Here are the items listed in the Bills of Quantities with full descriptions: 1. Excavate foundation trenches - 200 m3 Excavation and disposal of all materials for foundation trenches to the required levels and dimensions as shown on the drawings or as directed by the engineer. Excavation to include for keeping excavations free of water. 2. 200 mm concrete block walls in cm (1:4) - 1625 m2 Supply and construction of 200mm thick concrete block walls in cement mortar 1:4 to the required heights and dimensions as shown on the drawings or directed by the engineer. Walls to have fair face finish on both sides. 3. 2 coats of emulsion paint on plastered

1. (Related to civil construction)

2. • Specifications are the written requirements
for a material, product, or service for a
proposed project, like a building, bridge or
machine.
• For architectural projects, the specifications
are art of the Contract Documents included
with the bidding and construction
requirements and the drawings.
• This guide/lesson will cover
– how to organize specifications,
– the types of specification
– methods of specification
– specific type of language used for writing
specifications.
– Few Examples.

3. Purpose of Specifications
• Specifications should describe the type and quality of
every product required for the project.
• The specifications should describe the requirements for
fabrication, erection, application, installation and
finishing.
• Specifications should describe the quality of
workmanship necessary for the project. This includes
– All phases of creation and installation starting with
• manufacturing,
• fabrication,
• application,
• installation,
• finishing and adjustment.

4. • Specifications should include any necessary
codes and standards applicable to the project.
• The specifications should also include
descriptions and procedures for alternate
materials, products or services if necessary.
The specification and project manual.
• Contract Documents contain the bidding and
construction requirements, drawings and
specifications.
• The project manual is the bound written portion of
the Contract Documents.
• The project manual is typically organized
according to Master Format.

5. • The project manual contains the following
elements
– Introductory Information
– Bidding Requirements
– Contracting Requirements
– Specifications
– Appendices
• Introductory Information
– Title Page
– Certifications Page
– Table of Contents
– Guide to Use of the Project Manual (used by many
specifiers)

6. • Bidding Requirements
– Bid Solicitation: Advertisement/Invitation to
Bid
– Instructions to Bidders
– Information Available to Bidders
– Bid Forms and Supplements
• Contracting Requirements
– Agreement
– General Conditions of the Contract
– Supplementary Conditions of the Contract
– Bonds and Certificates

7. • Specifications
– Division 01 – General Requirements
– Divisions 02– Technical Specifications
• Appendices
– Appendices are not included in Master Format
but they are useful for including copies of
information, reference documents, existing
conditions, photographs or example forms for
use in administration.

8. Organization of Specifications
• It is important for the specifications section of
the project manual to be arranged in an orderly
and comprehensive format.
• If the section is organized clearly and follows a
defined procedure it is less likely that the
specifier will overlook or forget something.
• It will also help the contractor, estimator,
inspector, or other reviews find information
more easily.

9. Section Format (Specification section format)
• It is a nationally approved, industry-accepted
standard that provides a defined procedure
for organization of the specifications section.
• It provides guideline for the arrangement of
information within the technical section of
specifications.
• The concise orderly method reduces the
chance for omissions or duplication of
information
• and it assists users of the document by
consistently locating similar information in
the same place in each Section.

10. • Section Format has three separate parts:
– Part 1 – General: This section describes
administrative, procedural and temporary
requirements specific to this section of
specifications.
– Part 2 – Products: This section describes, in
detail, the materials, products, equipment,
systems or assemblies to be used in the
project.
– Part 3 – Execution: This section describes, in
detail, any preparatory actions and how the
products shall be incorporated into the
project.

11. Types of Specifications
• There are four methods of specifying. There
is no defined rule for using one method over
another or about combining methods, but
care should be taken to avoid redundancy or
contradictions.
• The four methods are:
– Descriptive
– Performance
– Reference Standard
– Proprietary

12. Descriptive Specifications
• Under this method of specifying the exact
properties of the materials and methods of
installation are described in detail without
using proprietary or manufacturer's names.
• Descriptive specifications are commonly
used for products for which no standards
exist, on projects where using proprietary
names is restricted, and in situations where
the Architect/Engineer want to exercise tight
control over the specified work.

13. • There are five steps for preparing
descriptive specifications:
1. Research available products
2. Research the important features required for
the product.
3. Determine which features to describe in the
specification and which features to show in
the drawings.
4. Describe the important features.
5. Specify quality assurance measures (i.e.
submittals, certifications, testing or
inspection activities)

14. • Advantages to using descriptive
specifications
– Descriptive specifications specify exactly what
the design intends.
– They are applicable to all conditions, methods or
situations of a project.
– They are applicable to all sizes and types of
projects.
– They permit free competition because they do not
restrict the use of specific products or
manufacturers.
• Disadvantages of descriptive specifications:
– They require the specifier to take special care in
describing the design intent in order to achieve
the desired results.

