Specification Writing

What is a specification?
A specification can be defined as "a statement of needs to be satisfied by the
procurement of external resources". It is also known as an operational requirement,
statement of requirement, statement of service requirement and output-based
specification
Its purpose is to present prospective suppliers with a clear, accurate and full
description of the organization's needs, and so enable them to propose a solution to
meet those needs. The supplier's response to the requirement is evaluated to arrive
at, depending upon the procurement strategy, either the supplier to be awarded the
contract, or those suppliers invited to take part in negotiations.
The requirements in the specification subsequently become incorporated in the
contract with the successful supplier.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPECIFICATION

There are many design decisions which cannot be expressed in drawn form. These
must rely on being expressed in words. There are, also, many design decisions
which would be too tedious, or too impractical for some other reason, to be
recorded
in drawings. The specification is thus created to complement the drawings so that
together they convey all the design decisions. This is why a construction
specification
is primarily a design document. It is evidence of many design decisions which are
not
found elsewhere.
1
1.
Definition
John Gelder, a former Chief Editor of NATSPEC, defines specification as both a
process and a product. Specifications are written descriptions of the required
quality
of the built product and its component products. A specification may also include
the
procedures for determining that the requirements of the specification have been
met.
1.
Purpose
The specification links the drawings with the general conditions of contract. It
complements, without duplication, the information in the drawings or the general
conditions of contract.
The specification has many roles including:
A document demonstrating compliance with statutory requirements.
A written record of design decisions, materials used and set standards.
An estimating document.
A tendering document.
A legal, contractual document.
An on-site working document.
A dispute settlement document.
A project management tool.
A facilities management tool.
A document to be analysed for feedback into the office master specification and
office procedures.
3.
Users
Designers, clients, certifying authorities, estimators, tenderers, contractors and
subcontractors, contract administrators, legal representatives, project managers,
construction managers and facilities managers all have an interest in the
specification. It is important to ensure the various users interpret the
specification in
the same way. A good specification will:
Answer the questions posed by the client, the BCA and local requirements.
Cover the total range of the project elements.
Have a logical structure which is easy to navigate.
Cite other documents precisely and meaningfully.
Have a consistent approach to grammar and language.
Complement the drawings and be consistent with the other documents and the
method of procurement.

SPECIFICATION METHODS

TYPES OF SPECIFICATION CLAUSES

It is not difficult to peruse a sampling of specifications and to discern some basic
and
distinct styles or methods adopted by different specifiers and even by the same
specifier, for differing reasons, in the same specification.
1
1.
Descriptive
A descriptive specification clause is the specification of an item in a construction
project by describing in detail the materials, workmanship and installation required
to
be used by the contractor or tradesperson. In practice, many specification clauses
are a combination of descriptive and performance specifications.
1
For example:
Fabrics: Piping: 3 mm diameter beads with core.
2
Reference
A reference specification clause is a specification or part of a specification in
which
an identifiable printed and published standard document, to which processes and
products must comply, is incorporated by a reference to the title or other
identification of the document.
2
For example:
Grading: DD to AS/NZS 2269.0, Bond type A.
Know the standard before you use it, and enforce it after you have used it.
2
On the currency of cited standards, the NATSPEC General requirements
worksection
contains the following text:
Use referenced documents which are the editions, with amendments, current
3 months before the closing date for tenders, except where other editions or
amendments are required by statutory authorities.

3
Performance
A performance specification clause is the specification of an item in a construction
project by prescribing a desired end result and the criteria by which the result will
be
judged for its acceptability.
2
For example:
Tube bends: Form bends in tube without visibly deforming the cross section.
The BCA has both performance requirements and Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions
which it defines as follows:
Performance requirements: a requirement which states the level of performance
which a Building Solution must meet.
3
Deemed-to-satisfy provisions: provisions which are deemed to satisfy the
Performance requirements.

4
Direct/Proprietary/ BRANDNAME SPECS
A direct or proprietary specification clause is the specification of an item in a
construction project by reference to a proprietary trade name.
2
For example:
Coating systems: Apply Resene Paints coating systems to the Exterior painting
schedule and the Interior painting schedule.
5
Close Specification
TYPES:
-single product
-multi-product
6
Open specification No specific product brand is specified
7
Combination Specification any combination of the specification types.

DEFINING THE WORK

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The technical matter in the specification must of necessity cover a very wide range
of
trades, materials, equipment, applications and practices...The grouping of this
material into logical subdivisions is the obvious starting point in the preparation of
a
specification We also must recognize the best of local contracting and
construction
techniques and attempt to anticipate the future.

Specification information typically includes finishes, standards, quality, material

grades and thicknesses, tolerances, performance requirements, and requirements
for
fabrication and installation.

