Craig Haney (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2023 - 02:45 pm: |    |
SimpleSpecs - Our New Subject Classification System
SimpleSpecs is pleased to announce that our master guide specification system is now available with topics classified according to building elements rather than CSI/CSC’s MasterFormat.
Originally a building construction classification system, MasterFormat has become more and more confusing and bloated over the years, having been expanded far beyond its original purpose. It uses a combination of construction material groupings, trade jurisdictions, and other factors to classify information. And it now includes marine work, process engineering (think wafer fabrication lines), and heavy civil projects (roads, bridges, etc.) even though those disciplines do not use the system as the basis for their construction documents.
MasterFormat’s approach does not relate to how a building is constructed. For example, concrete has different requirements, and different costs, depending on where it is placed in a structure. Masterformat simply places concrete under Division 03 - Concrete no matter what the parameters for its detailing and placement are.
Many people struggle to comprehend MasterFormat, particularly those who do not prepare specifications as a full-time effort. For example, if Division 06 is Wood, Plastics and Composites, why is wood siding in Division 07, a wood door in Division 08, wood flooring in Division 09, and wood casework in Division 12?
Back in the 1990's a classification system that was based on cost estimating principles was published by ASTM, entitled UniFormat II. This format covers only buildings and related sitework and classifies subjects according to construction “elements” like foundations, exterior enclosures, and interior construction. The result is a system that, with a few modifications, works well for specifications but also for classifying product data, for cost estimating, and for BIM. Think about having one uniform location for a product’s data sheets, specifications, cost data, and BIM objects.
We are currently seeking Beta testers who will agree to use our new UniFormat II based system on actual projects, and provide us with feedback. If you are interested please contact Adam with Zerodocs.com at adam@zerodocs.com. |
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