ABSTRACT
This chapter is intended to provide for the thermoplastic pipe specifying engineer an easy reference guide to develop product specifications. There are separate specifications for many individual products for industrial, commercial, and institutional piping applications. Obviously not every product is covered here, but just about any product’s specification could be derived from using a closely related specification to use as a guide. Valve specifications listed here should be carefully examined to determine if the user’s requirements are being fulfilled. The basic minimum requirements have been provided, and supplemental information and requirements should be added when needed. II. WRITING THE SPECIFICATION
The term “specification” defines the quality and type of material and workmanship upon which the contract is based. All items of work in the contract should be specified in this document.A well-written specification is clear, concise, and consistent. Generally, a well-written specification will result in bids that are relatively close in value. A narrow range usually indicates clarity and consistency of the specification; however, a wide variation in bids is generally indicative of ambiguity in the specification.Certain phrases are preferable for specifications writing; likewise, there are also phrases, usage, and styles that should be avoided. Specifications are a part of the contract documents and therefore must be written with extreme care and in a manner that can be easily understood by all concerned individuals, including nontechnical persons. Avoid long words, complex phraseology, and compound sentences. Complexity in the writing may lend itself to various and costly interpretations.In actuality specifications are commands to the contractor. The word “shall” is used whenever the contractor is told to do something. In specifications, the word “will” is used to impart information and is not a command. The combination 307
“and/or” is not considered proper usage. In writing a specification, either “and” or “or” is to be used. The word “or” denotes a choice; therefore, extreme caution should be observed when it is used. The phrase “unless otherwise specified” should not be used. The specifications are explicit instructions to the contractor. The appropriate phraseology should be “except as specified in Section ...” the term “by others” is another indefinite term that should not appear in the specifications. When it is necessary to make “reference” to work to be done by other trades, the reference should be made specific, that is, HVAC contractor, plumbing contractor. Lastly, when listing a product or manufacturer by name, following up with the term “or equal” can open the specification to an unwanted or perhaps inferior product substitution. “Equal” is open to interpretation. It is better to exclude products by using terminology such as “products that do not fulfill all the specific requirements of this specification may not be used.” III. FORMAT OF THE SPECIFICATION
The most popular form of specifications was developed by CSI (Construction Specification Institute). It uses a “three-part section” format for specifications. When writing a specification, it is divided into three separate and distinct parts: (1) general, (2) products, and (3) execution.The “general” section should include the scope, necessary references to the related work described elsewhere, codes and standards to be followed in the work, qualifications of personnel and manufacturers, data as to which drawings to submit and submittal format, required samples, information on product handling and storage, replacement parts, and other information not specifically included in parts 2 and 3.The “products” section should include all products to be used in the work. The products should be described as accurately and as briefly as possible. The remarks should be limited to data about the products or product features. Exclude any installation instructions. In the “execution” section detailed instructions of how these products are to be installed and the work performed are included. For each product listed in part 2, there should be a detailed description of its installation in part 3. Also included in this section should be tests to be performed, coordination with other trades, acceptance of substrata, and tolerance of installation [1]. IV. USING THESE MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
The specifications identify the important characteristics along with applicable ASTM, ISO, or DIN standards when possible. In most cases the year of adoption or revision for a standard has been omitted to keep from becoming dated rather quickly. The dates are included in the standards chapter (Chapter 8) of this book.
