course presentations 8 specifying materials

8/12/2019 Course Presentations 8 Specifying Materials

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SPECIFYING MATERIALS

ARE 459

CONTRACTS & SPECIFICATIONS

CHAPTER 4/ CLASS -6

ByByZulfikarZulfikarA. A.A. A.


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Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

Specifying Materials

Methods of Specifying Materials

Or Equal

Options

Alternates

Product Approval Standards

Product Selection

Factors to Consider.

Summary


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Objectives of Class :Objectives of Class :

To introduce the methods of Specifying Materials

To provide an understanding of Product Selection process

and Factors to Considered


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The selection of materials and equipment in the design of aThe selection of materials and equipment in the design of astructure is the responsibility of the architect and/or engineerstructure is the responsibility of the architect and/or engineer

Architects are held accountable for the success or failure of thArchitects are held accountable for the success or failure of theireirplans and specificationsplans and specifications

Standards such as ASTM and ANSI establish various types,Standards such as ASTM and ANSI establish various types,grades, and qualities, and offer many options. The standards cangrades, and qualities, and offer many options. The standards canbe used if found satisfactory by thebe used if found satisfactory by the specifierspecifier, or the, or the specifierspecifier cancanupgrade their requirements by specifying additionalupgrade their requirements by specifying additionalcharacteristics.characteristics.

Trade or brand names in specifying materials can be used whenTrade or brand names in specifying materials can be used whenreference standards have not been developed and when, in thereference standards have not been developed and when, in thejudgment of the architect, these brands or proprietary materialsjudgment of the architect, these brands or proprietary materialswill fulfill the project requirements.will fulfill the project requirements.


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When brand names are used as a standard in a specificationWhen brand names are used as a standard in a specification

It is almost impossible to include the names of all competitiveIt is almost impossible to include the names of all competitivematerials that the architect may be willing to usematerials that the architect may be willing to use

Competition is avoided.Competition obtains equitable costs to thCompetition is avoided.Competition obtains equitable costs to theeowner.owner.

To allow for the possible use of other brands or makes without nTo allow for the possible use of other brands or makes without namingamingthem in endless profusion, it has been the custom to follow thethem in endless profusion, it has been the custom to follow the namenamegiven in the specifications with the words "or equal."given in the specifications with the words "or equal."

This device has often led to conflict between architect and contThis device has often led to conflict between architect and contractorractorconcerning who should determine the equality of materials proposconcerning who should determine the equality of materials proposededfor substitution.for substitution.

Undoubtedly, no phrase in specifications has been subject to morUndoubtedly, no phrase in specifications has been subject to moree

severe criticism than the phrase "or equal."severe criticism than the phrase "or equal."


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OR EQUAL SPECIFICATIONS

Or equal specifications usually name one, two, or several brandOr equal specifications usually name one, two, or several brand names andnames andfollow with the term "or equal" or "or approved equal."follow with the term "or equal" or "or approved equal."

The following are some of the reasons that have been advanced foThe following are some of the reasons that have been advanced forreliminating the term "or equal" from specifications:eliminating the term "or equal" from specifications:

1. When the "or equal" phrase is used, a bidder attempts to sec1. When the "or equal" phrase is used, a bidder attempts to secure a lower price on aure a lower price on amaterial than that specified, and he will be in doubt as to whetmaterial than that specified, and he will be in doubt as to whether the architect willher the architect will

approve it. If the bidder takes a chance on this lower price matapprove it. If the bidder takes a chance on this lower price material, he or she riskserial, he or she risksbeing forced to buy the higher priced material specbeing forced to buy the higher priced material spec--ifiedified. If the bidder does not take this. If the bidder does not take thischance, he or she loses the advantages of the lower price, whichchance, he or she loses the advantages of the lower price, whichmight make the differencemight make the differencebetween winning orbetween winning or loslos--ingingthe contract.the contract.

