You are on page 1of 6

Running Head: ELEMENTS OF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 1

Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation

College of Engineering

Research Assignment in CE Laws, Contracts, Specifications and Ethics (CEAR5523A):

Elements of Technical Specification for Engineering Projects

Prepared by:

Racelis, Julius Cesar P.

Submitted to:

Dr. Guillermo Rago, Jr.


Intellectual Property Code Article Summary 2

Technical Specifications

Design documentation is prepared to a level that allows the works to be constructed

accurately. The design documentation includes design drawings, bill of quantities and technical

specifications.

Technical specifications are prepared to provide consistency and to instruct construction

contractors on how the works are to be carried out, the quality of the workmanship and methods

of quality assurance for the construction. Technical specifications describe the project design

and construction practices, technical standards, specifications and principles to be followed

during construction. Technical specifications may specify a performance goal (a performance

specification) or procedures used to meet the performance goal (design specification). A

performance specification permits flexibility and change.

In general, the scope and detail of technical specifications will depend on the nature and

complexity of the project. Technical specifications should form part of all construction projects.

The level of adherence to the design drawings and technical specifications ultimately determines

the quality of the project and influences the performance of the constructed works.

Elements/Parts of a Technical Specification

The design drawings and technical specifications should include:

Design drawings. These are set out design information and procedures which are required

to be used on the works. It also provides visual representation and/or illustration of a specific
Intellectual Property Code Article Summary 3

tool or part in a construction. Design drawings for construction contain all the information

necessary for the construction contractor to bid on and build a particular project. Typically, the

preparation of design drawings provides a detailed record of the design and structural

requirements of the works. A contract or tender document often references design drawings.

Design drawings should show details on layout, measurements, plan, cross-sectional and

vertical profiles. This information is prepared as scale drawings of the works to be constructed.

Design drawings should be presented in such a way that

1. the project can easily be understood

2. they visually communicate the concept to the lot feeder and the construction

contractor

3. they are legible

4. they include all information from previous revisions and updates

The design drawings should include the following aspects

1. site layout and the location of the works to be constructed

2. plan views

3. detailed designs and cross-sectional profiles of the works

4. dimensions and units gradients

5. titles and scales that meet the required standards and units

6. adequate labelling
Intellectual Property Code Article Summary 4

7. elevations that are referenced to meters Australian Height Datum (m AHD)

8. Be dated and signed by the designer

Bill of Quantities. This lists the quantity of materials to enable a tenderer to accurately cost

the work for which they are bidding.

Bill of Quantities. Shall be used in every phase (pre-contract & post-contract) of the

project but need of Bill of Quantities differs based on different contract agreements & project.

The major usages are listed below.

1. It provides basic idea of the project by giving the quantities to tenderers

2. It defines the extent of the work (should be identified in line with drawings &

specification as well)

3. It gives estimated or anticipated contract sum.

4. It provides a basis for valuation of variation

In construction industry, preliminaries is known as the indirect cost for execution of

project but these are the costs which is very much vital for the construction activities. The

reason for these cost mentioned separately is it is very difficult to distribute these cost amongst

with measured works. The examples for preliminaries listed below.

1. Charges for performance bond, advance payment guarantee & workmen

compensation

2. Maintenance of the site clean


Intellectual Property Code Article Summary 5

3. Requirement of site office, site stores & staff accommodation

4. Cost towards the project management staff (QS, Project manager, Engineering

professionals)

5. Charges for drawings & safety

Material specifications. Such as diameter, type and grade of material for pipes (e.g.

polyethylene pipes or UPVC), joining methods (e.g. electro-fused or compression fittings etc),

or 28- day compressive strength of concrete. This is important to distinguish the different

materials to be used for different parts and/or equipment in a construction. This differentiates the

variety of properties of the different materials or parts to be used in field, it must also indicate

how and where the materials should be used.

Requirements for Material Testing. e.g. testing required for earthworks (i.e. minimum

required compaction and moisture range to be achieved), frequency of testing (e.g. one soil

density test per 1,000 m3 of bulk earthworks) or the number of tests per 1,000 m2 of area for

hydraulic conductivity tests in sedimentation ponds.

Construction and installation methods. A technical specification must have the list of

procedures on how to install a part or material. It must also be able to specify the importance of

the indicated part or material to the construction and how it must be constructed and installed.
Intellectual Property Code Article Summary 6

Development approval conditions. that have to be complied with throughout the

construction.

Reference

Davis, R. and Stafford, R. Design Drawings and Technical Specifications. Feedlot Design And

Construction. Retrieved from

https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/research-and-development/program-areas/f

eeding-finishing-and-nutrition/feedlot-design-manual/046-design-drawings-and-technical-specif

ications-2016_04_01.pdf

You might also like