Specification Writing

BE 3103
Specification Writing
Course Work
Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/

Ventilation System
Student Name(s)
Reg. No.
Asmone A.S.
Kodippily T.T.
092404N
092647K
Saranga N.B.
Satharasinghe N.R.P.
Senarathna W.D.D.A.
Wijekoon K.A.D.N.C.
092457D
082460V
092687G
092451E
Lecturers Name
: Prof. Archt. Lalith De Silva

: Miss. Harshini Mallawarachchi
Date of Assignment : 16th May 2012

Date of Submissions : 11th June 2012
Department of Building Economics

University of Moratuwa
Course Work Brief and Feedback Form
Degree programme title
Module number and title
Lecturer(s) name(s)
Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying and

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management
BE 3103 Specification Writing
Prof. Arch. Lalith De Silva
Ms. Harshini Mallawarachchi
Moderator(s) name(s)
Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/

Course work title
Set date
Ventilation System
.
Moderated date
Date of assignment
16th May 2012
Dates of submissions
11th June 2012
Student declaration
I / We confirm that the works submitted for this assignment are my /our own work
Students names / Signatures

Asmone A.S.
Kodippily T.T.
Senarathna W.D.D.A.
Saranga N.B.
Wijekoon K.A.D..N.C.
Report Evaluation
Maximum marks
Student(s) names(s) / Reg. No.
Asmone A.S.
Saranga N.B.
Senarathna W.D.D.A.
Wijekoon K.A.D.N.C.
10
with provisions of appropriateNew design of work place
Kodippily T.T.
structure of reportPreparation/ organization and
15
types of partitioning and A/C Identifications of different

20
formats and clausesIdentification of specification

10
35
Conclusion
specification for each itemCorrect writing of
Group Basis
Total
Stamp for date receipt of the assignment
Assessment Criteria
Report Feedback Sheet
10
100
BE 3103 - Specification Writing
Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System
Table of Conten
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................3
2. New Design of the Work Place........................................................................................................................4
3. Selection of a Specification Writing Method and Language...........................................................................5
4. Selection of a Partitioning System for Floor Locations..................................................................................6
4.1 Board Room..............................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Specification Board Room Partitioning.................................................................................................8
4.3 Cubicle of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer Room.................................................................................9
4.4 Specification Cubicles of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer Room....................................................10
4.5 Documentation Room..............................................................................................................................11
4.6 Specification Documentation Room....................................................................................................12
5. Selection of a Air Conditioning System and Accessories.............................................................................13
5.1 General Notes..........................................................................................................................................13
6. Specification - Installation of Air Conditioning Units and Accessories........................................................15
6.1General Specification...............................................................................................................................15
6.2 Compressor Specification........................................................................................................................15
6.3 Air Condition Unit Enclosure..................................................................................................................16
6.4 Room Conditions.....................................................................................................................................17
6.5 Installation, Testing and Commissioning................................................................................................17
6.6 Maintenance Period.................................................................................................................................18
6.7 Technical Literature.................................................................................................................................18
6.7 Special Specifications..............................................................................................................................19
7. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................................20
References.........................................................................................................................................................21
Annexure...........................................................................................................................................................22
Introduction
Specification can be defined as a detailed, exact statement of particulars, specially a statement prescribing
materials, dimensions, and quality of work for something to be built, installed, or manufactured. In the eye of
a professional in the construction industry or built environments, specifications are found as an integral
element of project information.
Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS) is a working convention designed to promote
standardization of, and detailed coordination between, bills of quantities and specifications. It is part of the
industry wide coordinated projects information (CPI) initiative and has been used for the arrangement of the
national Building Specification. With the coordination given by CAWS between drawings, specifications and
bills of quantities and flexibility to the contractor in dividing the project information into work packages. But
here in this report we have used the traditional method of specification writing instead of CAWS method
because Sri Lankan construction industry is not used to use it. And usage of CAWS will make the bidders
ambiguous about the specification.
Given above is the basic introduction to specifications and the scope of specification related in this study. The
understanding of writing and understanding specification is quite important to quantity surveyors as well as
facilities managers who will have to deal with specifications of all sorts and means, day-in and day-out.
Therefore the coursework for this module BE 3103 Specification Writing, Specifications for partitioning and
air conditioning systems has proven to be of utmost interest and significant to the undergraduates.
In this course work report where a scenario is given for them to redesign the space plan of the department of
Building Economics and to prepare a proper air circulation and conditioning system, the specifications for all
these proposals are given in detailed manner following international standards and methods.
The report unveils with the first chapter where we identify an appropriate method of specification writing for
the selected systems, then we have selected suitable partitioning systems for office spaces with different
functional requirements. Afterwards we have selected a suitable air conditioning system and developed a
specification.
2. New Design of the Work Place