2. The "or equal" clause increases the amount of office work the2. The "or equal" clause increases the amount of office work thearchitect must performarchitect must performin order to investigate all the "or equal" substitutions that arin order to investigate all the "or equal" substitutions that are submitted by thee submitted by thecontractor for approval.contractor for approval.

3. It permits the contractor more opportunity for last3. It permits the contractor more opportunity for last--minute substitutions, requiringminute substitutions, requiringoverhasty consideration by the architect.overhasty consideration by the architect.


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OR EQUAL SPECIFICATIONS (Contd)

The following are some of the reasons that have been advanced foThe following are some of the reasons that have been advanced forreliminating the term "or equal" from specifications:eliminating the term "or equal" from specifications:

4. Where a continuing project is developed in two or more phase4. Where a continuing project is developed in two or more phases of construction, the ors of construction, the orequal clause may allow different materials to be used in the samequal clause may allow different materials to be used in the same project, and thee project, and themaintenance problems of the owner are multiplied.maintenance problems of the owner are multiplied.

5. Although an alternate product may be equal or similar to the5. Although an alternate product may be equal or similar to the one specified, its use inone specified, its use in

conjunction with other assemblies, materials, or products may beconjunction with other assemblies, materials, or products may beunproven, unacceptable,unproven, unacceptable,improper, or even faulty. At times, additional costs are incurreimproper, or even faulty. At times, additional costs are incurred while makingd while makingadaptations to accommodate the alternate product, and such costsadaptations to accommodate the alternate product, and such costsare difficult to resolve.are difficult to resolve.While the architect derives no benefit in making adaptations, itWhile the architect derives no benefit in making adaptations, itoften has causedoften has causedadditional expense to the architect in connection with the changadditional expense to the architect in connection with the changes.es.

6. It contributes heavily to "bid shopping," which results in de6. It contributes heavily to "bid shopping," which results in delays in construction, sincelays in construction, sincethe substitution is usually submitted at the last moment and intthe substitution is usually submitted at the last moment and interferes with the routineerferes with the routineprocess of careful evaluation by the architect.process of careful evaluation by the architect.

7. It takes control of the project away from the architect who i7. It takes control of the project away from the architect who is responsible for itss responsible for its

execution. .execution. .


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OPTIONS

When the term Option is used in a specification, it means that tWhen the term Option is used in a specification, it means that thehecontractor has the option , or choice, of using any one , of twocontractor has the option , or choice, of using any one , of two oror

more ,products or methods.more ,products or methods. The architect names two or more brand names or proprietaryThe architect names two or more brand names or proprietary

makes for each itemmakes for each item

The architect should investigate each of the products he or sheThe architect should investigate each of the products he or she

proposes to specify to make certain that like or equal productsproposes to specify to make certain that like or equal products areareput into competition with one another.put into competition with one another.

The option is used when two materials or methods are equallyThe option is used when two materials or methods are equallypriced and where the selection would depend upon particularpriced and where the selection would depend upon particularpreference of the contractor.preference of the contractor.


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ALTERNATES

Alternate is different form Option.Alternate is different form Option.

An alternate is a request for a price for substituting one mateAn alternate is a request for a price for substituting one material or method inrial or method in

place of another or for adding to , or deducting from, the scopeplace of another or for adding to , or deducting from, the scope of the project.of the project. Under this method, the bidder is permitted to submit alternatesUnder this method, the bidder is permitted to submit alternates oror

substitutions for the materials or equipment specified.substitutions for the materials or equipment specified.

For example :For example :

The contractor is requested to state the amount to be added to hThe contractor is requested to state the amount to be added to his bid ifis bid ifthe north wing of the building is increased to four stories as sthe north wing of the building is increased to four stories as shown in thehown in thedrawingsdrawings

Unlike the option, the owner receives a separate price for theUnlike the option, the owner receives a separate price for thework required by eachwork required by eachalternate .Any bidder ,if he chooses, may refuses to bid on anyalternate .Any bidder ,if he chooses, may refuses to bid on any or all alternates.or all alternates.

when the bids are received , the owner and architect compare thewhen the bids are received , the owner and architect compare them to decide whichm to decide which

alternates will be accepted.alternates will be accepted.


