Implementation of Material Requirements in Specifications

This paper focuses on where to find information on materials, their compatibility, minimum standards and specifying of materials and their use. The paper also presents case histories on how specifications could have been written to avoid common pitfalls. The paper reviews the concept of specifications, design criteria, environmental effects and the potential for litigation. The goal of the paper is to explain how the choices of materials and specifications determine performance. Understanding the process results in improved specifications and higher quality structures. As the construction industry evolves, it seeks new and better materials therefore the number of available construction materials is immense and constantly increases. Knowing how to specify clearly is essential to anyone engaged in the designing and specifying for the construction of structures.