CCS Construction Documentation & Specifications 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A performance specification differs from a prescriptive specification primarily because it:
- Names specific manufacturers
- Defines required results rather than specific materials or methods (Correct answer)
- Is used only for civil engineering projects
- Eliminates contractor responsibility for means and methods
Correct answer: Defines required results rather than specific materials or methods
A performance specification states measurable end results (e.g., R-value, STC rating) without dictating the exact product or method used to achieve them.
Question 2: In a project manual, the Supplementary Conditions modify which document?
- Division 01 General Requirements
- The General Conditions of the Contract (Correct answer)
- The Owner-Contractor Agreement
- The Geotechnical Report
Correct answer: The General Conditions of the Contract
Supplementary Conditions are used to modify, delete, or supplement the standard General Conditions (e.g., AIA A201) for a specific project.
Question 3: Which submittal type is used to verify that a contractor-proposed product is equivalent to the specified product?
- Shop drawing
- Product data
- Substitution request (Correct answer)
- Record document
Correct answer: Substitution request
A substitution request is the formal process by which a contractor proposes an alternative product and demonstrates its equivalence to the basis-of-design.
Question 4: The phrase 'as indicated' in a specification section refers to information shown on:
- Shop drawings
- The contract drawings (Correct answer)
- Manufacturer's data sheets
- The project schedule
Correct answer: The contract drawings
'As indicated' is a defined term referencing the contract drawings (construction documents), not submittals or other documents.
Question 5: A specifier includes the note 'or approved equal' in a section. This language:
- Gives the contractor unlimited substitution latitude
- Allows substitution of comparable products subject to architect approval (Correct answer)
- Eliminates the need for a substitution request procedure
- Applies only to proprietary products
Correct answer: Allows substitution of comparable products subject to architect approval
'Or approved equal' permits substitutions that meet all specified requirements, but approval authority remains with the architect.
Question 6: UniFormat is primarily used in the early design phases because it organizes information by:
- Product manufacturer
- Work result/trade
- Building systems and assemblies (functional elements) (Correct answer)
- CSI division number
Correct answer: Building systems and assemblies (functional elements)
UniFormat organizes project scope by functional building elements (e.g., foundations, exterior enclosure), making it ideal for programming and early cost estimating before systems are fully designed.
Question 7: Project Record Documents (as-built drawings) are typically required under which Division 01 section?
- Temporary Facilities and Controls
- Closeout Procedures / Project Closeout (Correct answer)
- Submittal Procedures
- Quality Requirements
Correct answer: Closeout Procedures / Project Closeout
Project Record Documents are a closeout deliverable and are specified under the Division 01 Closeout Procedures section.
CCS Construction Documentation & Specifications 3
A performance specification differs from a prescriptive specification primarily because it: