This third edition of the standard construction specifications writing guide has been updated to include new information on linking specifications to computer databases and to other parts of the design process. Construction Specifications Writing shows how to organize documents, consolidate the Federal government systems, generate well-researched mastertexts, automate specifications, write more condensed text, use full-time specifications consultants, and use the new knowledge-based specifying systems.
The must-have specifications writing reference and essential study aid for the Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) Exam The CSI Practice Guides are a library of comprehensive references specifically and carefully designed for the construction professional. Each book examines important concepts and best practices integral to a particular aspect of the building process. The CSI Construction Specifications Practice Guide is focused on the roles and responsibilities of the specifications professional in meeting the challenges of the changing world of construction. In this volume, guidelines on topics like writing quality construction specifications and product selection are meshed with best practices for managing project information, working with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery, and writing sustainable design specifications. Other material covered in this guide includes: The Construction Specifications Institute's collected best practices for authoring specifications Specialized guidance on presentation and management of project information in the context of Building Information Modeling and sustainable design Includes access to a password-protected web site with bonus content, including a PDF of the printed book and copies of CSI format documents, such as UniFormat and SectionFormat/PageFormat An authoritative resource for effective written communication of design intent, The CSI Construction Specifications Practice Guide presents construction professionals and students studying for the Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) Exam with a solid foundation for improving their methods of collecting and delivering important specifications data. Serves as an authoritativeresource for effective writing of design intent Includes CSI's best practicesfor authoring specifications Offers specialized guidance on project information in the context of BIM and sustainable design
"Unlike any other book on the market, Construction Specifications: Principles and Applications addresses specification writing as a process for managing professional risk, enhancing the value of an architect's or engineer's instruments of service, and increasing the economic performance of facilities in public and private sectors. This book will guide users through the creation and implementation of construction specifications and related construction administration documents, detailing the requirements for effective, successful specifications."--Jacket.
Updated edition of the comprehensive rulebook to the specifier's craft With this latest update, Construction Specifications Writing, Sixth Edition continues to claim distinction as the foremost text on construction specifications. This mainstay in the field offers comprehensive, practical, and professional guidance to understanding the purposes and processes for preparation of construction specifications. This new edition uses real-world document examples that reflect current writing practices shaped by the well-established principles and requirements of major professional associations, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC), and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Also included are guidelines for correct terminology, product selection, organization of specifications according to recognized CSI formats, and practical techniques for document production. Fully revised throughout, this Sixth Edition includes: Updates to MasterFormat 2004, as well as SectionFormat/PageFormat 2007 and Uniformat End-of-chapter questions and specification-writing exercises Samples of the newly updated construction documents from the AIA New chapter on sustainable design and specifications for LEED projects Updated information on the role of specifications in Building Information Modeling (BIM)
1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND In the late 1950s many members of the design professions-Engineers as well as Ar chitects-became concerned about their exposure to claims for professional malprac tice and particularly about the increasing number of claims that had been successfully brought against them arising out of their Construction Phase activities. This led to special studies sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and the Engineers joint Counsel. The outcome was twofold: the development of a policy of professional liability insurance to insure Engineers and Architects against errors and omissions in the performance of their professional services, and the review and development of the customary contractual arrangements defining the design profeSSional's undertakings vis a vis his client (the Owner), the Project to be designed, and the Contractor who was to implement that design. At the outset, the AlA's Owner-Architect Agreement (No. B131), General Conditions (No. A201) and the Owner-Contractor Agreements (Nos. A101 & 111) were the documents most frequently used by design professionals, and these received particular attention. In the early 1960s it became apparent that there was a need for a separate series of documents prepared to address these relationships when the Project to be designed involved primarily engineering considerations. The number of Projects for which the Engineer was employed by the Owner as the prime professional to handle the Project design and construction administration was increasing.
No other resource—not even the building code—presents the exact code information you need, when you need it at design stage The International Building Code (IBC) is a model building code developed by the International Code Council (ICC). The IBC and its complementary codes provide design and construction professionals with a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention regulations in order to safeguard the public health and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. Adopted throughout most of the United States and its territories, it is referenced by federal agencies, such as the General Services Administration, National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of Defense. For architects and other design and construction professionals, it is particularly important that they understand how to apply the IBC and how code officials view buildings, so that they integrate code-required provisions in the earliest design stages of any project. Applying the IBC, as well as its companion codes, to building design is a process that is uniquely different to that of applying the building code during a planning review. Whereas other guide books explain the IBC in sequential order, from cover to cover, chapter by chapter, and section by section, Applying the Building Code explains the requirements of the IBC as they would apply during the common phases of design: from schematic design through to the preparation of construction documents. This effectively highlights applicable requirements of the building code at the appropriate stage of design based on available information. The book provides a 28-step process that is organized according to the three phases of architectural design: schematic design, design development, and construction documents Each step explains the application of the IBC, as well as other codes and standards referenced by the IBC (i.e. International Fire Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and ANSI A117.1) based on available project information Illustrations and examples are provided throughout that explain the code fundamentals associated with each step A single example project is used throughout the step-by-step process to illustrate how each step is applied and builds upon code and project information obtained through previous steps Guidance is also provided on the International Existing Building Code and how the step-by-step process is applied to projects involving existing buildings The role of the building department and its staff in regard to plan reviews and code enforcement is discussed A detailed code data information template is provided that can help organize code-related information for construction documents