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ALTERNATES

Two types of Alternates:Two types of Alternates:

Additive and Deductive Alternates:Additive and Deductive Alternates:

An additiveAn additiveis one which, if accepted will increase the consideration inis one which, if accepted will increase the consideration inthe contract.the contract.

A DeductiveA Deductive

alternate is one in which the consideration will bealternate is one in which the consideration will be

decreased.decreased.

Examples:Examples:

An example of an additive alternate is when a fourAn example of an additive alternate is when a four--story building isstory building isspecified and an alternate is requested for adding a fifth floospecified and an alternate is requested for adding a fifth floorr

an example of deductive alternate is when a five story buildingan example of deductive alternate is when a five story building isis

specified and an alternate is requested for leaving off the fispecified and an alternate is requested for leaving off the fifth floorfth floor


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Specifying Alternates in SpecificationsSpecifyingAlternates in Specifications

Each alternate should be identified in Section 01200Each alternate should be identified in Section 01200

and the changes in the work must be appropriatelyand the changes in the work must be appropriately

identified.identified.

Where possible, references should be made to theWhere possible, references should be made to thespecification sections affected by the alternate.specification sections affected by the alternate.

PART 1 GENERAL of each of the specificationPART 1 GENERAL of each of the specification

sections in Divisions 02 through 16 should contain asections in Divisions 02 through 16 should contain acoordinating or clarification statement callingcoordinating or clarification statement calling

attention to the provisions for alternatesattention to the provisions for alternates


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PRODUCT APPROVAL STANDARDS

Under this method, products are clearly defined by usingUnder this method, products are clearly defined by usingspecification standards where possible, by using specific producspecification standards where possible, by using specific productt

names, by specifying more than one product where possible, andnames, by specifying more than one product where possible, andby listing basic criteria where desirable.by listing basic criteria where desirable.

Bids are based on the use of any product meeting establishedBids are based on the use of any product meeting establishedstandards (such as ASTM) or the products specified.standards (such as ASTM) or the products specified.

However, upon application, bidders are permitted to requestHowever, upon application, bidders are permitted to requestapproval of products during the bidding period, withinapproval of products during the bidding period, withinestablished limits.established limits.

If the architect approves the product, it is listed in an addenIf the architect approves the product, it is listed in an addendumdumso that all bidders compete on the same basis.so that all bidders compete on the same basis.


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PRODUCT APPROVAL STANDARDS

This method achieves the followingThis method achieves the following

1. Control of products by the architect1. Control of products by the architect

2. Competition2. Competition 3. Fairness in attracting other products of which the architect3. Fairness in attracting other products of which the architect

may not have been aware at the time of preparation ofmay not have been aware at the time of preparation of

documents .documents . 4. Elimination of the risk to bidders in accepting products4. Elimination of the risk to bidders in accepting products

other than those specifiedother than those specified

5. Closer bidding5. Closer bidding

6. Discouragement of bid peddling or shopping6. Discouragement of bid peddling or shopping 7. Administration of equality at the proper time and by the7. Administration of equality at the proper time and by the

proper agencyproper agency

8. Complete flexibility8. Complete flexibility


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PRODUCTSELECTIONPRODUCTSELECTION

Selecting products for construction is like selecting goods forSelecting products for construction is like selecting goods for anyanyother purpose.other purpose.

Selections based on evaluation of the products against specificSelections based on evaluation of the products against specific

criteria, derived from the ownercriteria, derived from the owners requirements are factors tos requirements are factors toconsider in evaluating a product.consider in evaluating a product.

The Product:The Product:

Determine if the product is appropriate for the projects inDetermine if the product is appropriate for the projects in

all aspects. Is it functionally and visually acceptable?all aspects. Is it functionally and visually acceptable?

