and different types of construction (e.g. Masonry, Concrete, Electrical,
etc.). MasterFormat® has a specific numbering system for these divisions. These
divisions have additional subcategories for further definition, see example below.

Divisions

01 00 00 - General Requirements

02 00 00 - Existing Conditions

03 00 00 - Concrete
04 00 00 - Masonry

05 00 00 - Metals

06 00 00 - Wood, Plastics, and Composites

07 00 00 - Thermal and Moisture Protection

08 00 00 - Openings

09 00 00 - Finishes

10 00 00 - Specialties

11 00 00 - Equipment

12 00 00 - Furnishings

13 00 00 - Special Construction

14 00 00 - Conveying Equipment

22 00 00 - Plumbing

23 00 00 - Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)

25 00 00 - Integrated Automation

26 00 00 - Electrical

27 00 00 - Communications

28 00 00 - Electronic Safety and Security 61

31 00 00 - Earthwork

32 00 00 - Exterior Improvements

33 00 00 - Utilities

34 00 00 - Transportation

40 00 00 - Process Interconnections

41 00 00 - Material Processing and Handling Equipment

42 00 00 - Process Heating, Cooling, and Drying Equipment

46 00 00 - Water and Wastewater Equipment

2.1.2 Sixteen (16) Division Uniform Format Construction Index

16 Divisions refers to the 16 divisions of construction, as defined by the Construction

Specifications Institute (CSI)'s MasterFormat. In 2004, MasterFormat was updated and
expanded to 50 Divisions. The standard is the most widely used standard for
organizing specifications and other written information for commercial and
institutional building projects in the U.S. and Canada. 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.
Standardizing the presentation of such information improves communication among
all parties involved in construction projects.

MASTERFORMAT 1995 EDITION

Before November 2004, MasterFormat was composed of 16 primary divisions: there

are now 50 divisions.

Division 01 — General Requirements

Division 02 — Site Construction

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 — Furnishings
Division 13 — Special Construction

Division 14 — Conveying Systems

Division 15 — Mechanical

Division 16 — Electrical

DIVISION 1—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

This division includes general administrative and technical provisions that may
not be listed elsewhere and which may apply to more than one division. General
requirements include contractual/ legal requirements, a summary of work to be
done, an explanation of work to be performed later, a description of meetings to be
held (construction coordination meetings, scheduling meetings, and progress
meetings, for instance), quality control, and submittal. “Submittal” refers to catalog
descriptions or “shop drawings” of equipment, which are submitted by the
contractor for approval by the architect and/or engineer. Division 1 also includes a
description of temporary facilities, preparation of the job site for construction, and
details how the job is to be closed out when construction is completed. Listed in the
General Requirements are such details as how many sets of construction plans are
to be furnished to the construction contractor for the project. Professional
organizations for architects and engineers have drawn up and published a standard
section entitled “General Conditions” for use in the General Requirements division.
These documents cover major topics similar to those listed above. Special items that
pertain to a particular job are included in the Supplemental General Conditions that
are written by the architect or engineer. Special laws or building code requirements
are listed in the Supplemental General Conditions.

DIVISION 2—SITE WORK

Division 2 describes work to be done on the site, including soil testing, core drilling,
standard penetration tests, and seismic exploration. All of these tests must be
conducted, and the requirements are expressed in this division. The demolition of
existing structures, materials, and debris is included in Division 2. The capping and
removal of existing services is usually mentioned in this division even if the work is also
included under the trade division. For example, the capping of an existing sewer line
is mentioned in Division 2 and then is described in detail in Division 16 (plumbing). In
addition, the site work division describes the various steps in the clearing of the site.
Clearing of the site includes structure moving, clearing and grubbing of shrubs, tree
removal, pruning, and tree relocation. Also described are grading and earthwork,
grading and drainage, paving and surfacing, and landscaping. Site improvements
such as fences, gates, guardrails, lighting, and irrigation systems (site watering
systems) are also included in this division.

DIVISION 3—CONCRETE

All concrete work is described in this division. The major subdivisions included under
Division 3 are concrete form work, expansion and contraction joints, cast-in-place
concrete, specially placed concrete, and recast concrete.

DIVISION 4—MASONRY

Division 4 of the specifications deals with brick, stone, fire brick, glass brick, clay
backing tile, and ceramic veneer. Related topics such as joint reinforcement,
mortar, anchors and tie systems, masonry joints, control joints, and masonry
accessories are also included.

DIVISION 5—METALS

The metals used in the building are specified under Division 5. If the building has a
steel structure, the steel members are specified in this section. Metal roof decking,
metal floor decking, and permanent metal forms are described in this section. Metal
fabrications such as stairs, handrails, railings, gratings, castings, and lintels are
included in this division. In some cases, ornamental metals are used for these
fabrications and are described in detail in this section.