DEFINING THE WORK

Work section structure

Work sections comprise subsections, clauses, subclauses, paragraphs, prompts,
tables and schedules with Guidance notes provided in hidden text. Some
work sections also have an accompanying Commentary providing background
information and references.
In NATSPEC, each work section is divided into four parts: GENERAL, PRODUCTS,
EXECUTION and SELECTIONS.
GENERAL contains clauses applying to the worksection as a whole, including:
PRODUCTS describes the basic materials, components and fabricated items.
EXECUTION sets out the performance criteria to prepare the substrate, assemble
materials to produce an installation and carry out the works.
SELECTIONS contains schedules that refer to generic products by their
properties or
to the selection of proprietary products. These schedules can be included in the
specification or on the drawings. a specification
In NATSPEC, each worksection is provided as a Template for the specifier to
customise by completing prompts, adding relevant material and deleting material
which is not applicable to the particular project.
DEFINING THE WORK

PROJECT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Tender
The tender is a pre-contract document. It is an invitation to form a contract by
providing a service for consideration. Items covered in NATSPECs tendering
worksections include:
Description of works.
Tendering is a separate self-contained transaction which terminates with the
awarding of a contract. The technical worksections make no reference to tendering.
Preliminaries
Preliminaries cover project-specific and site requirements, not included in standard
contracts, which do not constitute work that could be allocated to a particular
worksection. Items include:
General requirements
The General requirements worksection covers administrative topics common to all
the
technical worksections and each technical worksection cross references it. Items
include:

Four Guidelines for Effective Specification Documents

Development projects are accepted or rejected on the basis of the ideas expressed
in requirements and specification documents. For this reason, it is vitally important
that these ideas be clearly and completely expressed.
Requirement documents and specification documents share many characteristics
with other types of business reports. These four general guidelines will help you
prepare effective documents.

1. Make your report user-friendly

Just as a good user interface is tailored to the systems users, a good report is
tailored to the reports readers. Consider your audience: What do they know? What
do they need to know? How can you present the needed information so that it is
easy for them to find and to understand?

2. Compose your report so that it is easy to read

Dont buy into the nonsense that a report must be a dense, monolithic document in
which you impress your readers by using eight-syllable words. Write to them as you
would speak to them, being careful to avoid technical jargon.

A good report uses the vocabulary of its readers. It is divided into logical, clearly
labeled sections that help readers find information quickly. It should emphasize
results and conclusions; it should not be a replay of the investigative process.

3. Use graphics effectively to illustrate ideas

Graphics are especially important in the requirements document but they are not
the whole story. Provide text that describes the purpose of the diagrams, models,
tables and drawings you include. Generally, interspersing text with graphics works
well. That is, you may want to describe a procedure briefly and then provide a
simple graphic that illustrates it.

4. Remember the five Cs of business writing

A good business report is clear, concise, concrete, coherent, and

conversational.

To make your writing ... Do this ...

Clear Express ideas in ordinary language and short sentences.

Concise State main points directly, often in numbered or

bulleted lists.
Concrete Develop and illustrate all ideas fully so that readers will
understand them completely.
Coherent Ensure that the parts are well organized and the
sentences flow logically.
Conversational Talk to your readers as if they are in the room with
you.
MasterFormat 1995 Specification Divisions
Division 1 - General Requirements
01100 - Summary
01200 - Price and Payment Procedures
01300 - Administrative Requirements
01400 - Quality Requirements
01500 - Temporary Facilities and Controls
01600 - Product Requirements
01700 - Execution Requirements
01800 - Facility Operation
01900 - Facility Decommissioning
Division 2 - Site Construction
02050 - Basic Site Materials and Methods
02100 - Site Remediation
02200 - Site Preparation
02300 - Earthwork
02400 - Tunneling, Boring and Jacking
02450 - Foundation and Load-Bearing Elements
02500 - Utility Services
02600 - Drainage and Containment
02700 - Bases, Ballasts, Pavements and Appurtenances
02800 - Site Improvements and Amenities
02900 - Planting
02950 - Site Restoration and Rehabilitation
Division 3 - Concrete
03050 - Basic Concrete Materials and Methods
03100 - Concrete Forms and Accessories
03200 - Concrete Reinforcement
03300 - Cast-In-Place Concrete
03400 - Precast Concrete
03500 - Cementitious Decks and Underlayment
03600 - Grouts
03700 - Mass Concrete
03900 - Concrete Restoration and Cleaning
Division 4 - Masonry
04050 - Basic Masonry Materials and Methods
04200 - Masonry Units
04400 - Stone
04500 - Refractories
04600 - Corrosion-Resistant Masonry
04700 - Simulated Masonry
04800 - Masonry Assemblies
 04900 - Masonry Restoration and Cleaning

