SPECIFYING MATERIALS

ARE 459
CONTRACTS & SPECIFICATIONS
CHAPTER 4 / CLASS -6
By
By
Zulfikar Zulfikar A. A. A. A.
Presentation Outline
Presentation Outline
Specifying Materials
Methods of Specifying Materials
Or Equal
Options
Alternates
Product Approval Standards
Product Selection
Factors to Consider.
Summary
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
Specifying Materials

The selection of materials and equipment in the design of a
The selection of materials and equipment in the design of a
structure is the responsibility of the architect and/or engineer
structure is the responsibility of the architect and/or engineer

Architects are held accountable for the success or failure of th
Architects are held accountable for the success or failure of th
eir
eir
plans and specifications
plans 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 can
grades, and qualities, and offer many options. The standards can
be used if found satisfactory by the
be used if found satisfactory by the
specifier
specifier
, or the
, or the
specifier
specifier
can
can
upgrade their requirements by specifying additional
upgrade their requirements by specifying additional
characteristics.
characteristics.

Trade or brand names in specifying materials can be used when
Trade or brand names in specifying materials can be used when
reference standards have not been developed and when, in the
reference standards have not been developed and when, in the
judgment of the architect, these brands or proprietary materials
judgment of the architect, these brands or proprietary materials
will fulfill the project requirements.
will fulfill the project requirements.
Specifying Materials

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

It is almost impossible to include the names of all competitive
It is almost impossible to include the names of all competitive
materials that the architect may be willing to use
materials that the architect may be willing to use

Competition is avoided.Competition obtains equitable costs to th
Competition is avoided.Competition obtains equitable costs to th
e
e
owner.
owner.

To allow for the possible use of other brands or makes without n
To allow for the possible use of other brands or makes without n
aming
aming
them in endless profusion, it has been the custom to follow the
them in endless profusion, it has been the custom to follow the
name
name
given 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 cont
This device has often led to conflict between architect and cont
ractor
ractor
concerning who should determine the equality of materials propos
concerning who should determine the equality of materials propos
ed
ed
for substitution.
for substitution.

Undoubtedly, no phrase in specifications has been subject to mor
Undoubtedly, no phrase in specifications has been subject to mor
e
e
severe criticism than the phrase "or equal."
severe criticism than the phrase "or equal."
OR EQUAL SPECIFICATIONS
Or equal specifications usually name one, two, or several brand Or equal specifications usually name one, two, or several brand names and names and
follow 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 fo The following are some of the reasons that have been advanced for r
eliminating 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 sec 1. When the "or equal" phrase is used, a bidder attempts to secure a lower price on a ure a lower price on a
material than that specified, and he will be in doubt as to whet material than that specified, and he will be in doubt as to whether the architect will her the architect will
approve it. If the bidder takes a chance on this lower price mat approve it. If the bidder takes a chance on this lower price material, he or she risks erial, he or she risks
being forced to buy the higher priced material spec being forced to buy the higher priced material spec- - ified ified. If the bidder does not take this . If the bidder does not take this
chance, he or she loses the advantages of the lower price, which chance, he or she loses the advantages of the lower price, which might make the difference might make the difference
between winning or between winning or los los- - ing ing the contract. the contract.
2. The "or equal" clause increases the amount of office work the 2. The "or equal" clause increases the amount of office work the architect must perform architect must perform
in order to investigate all the "or equal" substitutions that ar in order to investigate all the "or equal" substitutions that are submitted by the e submitted by the
contractor for approval. contractor for approval.
3. It permits the contractor more opportunity for last 3. It permits the contractor more opportunity for last- -minute substitutions, requiring minute substitutions, requiring
overhasty consideration by the architect. overhasty consideration by the architect.
OR EQUAL SPECIFICATIONS (Contd)
The following are some of the reasons that have been advanced fo The following are some of the reasons that have been advanced for r
eliminating the term "or equal" from specifications: eliminating the term "or equal" from specifications:
4. Where a continuing project is developed in two or more phase 4. Where a continuing project is developed in two or more phases of construction, the or s of construction, the or
equal clause may allow different materials to be used in the sam equal clause may allow different materials to be used in the same project, and the e project, and the
maintenance problems of the owner are multiplied. maintenance problems of the owner are multiplied.
5. Although an alternate product may be equal or similar to the 5. Although an alternate product may be equal or similar to the one specified, its use in one specified, its use in
conjunction with other assemblies, materials, or products may be conjunction with other assemblies, materials, or products may be unproven, unacceptable, unproven, unacceptable,
improper, or even faulty. At times, additional costs are incurre improper, or even faulty. At times, additional costs are incurred while making d while making
adaptations to accommodate the alternate product, and such costs adaptations to accommodate the alternate product, and such costs are difficult to resolve. are difficult to resolve.
While the architect derives no benefit in making adaptations, it While the architect derives no benefit in making adaptations, it often has caused often has caused
additional expense to the architect in connection with the chang additional expense to the architect in connection with the changes. es.
6. It contributes heavily to "bid shopping," which results in de 6. It contributes heavily to "bid shopping," which results in delays in construction, since lays in construction, since
the substitution is usually submitted at the last moment and int the substitution is usually submitted at the last moment and interferes with the routine erferes with the routine
process 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 i 7. It takes control of the project away from the architect who is responsible for its s responsible for its
execution. . execution. .
OPTIONS