DIVISION 6—WOOD AND PLASTICS

Materials such as rough carpentry (framing), heavy timber construction,
prefabricated structural wood, finished carpentry, and architectural woodwork
(cabinets and built-in woodwork) are described in this division. Plastics are used in
many ways in modern construction. This section of the specifications is devoted to
such items as joists, studs, columns, beams, hangers, connecting devices, and other
miscellaneous plastic items not specifically identified under other headings.

DIVISION 7—THERMAL AND MOISTURE

PROTECTION

Division 7 contains written descriptions of roofing materials, waterproofing materials,

flashing and sheet metal trim, insulation, roof accessories, and sealants.

DIVISION 8—DOORS AND WINDOWS

Metal doors and frames, wood and plastic doors, entrances and storefronts, metal
windows, special windows, wood and plastic windows, hardware and specialties,
and glazing are the main areas of concern in Division 8.

DIVISION 9—FINISHES

Lath and plaster, gypsum wallboard, terrazzo, acoustical treatment, ceiling

suspension systems, wood flooring finishes, carpeting, special flooring, floor
treatment, painting, special coatings, and wall covering are found in this division of
the specifications.

DIVISION 10—SPECIALTIES

Division 10 of the specifications is a catch-all section. If items required for the

construction do not fall under the other divisions of the specifications, they are
usually found in Division 10. Typical items in this division are chalkboards and
tackboards, louvers and vents, grilles and screens, pest control, fireplaces, flagpoles,
lockers, storage shelving, directional signage, and sun control devices.
DIVISION 11—EQUIPMENT

Division 11 lists equipment which is normally furnished and installed by the general
contractor as a part of the construction of the building. Equipment described in this
division includes maintenance equipment, bank and vault equipment, food service
equipment, vending equipment, athletic equipment, laundry equipment, library
equipment, medical equipment, waste handling equipment, and loading dock
equipment.

DIVISION 12—FURNISHINGS

Major headings in this division are artwork, window treatment, fabrics, furniture, rugs
and mats, and furnishing accessories.

DIVISION 13—SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

The description and necessary information for constructing special areas are given in
this division. Special construction areas include clean rooms, operating rooms in
hospitals, incinerators, instrumentation rooms, nuclear reactors, radiation treatment
rooms, sound and vibration rooms, vaults, and swimming pool spaces.

DIVISION 14—CONVEYING SYSTEMS

Dumbwaiters, elevators, hoists and cranes, lifts, material handling systems, moving
stairs and walks, and pneumatic tube systems are typical items described in Division
14.

DIVISION 15—MECHANICAL
Division 15 covers information on air conditioning, ventilating and heating in a
building. The mechanical division of the specifications generally has major sections
consisting of general provisions (general description of the work, procedures, etc.)
basic materials and methods, equipment, air distribution, piping, insulation, controls,
and instrumentation.

Note: Plumbing specifications are also included in the standard mechanical

specification division; however, many engineers now write plumbing specifications
as a separate division. With plumbing as Division 16, electrical becomes Division 17.

DIVISION 16—ELECTRICAL

The electrical division usually consists of general provisions, basic materials and
methods, power generation, power transmission, power service and distribution,
lighting, special systems, communications, controls, and instrumentation.

PLUMBING

Plumbing is included in the Mechanical division. Major sections consist of general

provisions (general description of the work, procedures. and so forth), basic materials
and methods, equipment, piping systems and services, and insulation. Plumbing also
includes fire protection (sprinklers) and special services such as medical gases, fuel
gases, compressed air, and process piping systems.

RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY

The responsibility for the design and all calculations for the construction project lies
with the registered architect and registered engineer. After satisfactorily fulfilling the
registration requirements, architects and engineers are granted professional seals to
be placed on all plans they are responsible for. Seals are also required on the title
page of the specifications.

With registration, the architect and the engineer assume, by law, responsibility for all
work done by employees working under their guidance. In most cases these
professionals carry liability insurance to protect them against possible financial ruin if
a design failure should occur. In the specifications, the architect and the engineer
create a legal document with specific instructions to workers and construction
technicians as to how the construction is to be performed. Specifications must be
carefully written and followed to protect against poor workmanship, which could
cause problems during and after construction.

References:

tps://sweets.construction.com/QuickLinks/3partspecs/21-00-00-Fire-Suppression

http://e-book.lib.sjtu.edu.cn/print%20reading/Dusek/Chapter%2016.pdf

https://www.abb-conversations.com/us/2020/10/what-is-a-3-part-specification/