ARCHITECTURAL CORRELATION

MODULE 6: AREA 2 TOPIC 2- ARCHITECTURAL SPECIFICATION

AND BUILDING ESTIMATE

Duration: December 2020

Session: Week 8
Number of Hours: Three (3) hours
Objective: To review specification terminologies, material cost and installation in
construction environment.

ARCHITECTURAL SPECIFICATION

Standard building specifications - are written documents that go with the

construction drawings and describe the materials as well as the installation methods.
They also prescribe the quality standards of construction expected on the project.

Specifications - are legal documents and should therefore be complete, accurate,

and unambiguous.

Specification writing - has two main roles: defining the scope of work and acting as
a set of instructions. At the core of specification writing is defining the scope of work.

Construction drawings - are supplemented by written project specifications. Project

specifications give detailed information regarding materials and methods of work for
a particular construction project. They cover various factors relating to the project,
such as general conditions, scope of work, quality of materials, standards of
workmanship, and protection of finished work. The drawings, together with the project
specifications, define the project in detail and show exactly how it is to be constructed.
Usually, any set of drawings for an important project is accompanied by a set of project
specifications. The drawings and project specifications are inseparable the project
specifications indicate what the drawings do not portray or clarify further details that
are not covered or amplified by the drawings and notes on the drawings

Specifications - are the written portion of the contract documents that are used to
execute the project. Drawings alone cannot define the qualitative issues of a scheme,
which is why specifications are necessary. Design decisions are continuously made
as drawings proceed from schematic sketches to construction documents. Drawings
depict the general configuration and layout of the design, including its size, shape,
and dimensions. It tells the contractor the quantities of materials needed, their
placement and their general relationship to each other. Technical specifications are a
form of materials list, requiring similar decision making that reflects the design intent
and describes in detail the quality and character of materials, the standards to which
the materials and their installation shall conform, and other issues that are more
appropriately described in written rather than graphic form. And no matter how
beautiful the designer’s concept, the project cannot be correctly implemented without
clear, concise, accurate, and easily understood contract documents. Specs are a
critical component of the contract documents.

TYPES OF SPECIFICATIONS

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Closed Specification- Type of specification which is Closed (also called prescriptive
or restrictive) specification is one that limits acceptable products to one or a few brand-
identified types or models and prohibits substitutions. This type of specification is
sometimes used where specifiers feel more comfortable resorting to a specific
proprietary product with which they are familiar and which will meet the specific criteria
of the project

Open Specification- Type of specification which is Also called performance or

nonrestrictive, this type of specification gives the contractor some choice in How to
achieve the desired results

Specification Section Format- Type of specification which each specification

section covers a particular trade or subtrade (e.g., drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles).
Furthermore, each section is divided into three basic parts, each of which contains
the specifications about a particular aspect of each trade or subtrade.

Part 1: General - This part of the specification outlines the general requirements for
the section and describes the scope of work of the project as well as providing the
bidder or contractor with the administrative requirements for the section

Description and scope: This article should include the scope of the work and the
interrelationships between work in this section and the other sections. In addition, it
should include definitions and options.

Quality assurances: This article should include requirements for qualification of

consultants, contractors, and subcontractors. Also included here are the standards
and test requirements, and any full-size “mock-up” models of items for testing.

Submittals: Instructions for submittal of product samples and other relevant

information, including warranties, certificates, product data, and installation
instructions.

Product handling, delivery, and storage: This includes instructions for aspects like
packing, location for delivery, temperature control, and protection for the product after
delivery.

Project and site conditions: This stipulates the requirements and conditions that
must be in place prior to installation, such as temperature control and the use of
necessary utilities. For example, all wall tiling should be completed prior to cabinet
installation.

Alternatives: Whether alternatives are acceptable is detailed in the General

Requirements.

Sequencing and scheduling: This is used where timing is critical and where tasks
and/or scheduling need to follow a specific sequence.

Warranties: This section typically includes warranties that exceed one year. Terms
and conditions of the warranty should be spelled out, and the owner should be
provided with copies.

Part 2: Products - This section defines and details the materials and products being
specified, including fabrication or manufacturing of the product, the standards to which
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the materials or products must conform to so as to fulfill the specifications (Figure
10.4), and similar concerns. The itemized subsections would therefore include:

Manufacturers: This section is used when writing a proprietary specification and lists
approved manufacturers. The section should be coordinated with the product options
and substitutions section.