When the term Option is used in a specification, it means that t
When the term Option is used in a specification, it means that t
he
he
contractor has the option , or choice, of using any one , of two
contractor has the option , or choice, of using any one , of two
or
or
more ,products or methods.
more ,products or methods.

The architect names two or more brand names or proprietary
The architect names two or more brand names or proprietary
makes for each item
makes for each item

The architect should investigate each of the products he or she
The architect should investigate each of the products he or she
proposes to specify to make certain that like or equal products
proposes to specify to make certain that like or equal products
are
are
put into competition with one another.
put into competition with one another.

The option is used when two materials or methods are equally
The option is used when two materials or methods are equally
priced and where the selection would depend upon particular
priced and where the selection would depend upon particular
preference of the contractor.
preference of the contractor.
ALTERNATES
Alternate is different form Option. Alternate is different form Option.
An alternate is a request for a price for substituting one mate An alternate is a request for a price for substituting one material or method in rial or method in
place of another or for adding to , or deducting from, the scope place 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 alternates Under this method, the bidder is permitted to submit alternates or or
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 h The contractor is requested to state the amount to be added to his bid if is bid if
the north wing of the building is increased to four stories as s the north wing of the building is increased to four stories as shown in the hown in the
drawings drawings
Unlike the option, the owner receives a separate price for the Unlike the option, the owner receives a separate price for the work required by each work required by each
alternate .Any bidder ,if he chooses, may refuses to bid on any alternate .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 the when the bids are received , the owner and architect compare them to decide which m to decide which
alternates will be accepted. alternates will be accepted.
ALTERNATES
Two types of Alternates: Two types of Alternates:
Additive and Deductive Alternates: Additive and Deductive Alternates:
An additive An additive is one which, if accepted will increase the consideration in is one which, if accepted will increase the consideration in
the contract. the contract.
A Deductive A Deductive alternate is one in which the consideration will be alternate is one in which the consideration will be
decreased. decreased.
Examples: Examples:
An example of an additive alternate is when a four An example of an additive alternate is when a four- -story building is story building is
specified and an alternate is requested for adding a fifth floo specified and an alternate is requested for adding a fifth floor r
an example of deductive alternate is when a five story building an example of deductive alternate is when a five story building is is
specified and an alternate is requested for leaving off the fi specified and an alternate is requested for leaving off the fifth floor fth floor
Specifying Alternates in Specifications
Specifying Alternates in Specifications

Each alternate should be identified in Section 01200
Each alternate should be identified in Section 01200
and the changes in the work must be appropriately
and the changes in the work must be appropriately
identified.
identified.

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

PART 1 GENERAL of each of the specification
PART 1 GENERAL of each of the specification
sections in Divisions 02 through 16 should contain a
sections in Divisions 02 through 16 should contain a
coordinating or clarification statement calling
coordinating or clarification statement calling
attention to the provisions for alternates
attention to the provisions for alternates
PRODUCT APPROVAL STANDARDS

Under this method, products are clearly defined by using
Under this method, products are clearly defined by using
specification standards where possible, by using specific produc
specification standards where possible, by using specific produc
t
t
names, by specifying more than one product where possible, and
names, by specifying more than one product where possible, and
by listing basic criteria where desirable.
by listing basic criteria where desirable.

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

However, upon application, bidders are permitted to request
However, upon application, bidders are permitted to request
approval of products during the bidding period, within
approval of products during the bidding period, within
established limits.
established limits.

If the architect approves the product, it is listed in an adden
If the architect approves the product, it is listed in an adden
dum
dum
so that all bidders compete on the same basis.
so that all bidders compete on the same basis.
PRODUCT APPROVAL STANDARDS

This method achieves the following
This method achieves the following

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

2. Competition
2. Competition

3. Fairness in attracting other products of which the architect
3. Fairness in attracting other products of which the architect
may not have been aware at the time of preparation of
may not have been aware at the time of preparation of
documents .
documents .

