Course Presentations 7 3 Types of Specifications

8/12/2019 Course Presentations 7 3 Types of Specifications

1/30

TYPES OF SPECIFICATIONS

ARE 459

CONTRACTS & SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications Handout # 3

ByByZulfikarZulfikarA. A.A. A.


2/30

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

Types of Specifications

Systems of Writing Specifications

Types of Specifications

Performance Specifications

Descriptive Specifications

Reference Specifications

Proprietary Specifications

Examples

Reference standards Agencies


3/30

Objectives of Class :Objectives of Class :

To introduce the methods of writing specifications

To provide an understanding of the different types of

specifications and provide examples

To introduce the role of standards and standard Agencies


4/30

Methods of Writing Specifications

Two basic approaches to writing specifications:Two basic approaches to writing specifications:

The Method system andThe Method system and The Results system.The Results system.

Method system:Method system:

TheThe specifierspecifier describes in detail the materials, workmanship, installation, adescribes in detail the materials, workmanship, installation, andnderection procedures to be used by the contractor in the conducterection procedures to be used by the contractor in the conduct of his workof his workoperations in order to achieve the results expected.operations in order to achieve the results expected.

The method system can best be described as a descriptive specifiThe method system can best be described as a descriptive specification;cation;

The specifications code sets forth specific materials and methodThe specifications code sets forth specific materials and methods that ares that arepermitted under the law in the construction of a building.permitted under the law in the construction of a building.


5/30

Methods of Writing Specifications

Results system:Results system:

When theWhen the specifierspecifier instead elects to specify results, he places on the contractorinstead elects to specify results, he places on the contractor thetheresponsibility for securing the desired results by whatever methresponsibility for securing the desired results by whatever methods the contractorods the contractorchooses to use.chooses to use.

The results system is best described as a performance specificatThe results system is best described as a performance specification.ion.

Under the performance code, materials and methods are left to thUnder the performance code, materials and methods are left to the architect ande architect andengineer, provided that performance criteria for fire protectionengineer, provided that performance criteria for fire protection, structural, structural

adequacy, and sanitation are met.adequacy, and sanitation are met.

As a matter of fact, both the descriptive specification and theAs a matter of fact, both the descriptive specification and the performanceperformancespecification can be used together in the same project specificaspecification can be used together in the same project specification, each in itstion, each in itsproper place, in order to achieve the prime objective.proper place, in order to achieve the prime objective.


6/30

Types of Specifications There are four types of Specifications:There are four types of Specifications:

Descriptive SpecificationsDescriptive Specifications

Performance SpecificationsPerformance Specifications

Reference SpecificationsReference SpecificationsProprietary SpecificationsProprietary Specifications

Closed Proprietary SpecificationsClosed Proprietary Specifications

Open Proprietary SpecificationsOpen Proprietary Specifications


7/30

Descriptive Specifications

Definition:Definition: . is a detailed written description of the required properties o. is a detailed written description of the required properties of a product,f a product,

materials, or piece of equipment, and the workmanship required fmaterials, or piece of equipment, and the workmanship required for its properor its proper

installation.installation.

Described In Cookbook Fashion Are The Materials, Workmanship, InDescribed In Cookbook Fashion Are The Materials, Workmanship, Installation, Andstallation, And

Erection Procedures To Be Employed By The Contractor.Erection Procedures To Be Employed By The Contractor.

In Descriptive Specifications And In Proprietary SpecificationsIn Descriptive Specifications And In Proprietary SpecificationsThe Products AndThe Products And

Processes Are Specified But Results Are Not Specified.Processes Are Specified But Results Are Not Specified.

Defines Exact Properties Of Materials And Methods Of InstallatioDefines Exact Properties Of Materials And Methods Of Installation Without Usingn Without UsingProprietary Names.Proprietary Names.

When Descriptive Specifications Are Used, The Burden Of PerformaWhen Descriptive Specifications Are Used, The Burden Of Performance Is Assumednce Is Assumed

By The Preparer.By The Preparer.