15. – Descriptive specifications tend to take up
more space because they require more
verbiage than other methods.
– They may be more time consuming than other
methods to create and write.
– They are being used less often as more
complete reference standards are being
developed and implemented.

16. Performance Specifications
• Under this method the required end results
are specified along with the criteria by which
the performance will be judged and the
method by which it can be verified.
• The contractor is free to choose the materials
and methods that comply with the
performance specification.
• They are generally used to encourage the use
of new and innovative techniques that may
lead to more economical construction.
• They are also used to supplement other
specification methods.

17. • Advantages to using performance
specifications:
– Only the end result or design intent is
specified, this gives the Contractor flexibility
in selecting and applying products.
– They permit free competition.
– They can be applicable in all types and sizes
of projects.
– Performance specifications delegate the
technical responsibilities to the construction
industry, where the Contractor instead of the
Architecture/Engineering firm is responsible
for the results.

18. • Disadvantages to using performance
specifications:
– They can be time consuming to produce and
may result in long, detailed specifications.
– They are more difficult to enforce than other
methods of specifying.
– They may be too elaborate for simple or
minor projects.
– Performance specifications delegate the
technical responsibilities to the construction
industry, where the Contractor instead of the
Architecture/Engineering firm is responsible
for the results. (This is both an advantage and
disadvantage)

19. • Reference Standard Specifications
– Under this method reference is made to an
established standard defined by associations
very knowledgeable about a certain part or
phase of construction.
– Reference standard specifications are used for
"commodity" products in the marketplace,
where brand names are not important.

20. – Steps for preparing reference standard specifications
are:
1. The standard must be recognized as authoritative by the
industry.
2. The standard must be available to all parties involved in
the project.
3. The specifier must know the standard. Assure that the
standard relates to the current project and does not
present duplicate or conflicting information.
4. Establish a date of the standard.
5. Incorporate the standard correctly into the specifications.
6. Enforce the requirements of the standard

21. • Advantages to using reference standard
specifications:
– The standard is usually widely known and
accepted by the industry.
– They do not limit competition.
– They dramatically shorten the length of
specifications.
• Disadvantages to using reference standard
specifications:
– There may be no appropriate standard to
reference, because standards are written for
the most commonly used and generally
available products.

22. – Standards generally refer to the minimum
requirements.
– The standard may become obsolete or out-of-
date, because of advances and changes in
technology and the creation of new products.
– They require a lot of research and care in use.
– They must be incorporated properly,
including all supplementary information.

23. • Proprietary Specifications
– Under this method the actual brand names,
model numbers and other proprietary
information is specified.
– They are primarily used for private
commercial projects where the Owner knows
what products they want.
– There are two types of proprietary
specifications, closed and open.

24. – The primary difference between the two types
concerns substitutions are,
• Closed
– Closed specifications generally prohibit substitutions.
– One or more products are specified, and no substitutions
will be considered.
• Open
– Open specifications permit substitutions.
– One or more products are specified, but other
manufacturers will be considered.
– It is necessary to specify the criteria the alternate
manufacturers will be judged by.

25. • Advantages to using proprietary
specifications:
– They allow for close control of product
selection.
– The drawings can be more complete and
more detailed because they can be prepared
based on precise information from the
selected manufacturer.
– The specification can be shorter.
– They simplify the bidding by narrowing
competition and eliminating product pricing
as a major variable.

26. • Disadvantages to using proprietary
specifications:
– They reduce the competition.
– They may specify products the Contractor is
not familiar with or has had little experience
with.
– Care should be taken to assure no error is
made when specifying model numbers or
product designations.

27. Selecting a Method of
Specifying
• The following questions are helpful to
consider when deciding which method of
specifying is most appropriate.
– What does the Owner require?
– What method best describes the design
intent?
– What method is most appropriate for the
project size and complexity?
– What method will result in the best quality of
work?
– What method will result in the best price for
the work?

28. Specification Language
• Specification language should be precise.
Vague and ambiguous text can be open to
multiple interpretations.
• The following section covers how to be
precise and clear when writing specifications
and it includes a few things to avoid and
how to be concise and save space. Four
important sections for specification writing
1. Be Clear
2. Be Correct
3. Be Complete
4. Be Concise

29. 1. Be Clear:
1. Use proper grammar.
2. Chose precise words to convey the message.
2. Be Correct:
1. Present information accurately.
2. precisely using proper terminology.
3. Be Complete:
1. Do not out important or necessary information.
2. Brevity at the expense of completeness should
be avoided.
4. Be Concise:
Eliminate unnecessary words but at the expense of
clarity,correctness, completeness or grammar.

