1. Formats
ACT 380

2. Who/Why
CSI/CSC – Construction Specifications Institute/Construction Specifications Canada
The guidelines and standards enhance communication, improve readability, and decrease confusion and margin for error

3. Four Formats Used UniFormatTM MasterFormatTM SectionFormatTM
PageFormatTM

4. UniFormatTM
Uniform classification system for organizing preliminary construction information into a standard order or sequence on the basis of elements or systems (HVAC and Exterior Wall Assemblies)
1st published in st formal document formulated by General Services Administration (GSA), American Institute of Architects (AIA), and Hanscomb Associates, Inc.

5. UniformatTM con’t
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) got involved and used the 1970s document as a framework upon which to continue to develop and update the UniFormatTM to current industry needs
See page 5.33 Figure 5.5-B for the UniformatTM outline levels 1 - 2

6. Applications
Preliminary project descriptions – describes project by basic elements before the particular materials or methods have been chosen
Preliminary cost estimates – A/E use format to assist in preliminary cost estimates; R.S. Means Company publishes the Means Assemblies Cost Data based on early UniFormatTM
Drawing detail filing – because it is organized by systems, it allows for ease in filing and retrieving details in the office producing or using the details

7. Other Possible Uses Scheduling Value Management Building Performance
Recording of Design Data
Structuring of Codes
Monitoring & Management of Design Programs and Costs

8. MasterFormatTM
Is a system for organizing detailed construction information into a standard order or sequence on the basis of products and methods
Consists of 50 (includes 00-Procurement & Contracting) Divisions which are fixed in number and titles (note: previously 16)
See pages 5.34 & 5.35 for list

9. Applications Used to organize: Specifications
File construction and product data
Arrange cost information

10. Specifications
Numbers and titles are provided in a logical sequence for all sections required for a construction project
Used by almost all government agencies, guide specifications authors, and design firms

11. Data Filing
Format is useful in filing and retrieving technical data and product literature
The key in any construction project is the ability to quickly and accurately locate information related to the products being specified

12. Cost Classification
The MasterFormatTM assists in organizing construction costs while parallel to the organization of the specifications

13. SectionFormatTM
Standardizes the way in which information is presented within individual sections of the Project Manual Specifications
CSI/CSC jointly developed this format
There are 3 Parts within each section

14. 3 Parts
Part 1 – GENERAL
Part 2 – PRODUCTS
Part 3 -- EXECUTION

15. Part 1 -- General Sequencing Scheduling Warranty System Startup
Summary
References
Definitions
System Description
Submittals
Quality Assurance
Delivery, Storage, and Handling
Project Conditions or Site Conditions
Sequencing
Scheduling
Warranty
System Startup
Owner’s Instructions
Commissioning
Maintenance

16. Part 2 -- Products Manufacturers Existing Products Materials
Manufactured Units
Equipment
Components
Accessories
Mixes
Fabrication
Finishes
Source Quality Control

17. Part 3 -- Execution Acceptable Installers Examination Preparation
Erection
Installation
Application
Construction
Repair/Restoration
Re-Installation
Field Quality Control
Adjusting
Cleaning
Demonstration
Projection
Schedules

18. References/Examples
Hierarchy of the Formats – see page 5.29 Figure 5.5-A
UniFormat™ Levels 1-2 – see page 5.33 Figure 5.5-B
Four Levels of Detail – see FF/2 –E handout and page 5.35 in text
SectionFormatTM Outline – see page 5.38 Figure 5.5-C

19. PageFormatTM
Standardizes the presentation of text for each page of a specification section
This also assists in compiling the specifications as well as locating information