8/30

Descriptive Specifications: Example

A CONCRETE MIX OF FOUR PARTSA CONCRETE MIX OF FOUR PARTS

COARSE AGGREGATE, TWO PARTS FINECOARSE AGGREGATE, TWO PARTS FINEAGGREGATES, AND ONE PART CEMENTAGGREGATES, AND ONE PART CEMENT

WITH A 0.5 WATER CEMENT RATIOS. AWITH A 0.5 WATER CEMENT RATIOS. A

PERFORMANCE STRENGTH OF 3000 PSIPERFORMANCE STRENGTH OF 3000 PSI

AFTER 28 DAYS IS IMPLIED IN THEAFTER 28 DAYS IS IMPLIED IN THE

DESIGN MIX.DESIGN MIX.


9/30

Descriptive Specifications: When to Use ?

Writing Descriptive Specs Is A Lengthy And A TediousWriting Descriptive Specs Is A Lengthy And A Tedious

Process.Process.

When To Be Used:When To Be Used:

1. Brand Names Is Forbidden1. Brand Names Is Forbidden

2. Performance Specs Is Not Adequate2. Performance Specs Is Not Adequate

3. Adequate Reference Standards Do Not Exist.3. Adequate Reference Standards Do Not Exist. 4. This Approach Is Used When The4. This Approach Is Used When The SpecifierSpecifier HasHas

Gained Wealth Of Information And Experience FromGained Wealth Of Information And Experience From

Use Of Known Materials And Methods.Use Of Known Materials And Methods.


10/30

Preparing Descriptive Specifications

Research available productsResearch available products

Research critical features needed.Research critical features needed.Analyze and compare requirements with availableAnalyze and compare requirements with available

products.products.

Determine which features are best specified andDetermine which features are best specified andwhich are best shown on the Drawings.which are best shown on the Drawings.

Describe critical features.Describe critical features.

State the minimum acceptable requirements andState the minimum acceptable requirements andbe certain they can be met.be certain they can be met.

Provide specific information about submittals,Provide specific information about submittals,

testing, and other procedures necessary to ensuretesting, and other procedures necessary to ensureacceptable products will be provided.acceptable products will be provided.


11/30

Performance Specifications

Definition:Definition: Is A statement of required results with criteria for verifyingIs A statement of required results with criteria for verifying compliance,compliance,

but without unnecessary limitation on the methods for achievingbut without unnecessary limitation on the methods for achieving the results.the results.

OROR a performance specificationa performance specification can be defined as specifying an end result bycan be defined as specifying an end result by

formulating the criteria for its accomplishmentformulating the criteria for its accomplishment..

Part 1 Required Results:Part 1 Required Results:

Means All Desired End Results Must Be Spelled Out.Means All Desired End Results Must Be Spelled Out.

Part 2 With Criteria For Verifying CompliancePart 2 With Criteria For Verifying Compliance

Means The Criteria Is Capable Of Measurement, Test Evaluation, OMeans The Criteria Is Capable Of Measurement, Test Evaluation, Or Otherr OtherAcceptable Assurances.Acceptable Assurances.

Part 3Part 3

Without Unnecessary Limitations On The Methods For Achieving TheWithout Unnecessary Limitations On The Methods For Achieving The RequiredRequired

Results.Results.


12/30

Performance Specifications: Example

An example of a performance specification is one for a completeAn example of a performance specification is one for a complete installation of ainstallation of aheating system. The specification spells out the following perfoheating system. The specification spells out the following performance requirements:rmance requirements:

1. The heating plant shall be capable of providing an interior t1. The heating plant shall be capable of providing an interior temperature of 70emperature of 70FFwhen the outwhen the out-- side temperature is Oside temperature is O00F.F.

2. The heating system shall use No.6 oil and shall be a hot2. The heating system shall use No.6 oil and shall be a hot--water system.water system.

3. The heating elements shall be fin3. The heating elements shall be fin--type basetype base-- board radiation.board radiation.

4. Controls such as thermostats,4. Controls such as thermostats, aquastatsaquastats, and other safety devices shall be, and other safety devices shall be

provided to regulate heat and prevent explosion.provided to regulate heat and prevent explosion.

For example, in a performance specification for a paint materialFor example, in a performance specification for a paint material, the end result is, the end result isobtained by specifying or formulating the following criteria.obtained by specifying or formulating the following criteria.

1. The painted surface shall withstand 10 washings with a mild d1. The painted surface shall withstand 10 washings with a mild detergent.etergent. 2. The painted surface shall show no sign of2. The painted surface shall show no sign of alligatoringalligatoringor crazing.or crazing.

3. The painted surface shall be resistant to abrasion when using3. The painted surface shall be resistant to abrasion when usingthe Taber abrasivethe Taber abrasivemethod.method.


13/30

Application Of Performance Specifying:

Performance Has Two Meanings:Performance Has Two Meanings:

1) Simple Performance Criteria Can Be Incorporated Into Any Spec1) Simple Performance Criteria Can Be Incorporated Into Any Specificationsifications

Example : PerformanceExample : Performance

Water Resistance FoundationWater Resistance Foundation

DescriptiveDescriptive

Use Bitumen TypeUse Bitumen Type

2) A Method Of Eliciting Improved Products And Methods By Statin2) A Method Of Eliciting Improved Products And Methods By Stating The Desiredg The Desired

Results And Leaving The Rest To The Innovative Industrial ProducResults And Leaving The Rest To The Innovative Industrial Producer.er.

It is possible to successfully combine performance specifying anIt is possible to successfully combine performance specifying and descriptive specifyingd descriptive specifying

for the same project.for the same project.

Using both for a single requirement should be avoided.Using both for a single requirement should be avoided.

If it is known how a specific item performs, it is not difficultIf it is known how a specific item performs, it is not difficult t work backwards andt work backwards anddescribe its performance in sufficient detail so bidders will kndescribe its performance in sufficient detail so bidders will know exactly which productow exactly which product

is desired.is desired.


14/30

Reference Specifications

Reference standards are requirements set by authority, custom, oReference standards are requirements set by authority, custom, or general consensusr general consensusand are established as accepted criteria.and are established as accepted criteria.

They are published by trade associations, government, and institThey are published by trade associations, government, and institutional organization.utional organization.

REFERENCE STANDARDS INCLUDESREFERENCE STANDARDS INCLUDES

ASTMASTM

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) SpecificationsAmerican Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications

Materials standardsMaterials standards

workmanship Standardsworkmanship Standards Test Methods StandardTest Methods Standard

ANSIANSI

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.

Materials standardsMaterials standards workmanship Standardsworkmanship Standards

Reference standards are incorporated in specification by referenReference standards are incorporated in specification by reference to a number, ace to a number, aletter, or other designation. The provisions of standards so refletter, or other designation. The provisions of standards so referenced become aerenced become a

part of the project document.part of the project document.


15/30

Reference Specifications: Example

Before the advent of materials standards such as AmericanBefore the advent of materials standards such as AmericanSociety for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications,Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications,

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards,,American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards,,materials were minutely described in the specifications so thatmaterials were minutely described in the specifications so that thethecontractor was completely aware of what thecontractor was completely aware of what the specifierspecifierwanted.wanted.

In many instances, these descriptive specifications for materialIn many instances, these descriptive specifications for materialsshave been supplanted by the aforementioned standards.have been supplanted by the aforementioned standards.

For example, in lieu of describingFor example, in lieu of describing portlandportland cement in detail, as tocement in detail, as toquality, fineness module, and other characteristics,quality, fineness module, and other characteristics,

thethe SpecifierSpecifiernow simply states thatnow simply states thatportlandportlandcement mustcement must

"meet the requirements of ASTM C"meet the requirements of ASTM C--150, Type_."150, Type_."