The existing premise of the Department of Building Economics is located at the 3 rd floor of sumanadasa
building. Interior of it is bit congested because they have to accommodate several functions within a limited
floor area. Workplace environment quality makes a big impact on employee productivity and efficiency and
the Department of Building Economics is not exempt. We have understood certain negative aspects of the
existing layout and partitioning system/ air conditioning system and suggested alterations as mentioned
below. For existing layout of premises, proposed partitioned layout and air conditioning system layout please
refer annex 1, 2 and 3.
Drawbacks of Existing System
Proposed Suggestions
Partitioning System and Layout
Partition layout does not allow space for future
Install demountable partitioning system at eastern
expansion
side of the premises rather than around the perimeter.

Tenants can merge with existing class room and
The strength of existing system is not sufficient

Existing layout limits visual privacy because the
make space for future expansion.

Use 75mm powder coated aluminum frame partition
Place the cubicles at the rear and make separate
cubicles are arranged around the passage

The partitioning at the documentation area is not fire
access to them
Use 120 minutes fire rated partitioning system
rated, this is a critical drawback

Space for data cabling, electricity wire cabling is
Use a partitioning system that have insulation of at
insufficient
least 40mm wide

Air Conditioning System and Layout
Current layout does not allow proper air flow to
Arrange the cubicles in stacked form to allow
some cubicles
moderate flow of air
3. Selection of a Specification Writing Method and Language

When selecting an appropriate method of specification writing, we have considered that partitioning system
requires a specification that identifies both performance as well as aesthetical appearance. Because of that we
have selected a combination of descriptive-performance specification writing method. When scrutinizing on

the specification writing methods practiced in the Sri Lankan industry we have understood that it is more
meaningful and bidders will get a good idea on what the design intents.
While we have recognized that the specification of air conditioning system should be based on performance
of the selected service. That allows the bidder to use suitable air conditioning system to cater the need and
detach the client or consultant from the responsibility of selecting a system. Hence when writing
specification for air conditioning system we have used performance specification method after carrying out a
technical analysis.
To be effective, writing needs to be clear and unambiguous, it should be technically correct and correct
grammatically. Moreover it shall be concise so the bidders get the information they need with least amount of
effort. We have avoided using dead words and broad statements when writing the specification, and have
written the attribute of the specification first followed by a colon and then the details. Examples are
mentioned below;
i. Attribute: Details of specification
ii. Fire resistance: To BS 476, 30 minutes
iii. Cavity filling: 45mm thick mineral fibre wool to density of 60kgm-3
4. Selection of a Partitioning System for Floor Locations

A partition wall can be considered as a wall or division made up of bricks, studs, timber, plasterboard, glass
or other such material and provided for the purpose of dividing one space from another. Generally partition
walls are designed as non-load bearing walls and may come from folding, collapsible or fixed types.
Selection of a partition system depends on several factors such as
Required level of acoustics

Required level of fire resistance
Required level of thermal insulation
Structural criteria (dead load, imposed loads)
Services, fixtures to be installed
Budget available
Nature of the environment and occupants
Material, technology and craftsmen availability
The department of building economic premises is the space that is needed to be partitioned, the spaces of the
department accommodate several functions. Based on those functional requirements, the type of partition can
be varied. We have identified the spaces and categorized them as follows,
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Board room
Cubicles of academic/ non academic staff
Toilet
Kitchen/ lunch room
Documentation room/ research room
Computer room
4.1 Board Room

