NEED FOR SPECIFICATION FORMAT THAT ACCOMMODATES ENGINEERED PROJECTS

The construction industry is in need of an industry-wide standard spec ification format, or structure, at the division level that goes beyond the needs of commercial projects. Such a system should readily accomm odate engineered project types such as airports, waterways, tunnels, r oads, bridges, water- and waste-water-treatment plants, power plants, and petrochemical facilities. This paper explores the importance of su ch an industry-wide standard and objectively analyzes the system that currently most closely resembles such a standard, the Construction Spe cification Institute's (CSI) MASTERFORMAT. Analysis indicates that CSI Divisions 2 (site work), 15 (mechanical), and 16 (electrical) are eit her particularly problematic with respect to or nonresponsive to the n eeds of engineered projects. An alternative division-level standard fo rmat is suggested and evaluated. An active industry-wide debate is nee ded.