16/30


17/30

Reference Specifications: Merits & Demerits

Disadvantages: (Liabilities)Disadvantages: (Liabilities)

1. Bad Reference Standards Coexists With Good Ones.1. Bad Reference Standards Coexists With Good Ones. 2. Reference Standards Can Create Duplication And Within The Con2. Reference Standards Can Create Duplication And Within The Contracttract

Documents.Documents.

3. Standards Can Contain Hidden Choices3. Standards Can Contain Hidden Choices

4. Standards Generally Refer To Minimum Requirements4. Standards Generally Refer To Minimum Requirements

To ELIMINATE THE ABOVE PROBLEMSTo ELIMINATE THE ABOVE PROBLEMS

1. Know THE STANDARD1. Know THE STANDARD 2. Incorporate The Standard Properly2. Incorporate The Standard Properly

3. Enforce The Requirement Of The3. Enforce The Requirement Of The

StandardStandard


18/30

Reference Specifications: Know the Standard

Know The StandardsKnow The Standards

--Review The Reference StandardReview The Reference Standard --Content And PurposeContent And Purpose

--The Standard Should Be Free OfThe Standard Should Be Free Of

Duplication That Might Lead To Conflicts With Other ProjectDuplication That Might Lead To Conflicts With Other Project

Requirements.Requirements.

Duplication May Occur When Two Or More Reference Standards AreDuplication May Occur When Two Or More Reference Standards AreUsed/For A Given Product. It Is Possible That The Requirements OUsed/For A Given Product. It Is Possible That The Requirements Of Onef OneStandard May Conflict With Another.Standard May Conflict With Another.

Reference Standards Dealing With Workmanship May Contain StatemeReference Standards Dealing With Workmanship May Contain StatementntSimilar To Those In Conditions Of The Contract.Similar To Those In Conditions Of The Contract.


19/30

Reference Specifications: Incorporate the

Standard Properly

Incorporate The Standard ProperlyIncorporate The Standard Properly

Complete DesignationComplete Designation

Name Of The Writing OrganizationName Of The Writing Organization

Number Of The StandardNumber Of The Standard

TitleTitle

Date Of IssueDate Of Issue

The Writing Organization Is Referred To By Its Initials Or AcronThe Writing Organization Is Referred To By Its Initials Or Acronym. It Is Appropriate To Spellym. It Is Appropriate To SpellOut The Organizations Name Along With Its Initials (Acronym) InOut The Organizations Name Along With Its Initials (Acronym) In Parentheses When It Is FirstParentheses When It Is FirstMentioned In The Specification Section.Mentioned In The Specification Section.

Use Of DatesUse Of Dates

Standards Are Revised Form Time To Time. The Revision Are DatedStandards Are Revised Form Time To Time. The Revision Are DatedWith The Year Of Issue.With The Year Of Issue.

Approaches For Fixing The Dates Of Reference Standards.Approaches For Fixing The Dates Of Reference Standards.

Include the dates of reference standards. For Example: ASTMInclude the dates of reference standards. For Example: ASTM C150C150 --8484

STANDARDS SPECIFICATION FOR PORTLAND CEMENTSSTANDARDS SPECIFICATION FOR PORTLAND CEMENTS

THE SPECIFIER IS RESPONSIBNLE FOR FINDING DATE OF THE LATESTTHE SPECIFIER IS RESPONSIBNLE FOR FINDING DATE OF THE LATESTEDITIONEDITION


20/30

Proprietary Specifications:Proprietary Specifications:

Proprietary specifications identify the desiredProprietary specifications identify the desired

products by manufacturerproducts by manufacturers name, brand name,s name, brand name,model number, type designation, or other uniquemodel number, type designation, or other unique

characteristics.characteristics.

A specification is considered a proprietaryA specification is considered a proprietary

specification when the product specified is onlyspecification when the product specified is only

available from one source.available from one source.


21/30

Proprietary Specifications: AdvantagesProprietary Specifications: Advantages

Close control of product selectionClose control of product selection

Preparation of more detailed and complete drawingsPreparation of more detailed and complete drawingsbased on precise information obtained frombased on precise information obtained from

manufacturers data.manufacturers data.