Requirement Considered
Details
Acoustics
Acoustical control is critical in virtually every office space but it is of
paramount importance when it comes to partitioning a board room. The
partition at a board room shall absorb internal sounds so that it will not reflect
and cause resonance, secondly it should keep sound from outside coming in and
sound of inside not reflecting to out. Hence we have determined that the
selected partition shall have following characteristics
Fire resistance
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) > = 0.70
Sound Transmission Class (STC) > = 0.45 as per BS 2750-3:1995
The selected space is not subjected to a higher level of fire hazard. Hence we
assumed that there is no requirement of using a partition with superior fire
resistant characteristics.
Thermal insulation
Fire resistance shall be 30 minutes
The board room is air conditioned with a separate split type air conditioner. The
important factor we have to consider is that one adjacent side of the room is the
proposed kitchen area. But since that side is covered by existing block wall,
Structural characteristics
there is no need of consideration on that matter.

The structural characteristics considered are the horizontal imposed loads
(crowd pressure) and vertically imposed loads. Since there are no imposed
Services to be installed
horizontal loads, we have reflected on horizontally imposed forces only.

There may be a requirement to install service lines such as audio system and
electricity lines. But because there are existing block wall partitions on 3 sides
of the space, we assumed necessary service line will be fixed on them. We have
Selected partitioning
suggested a dry wall lining to the existing block walls.

We have suggested a dry wall lining to the existing block walls.
system
4.2 Specification Board Room Partitioning

Performance Criteria
Fire resistance: To BS 476, 30 minutes

Noise reduction coefficient: Equal or exceed 0.70
Sound Transmission Class (STC): Equal or exceeding 0.45 as per BS 2750-3-1995
Strength: Shall be capable of withstanding a nominal horizontal concentrated force of 700N acting
nominal to the wall surface over an area of 0.1 m x 0.1 m at any point
Cavity insulation: With mineral fiber confirm to BS 2750 part 3 of 1995
Materials
Studs: Single frame of 50mm CStuds at 700mm centers and 50mm UChannel for the head/base track
Lining: 15mm thick acoustic panel
Cavity filling: 45mm thick mineral fibre wool to density of 60kgm-3
Finishing: 20mm width, 2mm thick aluminum beading
Glazing: With 4mm thick toughened clear glass
Fixing and installation
Studs: Fixed to inner side of existing wall with 50mm stainless steel screws, CStuds at 700mm centers
and UChannel for the head/base track at 1000mm centers

Cavity filling: Install 45mm thick mineral fibre cavity filling, cut neatly between studs to ensure no gaps
or excessive filling
4.3 Cubicle of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer Room
Details
Acoustics
Acoustical control is not the major factor when it comes to partitioning the
cubicles.
Fire resistance
Sound Transmission Class (STC) > = 0.25 as per BS 2750-3:1995
The selected space is not subjected to a higher level of fire hazard. Hence we
assumed that there is no requirement of using a partition with superior fire
Thermal insulation
The cubicles of staff are air conditioned. Since there arent dedicated air
conditioners or air supply ducts, it is important to install cubicles in such a way
that air flow will be maintained at an acceptable level. To allow moderate air
flow within cubicles, it is assumed that fully covered partitioning is not
supportive.
The structural characteristic considered was the dead load of the partitioning
system. Since there is a large area to be partitioned the weight of the cubicles
might be considerable.
There may be a requirement to install service lines such as internet cables and
electricity lines.
We have concluded that an aluminum framed composite partitioning system
system
with plasterboard lining is appropriate for cubicles.
4.4 Specification Cubicles of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer Room


Sound Transmission Class (STC): Equal or exceeding 0.25 as per BS 2750-3-1995
Cavity insulation: With extruded polystyrene foam confirm to BS 2750 part 3 of 1995
Materials
Frame: Single frame of 75mm powder coated aluminum at 700mm centers and 100mm powder coated
head and base rails

