Need for Specification Format that Accommodates Engineered Projects
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 119, Issue 4
Abstract
The construction industry is in need of an industry‐wide standard specification format, or structure, at the division level that goes beyond the needs of commercial projects. Such a system should readily accommodate engineered project types such as airports, waterways, tunnels, roads, bridges, water‐ and waste‐water‐treatment plants, power plants, and petrochemical facilities. This paper explores the importance of such an industry‐wide standard and objectively analyzes the system that currently most closely resembles such a standard, the Construction Specification Institute's (CSI) MASTERFORMAT. Analysis indicates that CSI Divisions 2 (site work), 15 (mechanical), and 16 (electrical) are either particularly problematic with respect to or nonresponsive to the needs of engineered projects. An alternative division‐level standard format is suggested and evaluated. An active industry‐wide debate is needed.
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References
1.
Guide specifications for highway construction. (1988). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Inc. (AASHTO), Washington, D.C.
2.
Johnson, R. W. (1991). “Trends in formats.” The Constr. Specifier, 44(Jun.), 91–95.
3.
Manual of practice. (1985). Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Alexandria, Va.
4.
O'Connor, J. T., Hugo, F., and Stamm, E. M. (1991). “Improving highway specifications for constructability.” J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 117(2), 242–258.
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O'Connor, J. T., Chmaytelli, A., and Hugo, F. (1993). “Analysis of highway project construction claims.” J. Perf. of Constr. Fac., ASCE, 7(3).
6.
Robertson, J. M. (1990). Ad Hoc MASTERFORMAT Committee Final Rep. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Alexandria, Va.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 119 • Issue 4 • December 1993
Pages: 757 - 768
Copyright
Copyright © 1993 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 27, 1992
Published online: Dec 1, 1993
Published in print: Dec 1993
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