Decreases the size of the specification and reducesDecreases the size of the specification and reduces

production timeproduction time

Simplification of bidding by narrowing competition andSimplification of bidding by narrowing competition andremoving product pricing as a major variable.removing product pricing as a major variable.


22/30

Proprietary Specifications: DisadvantagesProprietary Specifications: Disadvantages

Elimination or narrowing of competitionElimination or narrowing of competition

Requiring products with which the contractor hasRequiring products with which the contractor hasperhaps little or bad experience.perhaps little or bad experience.

Favoring of certain products and manufacturersFavoring of certain products and manufacturersover othersover others


23/30

Proprietary Specifications: TypesProprietary Specifications: Types

Closed Proprietary SpecificationsClosed Proprietary Specifications


The Fundamental Distinction Between ClosedThe Fundamental Distinction Between Closed

And Open Proprietary Specs ConcernAnd Open Proprietary Specs ConcernSubstitutionsSubstitutions

Closed Specs Prohibits SubstationClosed Specs Prohibits SubstationOpen Specs Permits SubstitutionOpen Specs Permits Substitution


24/30


25/30


Only one product is named.Only one product is named.

Several products may be named as optionsSeveral products may be named as options Products are allowed as substitutions after approval byProducts are allowed as substitutions after approval by

A/E.A/E.

Open proprietary specifications can include pricesOpen proprietary specifications can include prices

requested for specified alternates; Substitutions and costrequested for specified alternates; Substitutions and cost

adjustments may be proposed by the bidders.adjustments may be proposed by the bidders.


26/30

Reference Standards AgenciesReference Standards Agencies

BENEFITS OF STANDARDSBENEFITS OF STANDARDS

Architects andArchitects and specifiersspecifiers constantly make use of referenceconstantly make use of referencestandards in specifications.standards in specifications.

One major benefit is reduction in of construction specificationsOne major benefit is reduction in of construction specifications

It ensures degree of quality since the reference standards refleIt ensures degree of quality since the reference standards reflectsctsthe combined knowledge and experience of the people engaged inthe combined knowledge and experience of the people engaged inits development.its development.

They also reduce the number of types, sizes of materialsThey also reduce the number of types, sizes of materials

They standardize methods of testing, and provide standards on thThey standardize methods of testing, and provide standards on theequality of workmanshipquality of workmanship

Standards are developed by committees consisting balancedStandards are developed by committees consisting balanced

working group like material manufacturers, suppliers,working group like material manufacturers, suppliers, independtingindependtingtesting agencies, contractors, public authorities. etc.testing agencies, contractors, public authorities. etc.


27/30

ASTM STANDARDSASTM STANDARDS

American Society of Testing & MaterialsAmerican Society of Testing & Materials

http://http://www.astm.orgwww.astm.org//ASTM International is a notASTM International is a not--forfor--profitprofit

organization that provides a global forum for theorganization that provides a global forum for the

development and publication of voluntarydevelopment and publication of voluntary

consensus standards for materials, products,consensus standards for materials, products,

systems, and services.systems, and services.


28/30

AASHTO STANDARDSAASHTO STANDARDS

http://http://www.aashto.orgwww.aashto.org//

American Association of State Highways andAmerican Association of State Highways and

Transportation OfficialsTransportation Officials

AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan associationAASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association

representing highway and transportationrepresenting highway and transportationdepartmentsdepartments

It represents all five transportation modes: air,It represents all five transportation modes: air,

highways, public transportation, rail and water. Itshighways, public transportation, rail and water. Itsprimary goal is to foster the development, operationprimary goal is to foster the development, operation

and maintenance of an integrated nationaland maintenance of an integrated national

transportation systemtransportation system


29/30


30/30

SUMMARYSUMMARY

Methods of Writing Specifications:Methods of Writing Specifications:

Method SystemMethod System

Result SystemResult System

Types of Specifications:Types of Specifications:

DescriptiveDescriptive

PerformancePerformance

Reference StandardReference Standard

ProprietaryProprietary