Covering: 10mm thick plasterboards on both sides fitted with 25mm screw bolts
Studs: Base rail fixed to floor with 50mm stainless steel screws, vertical braces at 700mm centers fixed to
base rail and head rail

or excessive filling.
Covering shall be upto 1.20m height on both sides
Glazing from 1.20 level to ceiling level with single 4mm thick clear glass
Contractor shall calibrate with electrical contractor in providing space for cables inside the cavity
4.5 Documentation Room
Details
Acoustics
Acoustical control is not the major factor when it comes to partitioning the
documentation room since it is not used by occupants that often, hence it is
Fire resistance
acceptable to use partitioning with lower STC value

The selected space is not subjected to a higher level of fire hazard. But the
protection of the documents is of utmost importance. Hence we assumed that
there is a considerable requirement of using a partition with superior fire
Thermal insulation
As previously stated this area is not used by occupants commonly, hence
thermal insulation is not considered.

This area is subjected to loading and unloading of documents in bulk. Due to
that reason the partition system shall have sufficient strength to bear heavy
forces.
Requirement of service cabling or lighting on partitions is minimal. It is not
considered when selecting a partitioning system.

We have concluded that a steel framed and steel covered partition system is
system
appropriate for documentation area.
4.6 Specification Documentation Room


Materials
Frame: Double frame of 100mm powder coated aluminum at 700mm centers and 100mm powder coated
head and base rails

Covering: 10mm thick plasterboards on both sides fitted with 25mm screw bolts
Studs: Base rail fixed to floor with 50mm stainless steel screws, vertical braces at 700mm centers fixed to
base rail and head rail

or excessive filling.
Covering shall be upto ceiling height on both sides
Contractor shall calibrate with electrical contractor in providing space for cables inside the cavity
10
5. Selection of a Air Conditioning System and Accessories

5.1 General Notes
Nature of Bid
The Contractor shall carefully study the drawings mentioned under scope of work and fill in the price in the
attached bill of quantities. It is to be distinctly understood that the total quantity Bided for is to be complete
and comprehensive of all minor deficiencies if any, in the brief description. No variation or extras will be
allowed except in respect of alterations, which are specially authorized in writing. No alterations shall be
made without the written permission of the Engineer.
Surplus Stock
No compensation shall be paid by the Board on completion of the work for any surplus stock of pipes,
specials, fittings etc. and materials obtained for the purpose of this Contract. However, on completion of the
Contract, the Engineer may retain any surplus stock, which would be useful for the maintenance of the above
Air Conditioning Unit and pay at prices agreed upon at that time by the Engineer and the Contractor.
Power Supply
The necessary 230 V, single phase and neutral 50Hz electric power will be made available at the power
distribution panel of the floor. The power required for the distribution panel for air conditioning units shall be
from the aforementioned electrical power distribution point and all cabling and accessories shall be provided
and fixed by the Contractor. All electrical equipment and wiring shall conform to the standards set by the
I.E.E., (UK) as well as Sri Lanka regulations and be acceptable to the Ceylon Electricity Board, Sri Lanka.
Calibration of Instrument & Meters
All instruments and meters shall be calibrated in the Metric Units as follows;
(a)
Pressure shall be indicated in kg/ cm
(b) Temperature in C
(c) Voltage in V
(d) Time shall be indicated in Hours
11
(e) Amperage shall be indicated in Amperes

(f) Relative humidity in RH % with dry bulb temperature
Literature On Equipment And Materials

