MasterFormat Specifications are the construction standard for North America.
The business manual for construction specifications in North America is MasterFormat. The construction specifications found in the MasterFormat Manual are the approved specifications for construction projects in North America. Developed by Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and the Construction Specifications Institute in the United States (CSI), MasterFormat assists in every aspect of construction as an industry standard reference and procedural tool.
Finding Information
Older MasterFormat versions separate construction specifications into a 16-division formats each designating a specific discipline involved in the construction process. In 2004, CSI and CSC redesigned MasterFormat by dividing the design, construction and operation processes into an easier 50-division format. MasterFormat users find specific construction requirements or recommendations using a numbered code system within each division.
Communication
The communication requirements and recommendations within MasterFormat help to facilitate the standards of communication among architects, contractors, suppliers and client requirements. MasterFormat division categories include bidding and contracting requirements with division subcategories, such as holding project meetings, construction scheduling and project reporting.
Site Administration
CIS MasterFormat includes all aspects of the construction process, including site administration. Construction specifications include the basics of construction management, price and payment procedures. MasterFormat has division categories and subcategories that cover every general operating procedure required on-site, such as site preparation, establishing utility services and creating site drainage for water runoff.
Materials
Each construction material and accessory used in the construction process has its own set of CIS and CSC MasterFormat construction specifications. MasterFormat division headings separate materials into general categories, such as concrete, lighting, masonry and metals. Each division is also subcategorized into specific specifications such as basic concrete material and methods, concrete reinforcement and grouts. CSC and CIS MasterFormat further subheads designations within each sub-category for specific references.
Equipment
Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and the Construction Specifications Institute in the United States (CSI) have tried to include all aspects of the construct process into the manual, including the equipment types, installation, safety, its use and maintenance. Categories include information specifications both on construction equipment and equipment products installed during construction. This includes information on vending equipment such as ATM machines, maintenance equipment such as window-washing systems and commercial cleaning equipment used for such things as dry-cleaning. MasterFormat updates equipment categories yearly as new pieces of equipment become available to the public.
Tags: construction process, Construction Specifications, MasterFormat division, North America, Canada Construction, Canada Construction Specifications
