Project Manual and Specifications Flashcards
When incorporating the mechanical engineer’s speci fications into the project manual, the architect should estab lish all of the following EXCEPT the
A. exact numbering system of the specification sec- tions
B. type of header and footer used on each page
C. content of each specification section
D. page layout of the specification sections
The answer is C.
Solution
The architect is responsible for developing the overall for mat and appearance of the project manual and the specifi cation sections. Each consultant is responsible for the content of their respective specifications.
A specification section written following the recom mendations of the Construction Specifications Institute would include all of the following sections EXCEPT
A. administration
B. execution
C. general
D. products
The answer is A.
Solution
The three-part specification format developed by the Con struction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) includes sections entitled Gen eral, Products, and Execution. The General section includes administrative and procedural requirements specific to the specification. The Products section includes information about materials, systems, manufactured units, shop fabrica tion, and factory finishing prior to installation. The Execu tion section gives instructions for on-site incorporation of the products into the project. A detailed description of the various articles and paragraphs included in each part is given in CSI’s SectionFormat™.
Study Note: Be familiar with the MasterFormat™ method of organizing specifications and other construction infor mation, as well as with standard procedures for writing individual sections of the specifications and other parts of a project manual. A complete project manual typically contains the following: bidding requirements (including the invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, and bid forms), contract forms (including the agreement between owner and contractor, bonds, and certificates of insurance), general and supplementary conditions, and the technical specifications themselves.
In the following specification, which item is described with a performance specification?
Part 2-Products
2.01 Metal Support Material
- General: To the extent not otherwise indicated, comply with ASTM C754 for metal system sup porting gypsum wallboard.
- Ceiling suspension main runners: 11h in steel channels, cold rolled.
- Hanger wire: ASTM A641, soft, Class 1 galva nized, prestretched; sized in accordance with ASTM C754.
- Hanger anchorage devices: size for 3X calcu lated loads, except size direct-pull concrete inserts for 5 X calculated loads.
- Studs: ASTM C645; 25 gage, 21/2 in deep, except as otherwise indicated.
- ASTM C645; 25 gage, 35/s in deep.
- ASTM C645; 20 gage, 6 in deep.
- Runners: Match studs; type recommended by stud manufacturer for floor and ceiling support of studs, and for vertical abutment of drywall work at other work.
- Furring members: ASTM C65; 25 gage, hat shaped.
- Fasteners: Type and size recommended by fur ring manufacturer for the substrate and applica tion indicated.
A. fasteners
B. hanger wire
C. hanger anchorage devices
D. ceiling suspension main runners
The answer is C.
Solution
The specification simply states how the hanger anchorage devices must perform; that is, they must support a certain amount of weight. As long as they do this, they can be any type, size, or style that the contractor selects. The require ments for the fasteners are those selected as appropriate by the manufacturer. The hanger wire specification is a refer ence type specification because it refers to a particular industry-standard specification. The ceiling suspension main runner is specified with a descriptive specification, which describes various qualities (size, material, and method of fabrication) of the ceiling runner.
A reference to 3000 psi (20.7 MPa) concrete alludes to the concretes
A. ultimate strength in psi (MPa)
B. strength in tension
C. flexural strength without reinforcing
D. design strength in psi (MPa) after curing for 28 days
The answer is D.
Solution
The design strength of the final mix of concrete is specified by the compressive strength of the concrete in pounds per square inch (megapascals) after it has cured for 28 days, indicated with the variable K Common strengths are 3000 psi (20.7 MPa) and 4000 psi (27.6 MPa), although high-strength concrete is available up to 22,000 psi (150 MPa).
Which of the following would not be found in a project manual?
A. bid log
B. subsurface soil conditions report, noted “for information only”
C. sitework specification
D. bid bond form
The answer is A.
Solution
A bid log is used by the architect to record the bids as they are opened and to help the owner evaluate them. It is never included in the project manual.
A subsurface soil conditions report would not be a part of the contract documents, but may be included in the project manual and be designated “for information only.” A sitework specification is one of the technical sections and would be included in the manual. The bid bond form would be included in the manual, but this is considered to be a bid ding document, not part of the contract documents.
A performance specification
A. allows innovation by the contractor
B. requires more work by the architect
C. is not appropriate for normal building products
D. all of the above
The answer is D.
Solution
All of the responses are correct. A performance specification lets the contractor, material supplier, and fabricator decide how best to supply the required building component. Although performance specifications are detailed, there are many ways to satisfy them. They are more difficult to research, write, and review, so there is more work for the architect. For ordinary materials, there is usually no need to write performance specifications because the requirements are so well established in the construction industry.