The Bidder shall supply detailed literature and specifications from the manufacturers in respect of all
equipment and materials included in his offer and give the names of all such manufacturers and the countries
of origin of the materials and equipment.
Installation, Testing And Commissioning
Refer the specific specifications for split type Air conditioning units and Accessories.
Calculation of Operational Cost
In the evaluation of bidders of the capacity more than 18,000 Btu / hr Air Conditioning units with the
capacity present worth of operational cost will be considered and followings will be used in calculation of
operational cost.
a) Overall efficiency of the Air conditioning unit / COP
b) Economic life of equipment - 07 years
c) Annual operational hours of each unit (As per the specific specifications for Air Conditioning units
and Accessories)
d) Cost of Electrical Energy Rs. 19.40 per kWh
e) Discounting Rate - 12%
Warranty Period
The supplier should provide a warranty period of minimum 05 years for trouble free operation of the
Compressor and one year trouble free warranty for all equipment and accessories supplied under this
contract. During first year of warranty period all the works describe under the maintenance period have to be
attended. This should include at least six free services within warranty period. The contractor should provide
required materials, labour and spare parts during the warranty period without any charged to the Department
of Building Economics. The warranty period commences from the completion date as per the completion
12
certificate. The contractor has to assure that he is equipped with sufficient resources to attend any
maintenance or major breakdowns immediately after informed by Department of Building Economics.
13
6. Specification - Installation of Air Conditioning Units and Accessories

6.1General Specification
The Air Conditioning Units shall be of the split type suitable for indoor installation unit with wall brackets
which are necessary in the upper floors of the building, power connection, condensate water drain piping
using suitable PVC piping to the nearest common drain line. The product shall be ASHREA Energy
efficiency Class A with COP not less than 4.4.
The outdoor unit shall be housed in a Galvanized steel fabricated box with acoustic, heat insulation and
vibration protected painted with corrosion resistive paints suitable for Tropical climate. The indoor unit shall
be architecturally designed and made in elegant appearance with sound and noise protections, piping and
auto, remote controls. This installation shall facilitate in such a way to permit the removal of the units when
the repairs to be carried out.
a. The unit shall be with fully hermitic compressor,
b. Operate on a Refrigerant free of halocarbons.
c. Condenser with inbuilt fan.
d. Evaporator with Squirrel Cage Fan,
e. Air throws control facility with facility for control for efficient operation.
f. Remote Control device.
Original performance curves of the Air Conditioning units certified by the manufacturer should be provided
and photocopies will be accepted which are duly certified by the local agent. A dimensioned drawing of the
Air Conditioning Units complete with materials of manufacture shall be provided with the Bid. The brand of
the Compressor shall be provided with performance efficiency, power supply and capacity details.
6.2 Compressor Specification

The Compressor shall be energy efficient fully hermitically sealed type rotary / reciprocating, 230 V + / - 10
%, 01 Phase, 50Hz. Operating on Refrigerant R134A.
14
The compressor Motor shall be suitably protected against overloading using a removable suitably sized over
load protection. These shall be mounted on resilient mountings for quite operation. It shall be with low
vibration and noise less than 60dB(A) at 3 m distance.
6.3 Air Condition Unit Enclosure

General
The control panels shall be completely designed, fabricated, assembled, wired, checked and tested at the
factory as per standards and per descriptions given below. Modern architectural design arrangement and
finish suitable for luxury living environment shall be elegant and workmanship shall be of a high order with
flushed and concealed type front cover. The unit shall be wall mounted and locked on to the steel enclosure
made out of Galvanized steel with protective paints suitable for tropical climate. Earthing of the enclosure
shall be ensured. The units and all electrical components should be suitable for the operation on 230 volts +
10% 01 phase 02 wire, 50Hz, AC power Supply.
Construction
The panels shall be of sheet metal, wall mounted as per the specification. The design shall be totally
enclosed, dust and rain splash-proof as per IP 55 of IEC publication 34-5. The housing of the panel shall be
fabricated of 14 SWG. The outer and inner surface of the panels shall be primed and painted with corrosive
resist PVC, Epoxy or plastic, marine grade special coating, colour as specified. Access to all equipment
mounted inside shall be from the front. Switch gears and earth, main connections and auxiliary wiring shall
be arranged and marked in general compliance with relevant British standards.
Earthing
A suitable earth terminal should be provided to facilitate the connection of the main earth. Earthing
arrangement should be complies with BS 7430 and earth resistance of the main earth should not be exceed 5
.
Wiring
Control wiring shall be concealed by taking through neatly arranged PVC Spiral wire protectors and all
control wires shall be terminated with cable lugs or compression type terminals. All Current carrying bolts
and nuts shall be of high conducting material.
15
Control Panel Equipment, Remote Controls and Protections