Division 5 - Metals
05050 - Basic Metal Materials and Methods
05100 - Structural Metal Framing
05200 - Metal Joists
05300 - Metal Deck
05400 - Cold-Formed Metal Framing
05500 - Metal Fabrications
05600 - Hydraulic Fabrications
05700 - Ornamental Metal
05800 - Expansion Control
05900 - Metal Restoration and Cleaning

Division 6 - Wood and Plastics

06050 - Basic Wood and Plastic Materials and Methods
06100 - Rough Carpentry
06200 - Finish Carpentry
06400 - Architectural Woodwork
06500 - Structural Plastics
06600 - Plastic Fabrications
06900 - Wood and Plastic Restoration and Cleaning

Division 7 - Thermal and Moisture Protection

07050 - Basic Thermal and Moisture Protection Materials and Methods
07100 - Damproofing and Waterproofing
07200 - Thermal Protection
07300 - Shingles, Roof Tiles, and Roof Coverings
07400 - Roofing and Siding Panels
07500 - Membrane Roofing
07600 - Flashing and Sheet Metal
07700 - Roof Specialties and Accessories
07800 - Fire and Smoke Protection
07900 - Joint Sealers

Division 8 - Doors and Windows

08050 - Basic Door and Window Materials and Methods
08100 - Metal Doors and Frames
08200 - Wood and Plastic Doors
08300 - Specialty Doors
08400 - Entrances and Storefronts
08500 - Windows
 08600 - Skylights
08700 - Hardware
08800 - Glazing
08900 - Glazed Curtain Wall

Division 9 - Finishes
09050 - Basic Finish Materials and Methods
09100 - Metal Support Assemblies
09200 - Plaster and Gypsum Board
09300 - Tile
09400 - Terrazzo
09500 - Ceilings
09600 - Flooring
09700 - Wall Finishes
09800 - Acoustical Treatment
09900 - Paints and Coatings

Division 10 - Specialties
10100 - Visual Display Boards
10150 - Compartments and Cubicles
10200 - Louvers and Vents
10240 - Grilles and Screens
10250 - Service Walls
10260 - Wall and Corner Guards
10270 - Access Flooring
10290 - Pest Control
10300 - Fireplaces and Stoves
10340 - Manufactured Exterior Specialties
10350 - Flagpoles
10400 - Identification Devices
10450 - Pedestrian Control Devices
10500 - Lockers
10520 - Fire Protection Specialties
10530 - Protective Covers
10550 - Postal Specialties
10600 - Partitions
10670 - Storage Shelving
10700 - Exterior Protection
10750 - Telephone Specialties
10800 - Toilet, Bath, and Laundry Specialties
10880 - Scales
10900 - Wardrobe and Closet Specialties
Division 11 - Equipment
11010 - Maintenance Equipment
11020 - Security and Vault Equipment
11030 - Teller and Service Equipment
11040 - Ecclesiastical Equipment
11050 - Library Equipment
11060 - Theater and Stage Equipment
11070 - Instrumental Equipment
11080 - Registration Equipment
11090 - Checkroom Equipment
11100 - Mercantile Equipment
11110 - Commercial Laundry and Dry Cleaning Equipment
11120 - Vending Equipment
11130 - Audio-Visual Equipment
11140 - Vehicle Service Equipment
11150 - Parking Control Equipment
11160 - Loading Dock Equipment
11170 - Solid Waste Handling Equipment
11190 - Detention Equipment
11200 - Water Supply and Treatment Equipment
11280 - Hydraulic Gates and Valves
11300 - Fluid Waste Treatment and Disposal Equipment
11400 - Food Service Equipment
11450 - Residential Equipment
11460 - Unit Kitchens
11470 - Darkroom Equipment
11480 - Athletic, Recreational, and Therapeutic Equipment
11500 - Industrial and Process Equipment
11600 - Laboratory Equipment
11650 - Planetarium Equipment
11660 - Observatory Equipment
11680 - Office Equipment
11700 - Medical Equipment
11780 - Mortuary Equipment
11850 - Navigation Equipment
11870 - Agricultural Equipment
11900 - Exhibit Equipment
Division 12 - Furnishings
12050 - Fabrics
12100 - Art
12300 - Manufactured Casework
12400 - Furnishings and Accessories
12500 - Furniture
12600 - Multiple Seating
12700 - Systems Furniture
12800 - Interior Plants and Planters
12900 - Furnishings Restoration and Repair