Which of the following are likely to occur if the draw ings and specifications are not thoroughly coordinated? (Choose the four that apply.)
A. a decrease of the actual cost from the estimated cost because the contractor bid on a less expen sive material shown on the drawings, although the same material was called out as a more expensive type in the specifications
B. a lawsuit
C. the need for a change order during construc tion, to account for modifications required to correct discrepancies in the two documents
D. a delay in construction
E. an increase in cost because the contractor bid the least expensive choice between two conflict ing requirements when the client wanted the more expensive option
F. the architect may be held financially responsible for the omission
The answer is C, D, E, and E
Solution
It is commonly believed that the specifications take prece dence over the drawings, but AlA Document A20l states that these two documents are considered “complementary and what is required by one shall be binding as if required by all.” In cases where there is a discrepancy, the conflict should be brought to the architect’s attention. Any time there are conflicts in the project documents, the best that can happen is a quick resolution with no change to the cost, but usually an increase results and the project may be delayed as the parties deal with administrative work. Conflicts in the documents can be corrected with an adden dum prior to bidding or negotiation, by change order, or by modification after the construction contract is signed.
Litigation would be a last resort and other remedies would be sought and implemented before a lawsuit occurred.
Which of the following types of specifications would probably NOT be used to specify asphalt roofing shingles?
A. descriptive
B. base bid with “approved equal” language
C. reference standard
D. base bid with alternates
The answer is D.
Solution
A base bid with alternates type of specification for asphalt shingles is not appropriate because this type of specification would leave too much to the discretion of the contractor without provision for review by the architect. There are many different types of shingles available and this type of specification may leave the owner open to use of an inferior product.
A better specification would be the base bid with “approved equal” language. This would give the owner and architect more control over the types of products used during con struction, because pre-approved manufacturers would be defined in the specification.
Which of the following statements about specifica
tions are true? (Choose the two that apply.)
A. Both narrowscope and broadscope sections can be used in the same project manual.
B. Drawings are more binding than specifications if there is a conflict.
C. Specifications show quality; drawings show quantity.
D. Proprietary specifications encourage competitive bids.
E. Specifications should not be open to interpreta tion if they are the “base bid with alternates” type.
F. Proprietary specifications are the most difficult for an architect to write.
The answer is A and C.
Solution
It is possible to use both narrowscope and broadscope spec ifications in the same project manual. It may be necessary to provide a more in-depth specification for an innovative construction technique, for example, than for concrete block or some other common construction material. Speci fications are used to define the quality of products to be used in the project, while the drawings define the quantities of materials and where they are to be used.
AlA Document A201 states that the drawings and specifica tions are to be considered equally binding. Proprietary spec ifications do not encourage competitive bids because they refer to a specific product and do not allow substitutions. They are the easiest for an architect to write because they simply call out a product by name. A base bid with alternates allows a contractor to substitute products he or she deems equal without requiring the architects approval. Therefore, they could be considered open to interpretation.
Requirements for library checkout equipment are found in which division of the MasterFormat™ specifica tions?
A. 10 lO 00
B. ll 05 00
C. 12 45 00
D. 13 80 00
The answer is B.
Solution
Division 11, Equipment, is the CSI specification division for larger, specialty items. Division lOis for smaller Specialties, Division 12 is for Furnishings, and Division l3 is for Spe cial Construction.
Which MasterFormat™ division would include the specification requirements for metal studs for interior parti tion walls?
A. 05
B. 09
C. lO
D. 13
The answer is B.
Solution
Light-gage metal framing for interior partitions is specified in Division 09, Finishes.
The procedure for submitting shop drawings for architectural woodwork is specified in MasterFormat™ Division
A. 01
B. 06
C. 09
D. l2
The answer is A.
Solution
Procedures for submittals are found in Division 01, General Requirements. The requirements in individual technical sections refer to Division 01 to define procedural require ments and each section includes a list of the specific types of samples required for that product.
Where would the requirements for testing a plumbing system be located?
A. in a section of Division 1 of the specifications
B. in Part 1 of Section 22 40 00, Plumbing
C. in Part 2 of Section 22 40 00, Plumbing
D. in Part 3 of Section 22 40 00, Plumbing
The answer is D.
Solution
Requirements for testing of materials and equipment are in Part 3 of each technical section if appropriate to the specifi cation.
The specifications for a project state that all custom built casework must comply with the AWl Quality Stan dards. Of which type of specification is this is an example?
A. proprietary
B. prescriptive
C. descriptive
D. reference
The answer is D.
Solution
A reference specification requires a material or product to comply with the requirements of an independent testing laboratory or authority. Reference specifications are short and easy to write but require knowledge of which standards best apply to the situation at hand.
