Need for Specification Format that Accommodates Engineered Projects

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.