Division 13 - Special Construction

13010 - Air-Supported Structures
13020 - Building Modules
13030 - Special Purpose Rooms
13080 - Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control
13090 - Radiation Protection
13100 - Lightning Protection
13110 - Cathodic Protection
13120 - Pre-Engineered Structures
13150 - Swimming Pools
13160 - Aquariums
13165 - Aquatic Park Facilities
13170 - Tubs and Pools
13175 - Ice Rinks
13185 - Kennels and Animal Shelters
13190 - Site-Constructed Incinerators
13200 - Storage Tanks
13220 - Filter Underdrains and Media
13230 - Digester Covers and Appurtenances
13240 - Oxygenation Systems
13260 - Sludge Conditioning Systems
13280 - Hazardous Material Remediation
13400 - Measurement and Control Instrumentation
13500 - Recording Instrumentation
13550 - Transportation Control Instrumentation
13600 - Solar and Wind Energy Equipment
13700 - Security Access and Surveillance
13800 - Building Automation and Control
13850 - Detection and Alarm
13900 - Fire Suppression
Division 14 - Conveying Systems
14100 - Dumbwaiters
14200 - Elevators
14300 - Escalators and Moving Walks
14400 - Lifts
14500 - Material Handling
14600 - Hoists and Cables
14700 - Turntables
14800 - Scaffolding
14900 Transportation

Division 15 - Mechanical
15050 - Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods
15100 - Building Service Piping
15200 - Process Piping
15300 - Fire Protection Piping
15400 - Plumbing Fixtures and Equipment
15500 - Heat-Generation Equipment
15600 - Refrigeration Equipment
15700 - Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment
15800 - Air Distribution
15900 - HVAC Instrumentation and Controls
15950 - Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing

Division 16 - Electrical
16050 - Basic Electrical Materials and Methods
16100 - Wiring Methods
16200 - Electrical Power
16300 - Transmission and Distribution
16400 - Low-Voltage Distribution
16500 - Lighting
16700 - Communications
16800 - Sound and Video
Sample Specs:
SPECIFICATIONS
OWNER : ARCHT. CID LAIGO

ADDRESS : #26 Matalino St, Bgy. Central, Diliman, Q.C.

PROJECT : TWO STOREY RESIDENTIAL

LOCATION : AREA 7, GULOD, NOVALICHES, QUEZON CITY

GENERAL REQUIREMENT

1. PERMIT AND FEE - The owner shall secure all the necessary building
permits, which includes land and zoning, structural, plumbing and electrical including
the Barangay Permit and shall pay the corresponding fees thereat.

2. WATER AND ELECTRICAL COMSUMPTION The contractor shall be

responsible during construction and shall be the one to pay for the consumption of
electrical and water during construction.

3. MOBILIZATION AND DEMOLITION All equipment shall be supply by the

contractor which includes 1 bagger mixers, welding machine, edger, drills,
scaffolding, etc. which will be needed during construction and shall be charged by
the contractor 50% upon starts and during construction remaining balance upon
completion.

RETAINING WALL, PERIMETER FENCE, REINFORCE CONCRETE, STAIRWELL

W/ RAILING AND TRANSFER OF MRF.

SITE WORK

a. WORK INCLUDED

Staking out of building, establishment of lines, grades and benchmarks.

All excavation work including all necessary shoring bracing, and drainage of storm
water from site.

All backfilling, filling and grading, removal of excess material from site.
Protection of Property, work and structures, workmen, and other people from
damage and injury.

b. LINES, GRADES AND BENCHMARKS Stake out accurately the lines of the
building and of the other structures included in the contract, and establish grades
therefore, after which secure approval by Architect/ Engineer-in-Charge before
any excavation work is commenced.

Erect basic batter boards and basic reference marks, at such places where they
will not disturbed during the construction of the foundations.

c. EXCAVATION

Structural Excavations Excavations shall be to the depths indicated bearing

values. Excavations for footing and foundations carried below required depths shall
be filled with concrete, and bottom of such shall be level. All structural excavations
shall extend a sufficient distance from the walls and footings to allow for proper
erection and dismantling of forms, for installation of service and for inspection. All
excavations shall be inspected and approved before pouring any concrete, laying
underground services for placing select fill materials.

The contractor shall control the grading in the vicinity of all excavated areas to
prevent surface drainage running into excavations. Water which accumulates in
excavated areas shall be removed by pumping before fill of concrete is placed
therein.

Method of Measurement and Payment - The excavation to be paid for shall be the
design volume in cubic meters as shown in the bid schedule.
d. FILLING AND BACKFILLING

After forms have been removed from footings, piers, foundations, walls, etc. and
when concrete work is hard enough to resist pressure resulting from fill, backfilling
may them be done. Materials excavated may be used for backfilling. All filling shall
be placed in layers not exceeding six (6) inches in thickness, each layer being
thoroughly compacted and rammed by wetting, tamping, rolling.

Method of Measurement and Payment The filling and back-filling to be paid for
shall be the design volume in cubic meters as shown in the bid schedule.
 e. PLACING AND COMPACTING FILL

Common Fill shall be approved site excavated materials free from roots, stumps
and other perishable of objectionable matter.