4. Elimination of the risk to bidders in accepting products
4. Elimination of the risk to bidders in accepting products
other than those specified
other than those specified

5. Closer bidding
5. Closer bidding

6. Discouragement of bid peddling or shopping
6. Discouragement of bid peddling or shopping

7. Administration of equality at the proper time and by the
7. Administration of equality at the proper time and by the
proper agency
proper agency

8. Complete flexibility
8. Complete flexibility
PRODUCT SELECTION
PRODUCT SELECTION

Selecting products for construction is like selecting goods for
Selecting products for construction is like selecting goods for
any
any
other purpose.
other purpose.

Selections based on evaluation of the products against specific
Selections based on evaluation of the products against specific
criteria, derived from the owner
criteria, derived from the owner

s requirements are factors to

s requirements are factors to
consider in evaluating a product.
consider in evaluating a product.

The Product:
The Product:

Determine if the product is appropriate for the projects in
Determine 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 when
What services are offered by the manufacturer and when
are they available?
are they available?
Selecting Materials, Products, Systems

Generic product selection
Generic product selection

There are many factors to consider when selecting and
There are many factors to consider when selecting and
evaluating materials, equipment, components, and systems for
evaluating materials, equipment, components, and systems for
use in construction.
use in construction.

Some considerations would include the proposed life span of
Some considerations would include the proposed life span of
the structure, the geographic location, the environment, and
the structure, the geographic location, the environment, and
the proposed occupancy.
the proposed occupancy.

Identifying available products
Identifying available products

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

technical publications & references
technical publications & references

Evaluating and selecting products
Evaluating and selecting products

manufacturer
manufacturer

s technical data
s technical data

independent tests and product reviews
independent tests and product reviews

experience
experience
Product Evaluation Criteria/Factors

Performance/Functional characteristics
Performance/Functional characteristics

practical characteristics
practical characteristics

cost considerations
cost considerations

safety and protection, legal requirements

safety and protection, legal requirements
Performance History

The A/E should investigate the performance history
The A/E should investigate the performance history
of a product and ask the following questions:
of a product and ask the following questions:

Has it been properly engineered and researched?
Has it been properly engineered and researched?

How long has it been on the market?
How long has it been on the market?

Where has it been used and under what
Where has it been used and under what
conditions and circumstances?
conditions and circumstances?

What is its maintenance record?
What is its maintenance record?
Functional Characteristics

Durability
Durability
--
--
wear and stain resistance
wear and stain resistance

Strength
Strength
--
--
tensile and compressive
tensile and compressive

Rigidity v. flexibility, ductility

Rigidity v. flexibility, ductility

Chemical stability
Chemical stability
--
--
reaction to UV light,
reaction to UV light,
temperature, acid rain, cleaning solutions
temperature, acid rain, cleaning solutions

Thermal, light, air, H

Thermal, light, air, H
2
2
O, sound transmission
O, sound transmission

Size, appearance, finishes

Size, appearance, finishes
Practical Characteristics

Availability
Availability
--
--
ordering lead time
ordering lead time

Place of origin
Place of origin

Installation requirements
Installation requirements

skilled personnel, tools, equipment, setting
skilled personnel, tools, equipment, setting
time
time

Connectivity, interaction with other materials

Connectivity, interaction with other materials

Repairing, spare parts, patching, replacement

Repairing, spare parts, patching, replacement

Service and support, warranties

Service and support, warranties
Cost considerations

Initial cost of product

Initial cost of product

Cost of supporting structure, enclosure

Cost of supporting structure, enclosure

Installation cost
Installation cost

Operating costs/energy efficiency

Operating costs/energy efficiency

Maintenance costs
Maintenance costs

Useful life/obsolescence/economic life

Useful life/obsolescence/economic life

Interest costs
Interest costs
Safety and Protection / Legal Requirements

Fire safety
Fire safety

flammability, thermal performance, flame spread
flammability, thermal performance, flame spread

byproducts of combustion (poisonous gases)
byproducts of combustion (poisonous gases)

Life safety
Life safety

emissions, particulates, electrical hazards
emissions, particulates, electrical hazards

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

Building code , ADA requirements
Building code , ADA requirements

Environmental concerns
Environmental concerns

green
green

products, packaging,
products, packaging,
recyclability
recyclability
SUMMARY
SUMMARY

When the term Option is used in a specification, it means that t
When the term Option is used in a specification, it means that t
he
he
contractor has the option , or choice, of using any one , of two
contractor has the option , or choice, of using any one , of two
or
or
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 evaluating
There are many factors to consider when selecting and evaluating
materials, equipment, components, and systems for use in constru
materials, equipment, components, and systems for use in constru
ction.
ction.

Some considerations would include the the geographic location,
Some considerations would include the the geographic location,
the
the
environment, and the proposed occupancy.
environment, and the proposed occupancy.