Materials, furnishings, and equipment: A list should be provided of materials to be

used. If writing descriptive or performance specifications, detail the performance
criteria for materials, furnishings, and equipment.

Mixes: This section specifies the proportions of materials to be used when mixing a
particular product.

Fabrication: In this section, fabrication and construction details should be given.

The newly revised Master Format System

Part 3: Execution- This part of the specification describes the quality of work-the
standards and requirements specified in the installation of the products and materials.
It also describes the conditions under which the products are to be installed, the
protection required, and the closeout and cleanup procedures. The subheadings in
this section include:

Inspection: The section outlines what the contractor is required to do—for example,
to the subsurface—prior to installation. Wording may include such phrases as “the
moisture content of the concrete should meet manufacturer’s specifications prior to
installation of the flooring material.”

Preparation: This stipulates the improvements to be made prior to installation.

Installation and performance: The specific requirements for each finish should be
specified, as well as the quality of work to be achieved.

Field quality control: This specifies the tests and inspection procedures to be used
to determine the quality of the finished work.

CSI Format for Building Specifications - The Uniform System with three (3)
major parts known as The Uniform System for Construction Specifications- a)
Specification Outline b) Filing System, and c) Cost Accounting. The Format with
Sixteen Divisions namely:
Division 1 – General Requirements
Division 2 – Site work
Division 3 – Concrete
Division 4 – Masonry
Division 5 – Metals
Division 6 – Wood and Plastics
Division 7 – Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 8 – Doors, Windows, and Glasses
Division 9 – Finishes
Division 10 – Specialties

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 Division 11 – Equipment
Division 12 – Furnishing
Division 13 – Special Construction
Division 14 – Conveying Systems
Division 15 – Mechanical
Division 16 – Electrical

BUILDING ESTIMATE

Purpose Estimate- is to determine the forecast costs required to complete a project

in accordance with the contract plans and specification.

Detailed Estimate- This type of estimate includes everything that needs to complete
the project as well as overhead and contractor’s profit. For this type of estimate, an
estimator needs complete set of drawing and instruction manual of the project. This
estimate shows required materials, labor, time to complete the project, complete cost
details and overhead and also contractor profit. It also includes insurance, bond,
equipment and other necessary things that need to complete the project. Estimator
for this type of estimating should be experienced person because complete project
budget, time duration and contractor profit depends on his visualization.

Unit Based Estimate - This type of estimate is prepared by calculating building

area and then multiplying area by predefined unit cost. And then adjusted the cost
by considering building height, length, width and other necessary building
components. Required documents for preparing this type of estimate is a simple
floor plan with measurement and key elevation of the building. This type of
estimation is used to check whether the project was designed within
owner’s budget.

Model Estimate- This type of estimate is prepared based on a model project estimate
which is developed before. Preparing this type of estimate needs answering several
key questions depending on model project. Such as length and width of building,
number of base, size of base, floor height, number of bath etc. Keep in mind that
proposed project should be similar to model project. this type of estimate may prepare
a details estimate of whole project or a
part of project depending on the model project.
Project Comparison Estimate - In this method, an estimator prepares estimate of
proposed project by comparing similar completed project. After preparing the
comparison estimate, estimator makes adjustment for variation of proposed project
with the completed project.

Parametric Estimate - In this type of estimate, an estimator uses equations to

prepare the estimate. This equation is the relationship between “parameters” and
“cost” of a building project. This estimate is like unit based estimate but more
complex than unit based estimate. This type of estimate is done for getting
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concept of proposed project cost.