The equipment to be mounted on the control panel / Remote controller of Air Conditioning Unit shall consist
of the following and starting method as per the specification.
Direct on-line (DOL) starting of the Compressor
a. Over Load protection for the all Motor.
b. Thermostatic expansion and flow control of the refrigerant
c. Room temperature sensor
d. Fan speed control, three minimum speeds.
e. Compressor loading control, high / low and economical
f. Remote controller with LCD display shall be provided with one on / off timer, selecting fan
speed (three speeds) and setup of temperature.
6.4 Room Conditions

Please refer the room layout and the locations suggested for the installation of the Air Conditioning units.
Room without Air conditioning Temperature shall be limited to 40 C with Relative humidity at 90%.
6.5 Installation, Testing and Commissioning

All installation work shall be carried out in accordance with relevant International Standards and CIBSE code
of practice. When all installation work is satisfactorily completed, the contractor shall inform the Engineer in
writing that equipment are ready for handing over and the Engineer shall then fix a date for taking over. At
the taking over all equipment shall be tested for a period as per the application to determine the following.
a. Power consumption
16
b. Room Temperature and Relative Humidity at full load as given

c. Vibration and Noise
If the Engineer is not satisfied with the performance of the equipment or other installation, he may refuse to
take over the equipment until necessary improvements are effected. Any time necessary for this additional
work will be considered as contractors delay.
6.6 Maintenance Period

The Air Conditioning units and other equipment shall be satisfactorily maintained for a period of 24 months
from the date of taken over. During the maintenance period, the contractor should attend to;
a. All periodical service
b. Maintain a maintenance record
c. Attending to all the repairs and replacements to avoid any failure of the system with in a time period
not less than 03 working days from the date the contractor has been notified
d. In addition to the equipment which fails, the equipment that do not give satisfactory performance
during the period of maintenance shall be replaced by the contractor within 3 weeks from the date the
contractor has been notified
e. In order to cut down the downtime in the event of any major failure of unit the supplier should
provide the spare unit till such time the unit is replaced after repairs
The expenses involved in this connection shall be met by the contractor who should take this in to
consideration when biding. If the contractor is not attended to the repair within the time specified as above,
the engineer has the right to rectify the fault and claim the cost thus incurred from the contractor.
6.7 Technical Literature

The following technical literature for the Air conditioning units, Remote Controls, and accessories, shall be
forwarded along with offer.
17
Technical Specification of the Air conditioning units (Features, dimensions, cross Sectional drawing of the
Air Conditioning Units showing materials, etc.).
18
6.7 Special Specifications

The Air conditioning units shall be providing the following room conditions and requirement.
Number of Occupants
: 25
Number of Air changes per hour not less than 6 Nos.

