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clear glass. Thus, in specifying gypsum wallboard, for example, you can state that all gypsum-wallboard
products shall meet the requirements of ASTM C36.
As this document describes in detail the requirements for this product, the specifier is relieved of
having to repeat the requirements and can instead refer to the recognized industry standard.
In using a reference standard, the specifier should not only have a copy of that standard, but should
also know what is required by the standard, including choices that may be contained therein, that should
be enforced by all suppliers. This type of specification is fairly easy to write and is generally short. In ad-
dition, the use of reference-standard specifications reduces your liability and the possibility for errors.
The fourth major type of specification used is the performance specification. This type of specifica-
tion establishes the performance requirements without dictating the methods by which the end results
are to be achieved. This gives the greatest leeway to contractors because it allows them to use any ma-
terial or system that meets the performance criteria specified, provided the results can be verified by
measurement, tests, or other types of evaluation.
Performance specifications are not often used by architects and engineers because they are the
most difficult to write. The specifier must know all the criteria for a product or system, state the appropri-
ate methods for testing compliance, and write an unambiguous document. In addition, sufficient data
must be provided to ensure that the product can be demonstrated. Performance specifications are
mostly used in specifying complex systems and where a specifier wants to encourage new ways of
achieving a particular result.
Product specifications often use a combination of methods to convey the designer’s intent.
For example, a specification for a ceramic tile would use a proprietary specification to name the
product or products selected by the specifier, a descriptive specification to specify the size and design,
and a reference standard to specify the ASTM standard, grade, and type required.
10.4 ORGANIZING THE PROJECT MANUAL.
Traditionally, the organization of the project manual has been a matter of individual preference by the
design firm producing it, resulting in a wide diversity of method around the country that became confus-
ing. As design firms and contractors became increasingly nationwide in their operations, a pressing need
grew for a consistent arrangement of building-construction specifications. To meet this challenge, the
American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1964 developed the concept of the project manual, which has
now gained wide acceptance. Essentially, it contains the technical specifications as well as several other
types of documents, which, together with the drawings, constitute the contract documents. A typical
table of contents for the project manual might show the following major divisions:
- General project information. All parties responsible for the development of the project should be
included on the Project Manual’s cover page, which identifies the names and addresses of the
owners, architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and structural
engineers. - Bidding requirements. These apply to contracts awarded through a bidding process and include
an invitation to bid (or advertisement), prequalification forms, instructions to bidders, bid form,
and information available to bidders. - Contract forms, which may include the agreement (the contract between owner and contractor),
performance bond, labor and materials payment bond, and certificates of insurance.