Select Fill shall be placed where indicated and shall consists of ordinary filling
materials. The materials shall be free from vegetable matters and shall be
thoroughly tamped after placing.

Before placing fill materials, the surface upon which it will be placed shall be
cleared of all brush roots, vegetable matter and bedris, sacrified and thoroughly
wetted to insure good bonding between the ground

f. DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS MATERIALS

Any excess materials remaining after completion of the earthwork shall be disposed
of by hauling and spreading in nearby spoil areas designed by the OWNER.
Excavated materials shall be graded to a uniform surface.

AGGREGATE BASE COURSE

Description
This item shall consist of a base course composed of gravel, crushed gravel or
crushed stone and filler materials constructed on a prepared roadbed in one or
more layers, in accordance with these specifications and in conformity with the
lines. Grades and typical cross-section shown in the drawings.

Materials
Materials for aggregate base course shall consist of hard, durable fragments of
stone or gravel and filler of sand or binder that meets the quality requirements.
The composite material shall be free from vegetable matter and lumps of clay and
shall be uniformly graded to conform to the requirements given in Table I for the
grading specified in the bid schedule. That portion of the materials retained on
4.75 mm sieve shall be known as coarse aggregate, and that portion passing a 4.75
mm sieve shall be known as filler.

If crushed gravel or crushed stone aggregate base is specified in the schedule, not
less than sixty ( 60 ) percent by weight of the coarse aggregate particles shall have
at least one ( 1) fractured face.
Construction Methods

Preparation of open court / concrete pavement

Before any base coarse material is placed, the open court / concrete pavement shall
be prepared and finished as provided for under the applicable item of these
specifications.

Placing and Spreading

The base coarse shall be spread on the prepared surface, in layers of uniform
thickness, mixed and compacted as herein specified. The compacted thickness of
any individual layer shall not be greater than 0.15 meter. Spreading shall be by the
portion of the filler, passing the No. 40 sieve, including any blended filler, shall
have a liquid limit of not more than 25 and plasticity index of not more than 6 as
determined by AASHTO -96 and respectively.

Compacting
Immediately after fine grading, the base material shall be compacted to the full
area, using adequate and appropriate compaction equipment. Compaction shall begin
at the outer edges and progress towards the center in such a manner that each
section receives equal compaction effort.

Rolling shall continue until the actual density of the layer being compacted reaches
100% of maximum density as determined by AASHTO T-180, Method D. In place
density shall be determined in accordance with AASHTO T-191.

Surface Finishing
If irregularities in the surface or parts thereof exceed 5mm in depth when
measured with a 3 meter long straightedge then the contractor shall, at his own
expense, reshape the surface to the required grade and cross-section, water and
recompact to produce a smooth surface free of cracks or loose materials.

Method of Measurement and Payment

The quantities of base course materials to be paid for shall be the design volume
in cubic meters as shown in the Bid Schedule adjusted, if required and adjusted
for field changes, if any, and if ordered by the Engineer.

No allowance would be given for materials placed and the design limits shown in the
typical section.

The volume of aggregate base course material determined as provided above shall
be paid for at the contract unit price per cubic meter. Price and payment shall
constitute full compensation for furnishing, transporting and placing the materials
for mixing and blending, for all rolling and watering and for reconditioning of
subgrade .
CONCRETE AND REINFORCED CONCRETE:

a. GENERAL

Unless otherwise specified herein, concrete work shall conform to the requirements
of the ACI Building Code. Full cooperation shall be given other trades to install
embedded items. Provisions shall be made for setting items not placed in the forms.
Before concrete aggregates and other materials shall have been done.

b. MATERIALS

Cement for the concrete shall conform to the requirements of specifications for
Portland Cement (ASTM C-150)

Water used in mixing concrete shall be clean and free from other injurious amounts
of oils, acids, alkaline, organic materials or other substances that may be
deleterious to concrete of steel.

Fine Aggregates shall consist of hard, tough, durable, uncoated particles. The shape
of the particles shall be generally rounded or cubicle and reasonably free from
float or elongated participles. The stipulated percentages of fines in the sand shall
be obtained either by the processing of natural sand or by the production of a
suitably graded manufactured sand.

Coarse Aggregates shall consists of gravel, crushed gravel or rock, or a combination

of gravel and rock, coarse aggregates shall consist of hard, tough, durable, clean
and uncoated particles.