The Manufacturer:The Manufacturer:

Does the manufacturer have a highly credible reputation?Does the manufacturer have a highly credible reputation?

What services are offered by the manufacturer and whenWhat services are offered by the manufacturer and whenare they available?are they available?


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Selecting Materials, Products, Systems

Generic product selectionGeneric product selection

There are many factors to consider when selecting andThere are many factors to consider when selecting and

evaluating materials, equipment, components, and systems forevaluating materials, equipment, components, and systems foruse in construction.use in construction.

Some considerations would include the proposed life span ofSome considerations would include the proposed life span of

the structure, the geographic location, the environment, andthe structure, the geographic location, the environment, and

the proposed occupancy.the proposed occupancy.

Identifying available productsIdentifying available products

advertising, catalogs, product shows, mfr repsadvertising, catalogs, product shows, mfr reps

technical publications & referencestechnical publications & references

Evaluating and selecting productsEvaluating and selecting products

manufacturermanufacturers technical datas technical data

independent tests and product reviewsindependent tests and product reviews

experienceexperience


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Product Evaluation Criteria/Factors

Performance/Functional characteristicsPerformance/Functional characteristics

practical characteristicspractical characteristics

cost considerationscost considerations

safety and protection, legal requirementssafety and protection, legal requirements


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Functional Characteristics

DurabilityDurability ----wear and stain resistancewear and stain resistance

StrengthStrength ---- tensile and compressivetensile and compressive

Rigidity v. flexibility, ductilityRigidity v. flexibility, ductility

Chemical stabilityChemical stability ---- reaction to UV light,reaction to UV light,

temperature, acid rain, cleaning solutionstemperature, acid rain, cleaning solutions

Thermal, light, air, HThermal, light, air, H22O, sound transmissionO, sound transmission

Size, appearance, finishesSize, appearance, finishes


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Practical Characteristics

AvailabilityAvailability ---- ordering lead timeordering lead time

Place of originPlace of origin

Installation requirementsInstallation requirements

skilled personnel, tools, equipment, settingskilled personnel, tools, equipment, setting

timetime

Connectivity, interaction with other materialsConnectivity, interaction with other materials

Repairing, spare parts, patching, replacementRepairing, spare parts, patching, replacement

Service and support, warrantiesService and support, warranties


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Cost considerations

Initial cost of productInitial cost of product

Cost of supporting structure, enclosureCost of supporting structure, enclosure

Installation costInstallation cost

Operating costs/energy efficiencyOperating costs/energy efficiency

Maintenance costsMaintenance costs

Useful life/obsolescence/economic lifeUseful life/obsolescence/economic life

Interest costsInterest costs


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Safety and Protection / Legal Requirements

Fire safetyFire safety

flammability, thermal performance, flame spreadflammability, thermal performance, flame spread byproducts of combustion (poisonous gases)byproducts of combustion (poisonous gases)

Life safetyLife safety emissions, particulates, electrical hazardsemissions, particulates, electrical hazards

injury: slip resistance, abrasion, impactinjury: slip resistance, abrasion, impact

Building code , ADA requirementsBuilding code , ADA requirements

Environmental concernsEnvironmental concerns

greengreen products, packaging,products, packaging, recyclabilityrecyclability


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SUMMARYSUMMARY

When the term Option is used in a specification, it means that tWhen the term Option is used in a specification, it means that thehecontractor has the option , or choice, of using any one , of twocontractor has the option , or choice, of using any one , of two oror

more ,products or methods.more ,products or methods. Alternate is different form Option.Alternate is different form Option...

There are many factors to consider when selecting and evaluatingThere are many factors to consider when selecting and evaluating

materials, equipment, components, and systems for use in construmaterials, equipment, components, and systems for use in construction.ction. Some considerations would include the the geographic location,Some considerations would include the the geographic location, thethe

environment, and the proposed occupancy.environment, and the proposed occupancy.

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