Floor Area - 500m and room height 3m
2
Walls Brick / thickness
: 225mm
Type of Ceiling / Floor Slab
: Suspended Aluminum Grid Ceiling
Number of Windows
: 20 nr covering 50m2 area primarily facing north
Electrical Equipment inside the Room and the heat out put
Room Lighting
: With 60 nr of 65 Watt liner fluorescent lamps
Computers
: 25 nr
Printers
: 5 nr
Photo copiers
: 3 nr
Any other heat sources
: Oven, gas cooker, refrigerator and water heater
Note
Room after Air Conditioning shall be 23C with Relative Humidity 65%
Noise level at full load condition shall be less than 55dB (A)
19
7. Conclusion
In construction sector, it is vital for suppliers, purchases, and users of materials, products, or services in-order
to understand and agree upon all requirements. A specification is a type of a standard, which is open
reference by a contract with providing the necessary details about the specific requirements. The importance
of giving crystal clear details on quality, standard, and workmanship arises when there is a discrepancy
between the specifications and the drawings, the actual intent made explicit in the contract between the
Owner and the Contractor is given the priority to the specifications.
Compared to the past practices specification has gained the attention of both contractor and client as a major
project information with the development of construction industry. The main feature of specifications which
is the capacity of driving the cost of construction has dragged the attention of all interested parties. What is
more, specifications build up a common language which any party who is in the field could understand. This
becomes more important with the current trend of absorbing specialized skills with sub contracting.
In general specification of any construction project can be divided into two major parts namely; structural
specifications and services specifications. Having two separate specifications with as build drawings are
much helpful for maintenance, renovations and re-designing of a facility. Moving further to redesigning
aspect specifications should be prepared to minimize additional cost while making maximum use of current
assets, materials and designs. Therefore, the effectiveness of specifications as a cost controller will always
depend on the propose design for the project.
Moreover, Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CWAS) is a framework introduced to make the
specification writing a less burden in project management. It is an accepted structure followed by many
professionals to make effective specifications for their construction project. CWAS can be used as reference
without writing in detail specifications for each individual project. Also, it will guide almost for all
constructions do a better specification document without neglecting any element to be described. But in Sri
Lankan sector it is rarely used, knowledge of the bidders on that is minimal, hence traditional specification
writing methods are continued to be used.
In a word, specification is a tool which explains the unexplained of the drawings and drives the economic
aspects of a construction project. Even it is prepared in the inception stage of the building life cycle, it is used
throughout its life span as a reference. Therefore, it is an important document comes under bidding document
20
which can be influence by both QS and FM professionals at different stages in diverse manner of the building
life span.
References
Kalms, B., 1995. Guide to Specification Writing, Australian Government Publishing Service,
Canberra.
Willis, A., Willis, A.J., Willis, C.J., 1997. Specification Writing for Architects and Surveyors, John
Wiley and Sons, London.

American Society for Testing and Materials, 2012 [online] Available from
http://www.astm.org/Standards/C423.htm, [Accessed 28th May 2012].

International Organization for Standardization, 2012 [online] Available from
http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_ics/catalogue_ics_browse.htm?
ICS1=91&ICS2=120&ICS3=20, [Accessed 29th May 2012].
21
Annexure
22

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BE 3103

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/

: Prof. Archt. Lalith De Silva

Date of Assignment : 16th May 2012

Department of Building Economics

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying and

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/

16th May 2012

11th June 2012

Students names / Signatures

Student(s) names(s) / Reg. No.

with provisions of appropriateNew design of work place

types of partitioning and A/C Identifications of different

formats and clausesIdentification of specification

specification for each itemCorrect writing of

Stamp for date receipt of the assignment

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

Department of Building Economics

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

Department of Building Economics

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

2. New Design of the Work Place

side of the premises rather than around the perimeter.

The strength of existing system is not sufficient

make space for future expansion.

cubicles are arranged around the passage

rated, this is a critical drawback

Use a partitioning system that have insulation of at

least 40mm wide

moderate flow of air

3. Selection of a Specification Writing Method and Language

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

have selected a combination of descriptive-performance specification writing method. When scrutinizing on

Department of Building Economics

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

4. Selection of a Partitioning System for Floor Locations

Required level of acoustics

Department of Building Economics

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

4.1 Board Room

Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) > = 0.70

Sound Transmission Class (STC) > = 0.45 as per BS 2750-3:1995

Fire resistance shall be 30 minutes

there is no need of consideration on that matter.

horizontal loads, we have reflected on horizontally imposed forces only.

suggested a dry wall lining to the existing block walls.

4.2 Specification Board Room Partitioning

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

Fire resistance: To BS 476, 30 minutes

Fixing and installation

and UChannel for the head/base track at 1000mm centers

Department of Building Economics

BE 3103 - Specification Writing

Specifications for Partitioning and Air Conditioning/ Ventilation System

4.3 Cubicle of Staff/ Research Room/ Computer Room