Reinforcing Bars shall conform to the requirements of ASTM standards

specifications for Billet Steel Bars for concrete reinforcement (A15 625) and to
specifications for minimum requirements for the deformed steel bars for concrete
reinforcement (A 305 - 56)
All secondary ties such as stirrups, spirals and inserts shall be deformed bars. The
main reinforcing bars shall be as follows:

No. 4 () 12mm fy 33,000 psi

No. 3 (3/8) 10mm
No. 5 (5/8) 16mm
No. 6 (3/8) 20mm
No. 7 (7/8) 22mm
No. 8 (1) 25mm

PROPORTIONING AND MIXING

Proportions of all materials entering into concrete shall be as follows:

Class A Cement : Sand : Gravel

1 : 2 : 4
Class B 1 : 2 : 5
Class C 1 : 3 : 6

Class of concrete concrete shall have a 28-day cylinder strength of 3,000 psi for
all concrete work, unless otherwise indicated I the plans.
Mixing concrete shall be machine mixed. Mixing shall begin within 30 minutes
after the cement has been added to the aggregates. In the absence of a concrete
mixer, Manual mixing is allowed.
FORMS

General Forms shall be used wherever necessary to confine the concrete and
shape it to the required lines, or to insure the concrete of contamination with
materials caving from adjacent, excavated surfaces. Forms shall have sufficient
strengths to withstand the pressure resulting from placement and vibration of the
concrete and shall be maintained rigidly in correct position. Forms shall be
sufficient tight to prevent loss of mortar from the concrete. Forms for exposed
surfaces tight to prevent against which backfill is not placed shall be lines with a
form grade Plywood.

Clearing and oiling of Forms Before placing the concrete, the contact surfaces of
the form shall be cleansed of encrustations of mortar, the grout or other foreign
materials, and shall coated with a commercial form oil that will effectively prevent
sticking and will not stain the concrete surfaces.

Removal of Forms Forms shall be removed in a manner which will prevent damage
to the concrete. Forms shall not be removed without approval. Any repairs of
surface imperfections shall be informed at once and airing shall be started as soon
as the surface is sufficiently hard to permit it without further damage.

PLACING REINFORCEMENT

General Steel reinforcement shall be provided as indicated, together with all

necessary wire ties, chairs, spacers, supporters and other devices necessary to
install and secure the reinforcement properly. All reinforcement, when placed, shall
be free from loose, flaky rust and scale, oil grease, clay and other coating and
foreign substances that would reduce or destroy its bond with concrete.

Reinforcement shall place accurately and secured in placed by use of metal or

concrete supports, spacers and ties. Such supports shall be of sufficient strength
to maintain the operation. The supports shall be used in such manner that they will
not be exposed or contribute in any way, to the discoloration or deterioration of
the concrete.

CONVEYING AND PLACING CONCRETE

Conveying concrete shall be conveyed form mixers to forms as rapidly as

practicable, by methods which will prevent segregation, or loss of ingredients.
There will be no vertical drop greater than 1.5 meters except where suitable
equipment is provided to prevent segregation and where specifically authorized.

Placing Concrete shall be worked readily into the corners and angles of the forms
and around all reinforcement and embedded items without permitting the material
to segregate. Concrete shall be deposited as close as possible to its final position in
the forms so that flow within the mass does not exceed two ( 2 ) meters and
consequent segregation is reduced to a minimum near forms or embedded items or
elsewhere as directed, the discharge shall be so controlled that the concrete may
be effectively compacted.

Time interval between mixing and placing. Concrete shall be placed before initial set
has occurred and before it has contained its water content for more than 45
minutes.

Consolidation of Concrete concrete shall be consolidated with the aid of

mechanical vibrating equipment and supplemented by hand spading and tamping.
Vibrators shall not be inserted into lower coursed that have commenced initial set;
and reinforcement embedded in concrete beginning to set or already set shall not
be disturbed by vibrators. Consolidation around major embedded parts shall be by
hand spading and tamping and vibrations shall not be used.

Placing concrete through reinforcement. In placing concrete through reinforcement

care shall be taken that no segregation of the coarse aggregate occurs. On the
bottom of beams and slabs, where the congestion of steel near the forms makes
placing difficult. A layer of mortar of the same cements sand ratios as used in
concrete shall be first deposited to cover the surface.

CURING

General All concrete shall be moist cured for a period not less than seven (7)
consecutive days by an approved method or combination applicable to local
conditions.

Moist Curing The surface of the concrete shall be kept continuously wet by
covering with water and keeping the covering wet spraying or intermittent hosing.

FINISHING

Concrete surfaces shall not be plastered unless otherwise indicated. Exposed

concrete surfaces shall be formed with plywood, and after removal of forms, the
surfaces shall be smooth, true to line and shall present or finished appearance
except for minor defects which can be easily be repaired with patching with cement
mortar, or can be grounded to a smooth surface to remove all joints marks of the
form work.