Earthfill and backfill - Volume of backfill required= volume of space x1.25

Gravel Fill- A concrete slab on fill usually poured on a layer of gravel or any
approve course aggregate to provide firmer foundation.
Volume=Area of Concrete slab x thickness of fill

CLASS OF CONCRETE
Class Cement Sand Gravel Strength after 28 days Uses
AA 1 1 1/2 3 4000- 3500 psi Road and bridges
Slabs, beam and
A 1 2 4 3000-2500 psi
columns
B 1 2 1/2 5 2000-1500 psi Footing walls of 4” thk.
C 1 3 6 1000-500 psi Slab on fill
D 1 3 1/2 7 Less than 500 psi Plant box
A. 5% = 100% + 5%= 1.05 wastage
1. Columns and piers
2. Beams and girders
3. Reinforced concrete slab and walls
ALLOWANCE FOR 4. Other members of the inside form

WASTAGE
B. 10% =100% + 10%= 1.10 of wastage
1. Concrete slab on fill
2. Footings
3. Walls footings
4. Other concrete member without forms

VOLUME METHOD TABLE

Class Cement (bags) Sand (cu.m) Gravel (cu.m)
AA 10.46 0.42 0.84
A 7.85 0.42 0.84
B 6.49 0.44 0.87
C 5.49 0.44 0.89
D 4.82 0.45 0.91
MASONRY WORKS
CONCRETE HOLLOW
Stretcher hollow are most widely used among partition walls.
BLOCKS OR CHB
4” or 100 mm
CHB SIZES 5” or 125 mm
6” or 150 mm
8” or 200 mm
MODULAR DIMENSIONS
200mm x 400 mm (8” x 16”)
Formula:
* in 1 sqm there are 12.5 pcs.
(Area net of CHB) x 13 = No. Of CHB required
* To allow wastage, use 13 pcs per sqm

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Example Using class B mix
Area of wall 2.7 x 5.00 (excluding beam and
column) 128pcs x 0.1124 = 14.39 ~ 15 bags of cement
Area of window = 0.7 x 1.20
128pcs x 0.0091 = 1.16 m 3 of sand
Net Area = Area of Wall – Area of
Window
= 13.5 – 0.84
= 12.66 sq.m
12.66 x 13 = 164.58 pcs
= 165 number of CHB

THICKNESS OF CLASS A (1:2 MIX) CLASS B (1:3 MIX) ESTIMATED MATERIALS

CHB
8” (200 mm) # of CHB x 0.1505 # of CHB x 0.1124 Bags of
# of CHB x 0.0031 # of CHB x 0.0091 cement
m 3 of sand
6” (150mm) # of CHB x 0.0982 # of CHB x 0.0734 Bags of
# of CHB x 0.0053 # of CHB x 0.0059 cement
M 3 of sand
4” (100mm) # of CHB x 0.0411 # of # of CHB x 0.0307 # of Bags of
CHB x 0.0022 CHB x 0.0025 cement M 3
of sand

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 MORTAR AND PLASTERING
INGREDIENT TO
PRODUCE CEMENT Cement, sand
PLASTER and lime
1. Ascertain in the class of concrete to be used and thickness
PLASTERING 2. Compute area in sq.
COMPUTATION 3. Make calculations separate for interior surface
REMINDER 4. Calculation should be used actual area not the number of CHB
5. Openings and other kind of finishes should be excluded
PLASTERING FORMULA
Formula for Formula for class
Thickness class A C Materials
concrete concrete
x 0.082 x 0.033 Bags of cement
10mm or 3/8 x 0.082 x 0.033 Bags of lime
x 0.009 x 0.10 Cu.m of sand
x 0.98 x 0.39 Bags of cement
12mm or 1/2 x 0.98 x 0.39 Bags of lime
x 0.010 x 0.012 Cu.m of sand
x 0.164 x 0.066 Bags of
20mm or 3/4 x 0.164 x 0.066 cement
x 0.017 x 0.019 Bags of lime
Cu.m of sand
x 0.205 x 0.082 Bags of
25mm or 1” x 0.205 x 0.082 cement
x 0.022 x 0.24 Bags of lime
Cu.m of sand

REFERENCE

Ching, F. D.K. (2019). Building Construction Illustrated. New York. Wiley

De Chiara, J and Crosbie, M.J. (2001). Time Saver Standards for Building Types.
New York. McGraw-Hill

Edwards, A. (2005). How Buildings Work. New York. Oxford University Press

Fajardo, Max (2004). Plumbing Design and Estimate. Quezon City, Philippines. 5183
Merchandising

Harris, C. (2006). Dictionary of Architecture and Construction 4th Edition. New York.
McGraw Hill

Leger, E.H. et al. (2005). Complete Building Construction. Indianapolis. Wiley

PD 1096 National Building Code of the Philippines

Tagayun, V. (2000). Estimating Bill of Materials. Philippines. Tagayun Associates.

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