CSI Construction Documents & Specifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which MasterFormat level provides the most granular breakdown of work results?
- Level 1 - Division
- Level 2 - Section Group
- Level 3 - Section (Correct answer)
- Level 4 - Article
Correct answer: Level 3 - Section
Level 3 Sections in MasterFormat represent individual work results and are the primary unit used in project specifications.
Question 2: In a project manual, which document typically establishes the contractor's authority to proceed with work?
- The Agreement
- Notice to Proceed (Correct answer)
- Supplementary Conditions
- The Bid Form
Correct answer: Notice to Proceed
The Notice to Proceed is the owner's formal authorization directing the contractor to begin construction on a specific date.
Question 3: What is the primary function of SectionFormat's 'Execution' article?
- Describes required submittals
- Lists referenced standards
- Contains field installation procedures (Correct answer)
- Identifies product substitutions
Correct answer: Contains field installation procedures
The Execution article in SectionFormat details the on-site installation methods, workmanship requirements, and field quality control.
Question 4: A specification that lists acceptable manufacturers but allows substitutions with approval is best characterized as:
- Closed proprietary
- Open generic
- Semi-open or base-bid with substitutions (Correct answer)
- Performance-based
Correct answer: Semi-open or base-bid with substitutions
A semi-open or base-bid with substitutions specification names specific products as the basis of design while permitting approved alternatives.
Question 5: When drawings and specifications conflict, which document typically governs according to standard general conditions?
- Drawings always govern
- Specifications always govern
- The more expensive requirement governs
- The contract documents must be read together and the architect decides (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The contract documents must be read together and the architect decides
AIA A201 and similar general conditions require documents to be read as a whole, with the architect making interpretations when conflicts arise.
Question 6: What does the term 'delegated design' mean in the context of construction specifications?
- The architect delegates drawing production to a draftsperson
- The contractor is responsible for engineering design of a portion of the work (Correct answer)
- The owner delegates design authority to the contractor
- A subconsultant prepares the specifications
Correct answer: The contractor is responsible for engineering design of a portion of the work
Delegated design transfers engineering responsibility for specific work (like connections or shop drawings) to the contractor or a specialty subcontractor.
Question 7: Which CSI publication provides guidance on organizing and writing project specifications?
- MasterFormat
- UniFormat
- The Project Resource Manual (PRM) (Correct answer)
- SectionFormat
Correct answer: The Project Resource Manual (PRM)
The Project Resource Manual (PRM) is CSI's comprehensive guide covering specification writing principles, organization, and best practices.
CSI Construction Documents & Specifications 2
Which MasterFormat level provides the most granular breakdown of work results?