Concrete slabs on Fill. The concrete slabs o fill shall be laid on a prepared
foundation consisting of sub grade and granular fill with thickness equal to the
thickness of overlaying slabs except as indicated otherwise.

i. METHODS OF MEASUREMENT

Concrete of Class A,B,C or D shall be measured by the cubic meter of concrete,

complete, in place and accepted. Measurement will be of the actual number of cubic
meters placed.

Formworks shall be measured per square meters and rebars per kilogram.
j. BASIS OF PAYMENT

The volume of the concrete as measured above shall be paid for at the contract
unit price per cubic meter of the class of concrete specified. Such prices and
payment shall be full compensation for furnishing all materials, including water, for
all forms and falsework, for mixing, finishing and curing concrete, for all labor,
materials, equipment, tools and incidentals necessary to complete the work.
The volume of formworks as measured shall be paid for at the contract unit price
per square meter of the total area covered.

MASONRY WORKS

The volume of rebars as measured and computed shall be paid for at the contract
unit price per kilogram of reinforcing bar used.

a. MATERIALS

Concrete Hallow Blocks shall have a minimum face shall thickness of 1 (.025)
Nominal size shall be 4 x 8 x 16 and 6 x 8 x 16 minimum compressive strength
shall be as follows:

Class A 900 psi

Class B 750 psi

All units shall be stoned for a period of not less than 28 days (including curing
period) and shall not be delivered to the job site prior to that time unless strengths
equal or exceed those mentioned in these specifications.

Wall Reinforcement shall be No. 3 (3/8) or 10 mm steel bars.

Sand shall be river sand, well screened, clean, hard, sharp siliceous, free from loam,
silt or other impurities, composed of grains of varying sizes within the following
limits.

Cement shall be standard Portland cement, ASTM C150-68 type 1.

Mortar Mix Mortar from 3 to 5 minutes in such quantities as needed for

immediate use. Retempering will not be permitted if mortar stiffens because of
premature setting. Discard such materials as well as those which have not been use
within one hour after mixing.
Proportioning: Cement mortar shall be one (1) part Portland cement and two (2)
parts sand by volume but not more than one (1) part Portland cement and three (3)
parts sand by volume.

b. ERECTION

All masonry shall be laid plumb, true to line, with level and accurately spaced
courses, and with each course breaking joint with the source below. Bond shall be
kept plumb throughout; corners and reveals shall be plumb and true. Units with
greater than 12 percent absorption shall be wet before laying. Work required to be
built in with masonry, including anchors, wall plugs and accessories, shall be built in
as the erection progresses.

Masonry Units. Each course shall be solidly bedded in Portland cement mortar. All
units shall be damp when laid units shall be showed into place not laid, in a full bed
of unfurrowed mortar. All horizontal and vertical points shall be bonded at corners
and intersections. No cells shall be left open in face surfaces. All cells shall be
filled up with mortar for exterior walls. Units terminating against beam or slab soft
fits shall be wedged tight with mortar. Do not lay cracked, broken or defaced
block.

Lintels shall be of concrete and shall be enforced as shown on the drawings. Lintels
shall have a minimum depth of 0.20 (8) and shall extend at least 0.20 (8) on each
side of opening.

c. WORKMANSHIP AND INSTALLATION

Plastering- Clean and evenly wet surfaces. Apply scratch coat with sufficient force
to form good keys. Cross scratch coat upon attaining its initial set: keep damp.
Apply brown coat after scratch coat has set at least 24 hours after scratch coat
application. Lightly scratch brown coat; keep moist for 2 days; allow to dry out. Do
not apply finish until brown coat has seasoned for 7 days. Just before applying coat,
wet brown coat again. Float finish coat to true even surface; trowel in manner that
will force sand particles down into plaster, with final trowling, leave surfaces
barnished smooth, free from rough areas, trowel, marks, checks, other blemishes.
Keep finish coat moist for it least 2 days; thereafter protect against rapid drying
until properly, thoroughly cured.

Pea Gravel Washout- Before start of work, provide desired pitch for drainage.
Roughen concrete surface with pick or similar tool. Clean off loose particles and
other materials which may prevent bond, keep surfaces wet for at least 4 hours
before applying. Scratch coat of mortar. Coat not more than thick. Apply
mixture of pea gravel and Portland cement with pressure to obtain solid adhesion.
Trowel pea gravel to hard, smooth, even plane and rod and float to uniform surface
of even texture. When surface is semi-dry evenly spray surfaces with clean water
with spray machine to wash out loose cement to part exposed pea gravel. Remove
and wash down remaining cement paste with soft brush, to leave pea gravel in its
natural texture and appearance. Before applying pea gravel finish, submit samples
to owner for approval.

d. SCAFFOLDING

Provide all scaffolding required for masonry work, including cleaning down on
completion, remove.

e. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

The quantity to be paid for shall be based on the area prepared as herein stated,
prescribed and accepted in the bill of quantities.

f. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT W/ SANDBEDDING

All pipes shall be galvanized iron as shown on plans with red oxide primer and 2
coats of quick Dry enamel. (QDE)

Joints shall be fully welded and shall be fully grined

Slides to be used shall be fiberglass (as per architect sample)

All 4 diam G.I. pipes (vertical) shall be embedded to reinforce concrete footing
bedded with gravel.