30. Sentence Structure
• Imperative Mood
Imperative mood puts the verb that defines the
action as the first word in the sentence. It is the
recommended method for specifications
covering installation of products and
equipment. It is easily understandable and
concise.
• Examples:
– Spread adhesive with notched trowel.
– Install equipment plumb and level.
– Apply two coats of paint to each exposed surface.

31. • Indicative Mood
Indicative mood uses the passive voice
with the use of the word shall in nearly
every sentence. Sometimes this can create
unnecessary wordiness and monotony.
Examples:
– Adhesive shall be spread with notched trowel.
– Equipment shall be installed plumb and level.
– Two coats of paint shall be applied to each
exposed surface.

32. Streamlined Writing
This technique uses a colon (:) to mean shall
or shall be. Streamlined specifications are
very concise and clear to read. The subject
before the colon is helpful when scanning
the specifications for keywords.
Examples:
– Adhesive: Spread with notched trowel.
– Equipment: Install plumb and level.
– Portland Cement: ASTM C 150, Type 1

33. Words to Avoid
• Typically the articles a, an and the are not
necessary and can be deleted where clarity is
not diminished. Avoid making an article or
pronoun out of the following words;
– such, said, and same.
– The use of the word all is usually unnecessary.
• Avoid: Install the equipment plumb and level.
– Such accessories shall be silver plated.
– Polish said floor with wax.
– Polish same floor with wax.
– Store all millwork under shelter.

34. Example 1: Descriptive Specification.
(combined with a reference standard)
– 2.02 MATERIALS
• A. Granite:
– 1. Conform to referenced ASTM C615. Granite shall be
standard grade, free of cracks, seams, or starts which
may impair its structural integrity or function inherent
colour variations characteristic of the quarry from which
it is obtained will be acceptable.
Reference
Standard
Specification
Page Format Article (second level)
Page Format Article (third level)
Page
Format
Article
(fourth
level)

35. Example 2:Performance Specifications
(combined with reference standard and desriptive)
– 2.02 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
• 1. Structural Performance:
– Provide dimension stone cladding capable of withstanding the effects of
gravity loads and the following loads and stresses within limits and
under conditions indicated.
• 2. Seismic Performance:
– Provide dimension stone cladding capable of withstanding the effects of
earthquake motions determined according to the UBC– 97, Seismic Zone
2B.
The stone cladding needs
to meet the following
Performance criteria

36. • 3.Thermal Movements:
– Provide dimension stone cladding system that allows for thermal
movements resulting from the following maximum change (range) in
ambient and surface temperatures by preventing displacement of stone,
opening of joints, overstressing of components, failure of joint sealants
and connections, and other detrimental effects. Base engineering
calculation on surface temperatures of materials due to both solar heat
gain and night time sky heat loss.
» a. Temperature Change (Range): 120 deg F, ambient, 180 deg F,
material surfaces.
• 4.Provisions for Fabrication and Erection Tolerances:
– Allow for fabrication and erection tolerances and for structural
deflections from loads and other causes. Concrete structural
fabrication and erection tolerances are specified in Division 3
Section "Cast-in-Place Concrete."

37. – 4. Control of Corrosion and Staining:
• Prevent galvanic and other forms of corrosion as well as staining by
isolating metals and other materials from direct contact with
incompatible materials. Use materials that are non staining to exposed
surfaces of stone and joint materials.

38. • Example 3: Reference Standard
Specification
• 1.03 REFERENCES
– A. Comply with the requirements of Section 01090
and as listed herein. See Section 01090 for listed
association, council, institute, society, and the like
organization for its full name and address.
» ASTM C97-96 Standard Test Methods for Absorption
and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimensional Stone.
» ASTM C99-87(2000) Standard Test Method for
Modulus of Rupture of Dimension Stone.
» ASTM C170-90(1999) Standard Test Method for
Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone.

39. » ASTM C615-96 Specification for Granite
Dimension Stone.
» ASTM C880-96 Flexure Strength of Dimension
Stone.
» ASTM C1201-91 Structural Performance of
Exterior Dimension Stone. Cladding Systems by
Uniform Static Air. Pressure Difference.
» ASTM C1242-96b Standard Guide for Design,
Selection, and Installation of Exterior Dimension
Stone Anchors and Anchoring Systems.
» NBGQA National Building Granite Quarries
Association, "Specifications for Building Granite"

40. • Example 4: Proprietary Specification
– 1.02 SUBMITTALS
• A. Product Data: Manufacturer's technical data for:
– 1. Blue Stone, smooth faced panel, sizes and thickness as
indicated on drawings; contact: Terrazzo & Stone Supply,
(425) 644-5577 and (425) 392- 3313. List of related
reference standards Specific manufacturers are named.