Sandbedding shall be 100 mm thick sand

g. CONCRETE PAVEMENT ( STAMPED CONCRETE FINISH)

1. Reinforced concrete slabs shall be 10 mm thk. Reinforced with 10

mm. diam deformed bars at 0.60 m apart bothways.

2. Stamped concrete shall be done by a qualified sub - contractor.

2500 psi concrete shall be used

Measurement and Payment The quantity to be paid for shall be the number of
square meter of prepared at herein stated prescribed and accepted in the bill of
quantities.

h. PICNIC TABLES AND CONCRETE BENCHS

1. Shall be of reinforce concrete footing and slab, as shown in plan.

2. Siding shall be 6 CHB with cement plaster

3. Latex paint finish.

4. Measurement and Payment - The quantity to be paid for shall be

the
number of units completed

i. ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING FACILITIES

1. Park lamp shall be 4 x 2 tapered lamp post 10 00 high zinc

electroplated galvanize, red oxide primer, aluminum paint finished
approximate thickness of 2.5 to 3.0mm with 16 diameter prismatic
globe luminaire

2. Used 30 amp. circuit breaker with housing, TW wire 5.0 mm2 on.
diam moldflex

3. The quantity to be paid for shall be the number of units completed

4. Measurement and Payment - The quantity to be paid for shall be the

number of units completed

V- PAINTING OF WORK

a. SCOPE OF WORK

1. Consists of furnishing all items, articles, materials tool, equipment, labor

scaffolding, ladder, methods and other incidents necessary and required
for the satisfactory completion of the work.
 2. It covers complete painting and finishing of plasters, concrete, metal or
other surfaces.

b. GENERAL PAINTING and surface Finishing shall be interpret to mean

and include sealers, primers, fillers, intermediate and finish coats,
emulsions, varnish, shellac, stain or enamels.

1. All paint and necessary materials incorporated in or forming a part

thereof shall be subject to the prior approval and selection for color, tint,
finish, or shade by the Architect.

2. In connection with the Architects determination of color, tint of any

particular surface, the depth of any color tint selected or required shall in
no instance be a subject for an additional cost to the owner.

3. Painting of all surfaces, except as otherwise specified shall be three (3)

coat work, one primer and a finish coat.

VI- MATERIALS

1. All paint materials shall meet the requirements of paint materials

under classification A use BOYSEN or equivalent.

2. All paint shall be recommended by the manufacturer for the use

intended and shall be developed to the jobsite in original
containers with unbroken and labels intact.

3. Painting materials such as Linseed oil, turpentine, thinners,

shellac, lacquer, etc. shall be pure and of the highest quality
obtainable and shall bear the manufacturer of said materials.

4. Except for ready mixed materials in original containers, all mixers

shall be done in the jobsite. No materials are to be reduced,
changed or mixed except as specified by manufacturer of said
materials.

5. Storage and Protection The resident Architect shall designate a

place for the storage of paint materials whenever it may be
necessary to change this designated storage place shall, be
adequate protected from damage and paint. Paint shall be covered
at all times and safeguards taken to prevent fire.
Measurement and Payment The quantity to be paid for shall be the number of
square meter of prepared at herein stated prescribed and accepted in the bill of
materials

7. Method of Measurement and Payment - The quantities of

painting materials to be paid for shall be per square meters of
areas completed as shown in the bid schedule.

VII- MISCELLANEOUS METALS :

1. Playsystem (Childrens Playground)

a. G.I Pipe 4dia., 2 dia, 1 dia. 1dia Sched. 40

1 coat red lead primer, 2 coats quick dry enamel (QDE)
b. Checkered plate 3mm thk, 1 coat red lead primer
2 coats quick dry enamel (QDE)
c. Angle bars - 3/16 x 1 x 1 - 1 coat red lead primer, 2 coats
quick dry enamel (QDE)

2. Steel Fence

a. G.I Pipe - 1 dia Sched. 20. 1 coat red lead primer, 2 coats
QDE paint
b. 1 x 3/16 Angle bar - 1 coat red lead primer, 2 coats QDE
paint
c. Welded wire fence - 3.2mm thk, 1 coat red lead primer, 2
coats QDE paint
Prepared by :
Arch. Cid Anthony A. Laigo,uap