41. (See the exercise)

42. • Show how the following items would be
listed in the Bills of Quantities, giving a full
description for each.
1. Excavate foundation trenches. 200 m3
2. 200 mm concrete block walls in cm (1:4).
1625m2
3. 2 coats of emulsion paint on plastered walls.
2489 m2
4. 50 mm x 150 mm softwood joists. 125 m
5. Allow for keeping excavations free of ground
water. Item.
6. 50 mm x 200 mm chrome push plates fixed to
softwood. 25 No

43. • Guide read the specification given in
ICTAD SCA/4/1
– Clause 2.2 Excavations
• Note: The contractor shall visit the site, inspect the
trial holes or bores where available, and decide for
himself the nature of the ground, subsoil to be
excavated and the ground water levels. The
furnishing of particulars of trial holes or bores for
the information of contractor does not absolve the
contractor from his responsibilities nor does it
guarantee that similar condition apply on
otherpart apply.

44. • The following sub clauses are including in
this clause
• Sub clause 2.2.1-Establishment of levels
• Sub clause 2.2.2-Classification of soil.
• Sub clause 2.2.3 - Blasting
• Sub clause 2.2.4 –antiquities (antiques) and usefull
materials
• Sub clause 2.2.5 –Protection
• Sub clause 2.2.6 –Reinstatement of damages
during excavation
• Sub clause 2.2.7 –Anti termite treatment
• Sub clause 2.2.8 –Stability of excavation
• Sub clause 2.2.9 –Excavations for foundations.
• Sub clause 2.2.10 –Disposal of surplus materials
• Sub clause 2.2.11 –Dewatering
• Sub clause 2.2.12 –Method of dewatering
• Sub clause 2.2.13 –Planking and strutting

45. Instruction
• Select the method of specification
(descriptive specifications)
• Refer SCA/4/1 for the specification.
• Write general specification in preamble
(see in sample boq).
• Write particular specification in BOQ
section.

47. • There are five steps for preparing
descriptive specifications:
1. Research available products
2. Research the important features required for
the product.
3. Determine which features to describe in the
specification and which features to show in
the drawings.
4. Describe the important features.
5. Specify quality assurance measures (i.e.
submittals, certifications, testing or
inspection activities)

48. Example 1: Descriptive Specification (Slide
12) (combined with a reference standard)
– 2.02 MATERIALS
• A. Granite:
– 1. Conform to referenced ASTM C615. Granite shall be
standard grade, free of cracks, seams, or starts which
may impair its structural integrity or function inherent
colour variations characteristic of the quarry from which
it is obtained will be acceptable.
Reference
Standard
Specification
Page Format Article (second level)
Page Format Article (third level)
Page
Format
Article
(fourth
level)

52. Short notes for excavation
• Excavation
– Start from natural ground level.
– Depth as stated in drawings.
– Special instruction shall be obtained.
• If bearing stratum less/more than indicated in drawings.
• Natural bearing stratum characteristic if vastly differs
• Excavation Sloping site
– Ex., constn and Bckfl
• Start from lower location
• Direct to higher location
– Bed shall be stepped
• Ex. Shall
– made Correct
• profile shown in drwng
• levels shown in drwng
– Trimmed to exact shape
• Distributed material or debris
– shall removed
– Not be placed closer than one metre from outer edge

53. • Bed of the exctvng
– Shall consolidated by watering and trimming
– Shall generally horizontal
– If soft/defective spots Shall be dugout and fill lean
concrete or other material as direct by OIC
– If over excavate fill up the exctvng to proper level with
lean concrete or other mat as direct by OIC
• OIC
– Inspect exctvng before
• Further work
• Concrete
• Back fill
– Deteriorated surfaces after exctvng shall be
• removed as direct by OIC
• Removed and replace with conc. or any other mat as direct by
OIC
• Rectify contractors own expenses if it is caused by contractors
negligence.
– Contractor shall take sufficient precautions against
deterioration

54. • Writing specification for item no 1 (Excavation)
– Step 1-Read summary of the specification of
excavation,
– Step 2- Read the example Boq of given above
– Step 3- Write specification/works description for the
excavation item given
• Writing specification for item no2 (Block work)
– Step 1-Read summary of the specification of Block
work, ....aCITY & GUILDSMeasurement6.4
Guide read the specification given in ICTAD
SCA4.docx
– Step 2- Read the example Boq of given above
– Step 3- Write specification/works description for the
excavation item given