Construction Specifications Institute
Encyclopedia
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is an organization that maintains and advances the standardization of construction language as pertains to building specifications. CSI provides structured guidelines for specification writing in their Project Resource Manual, (formerly called the Manual of Practice (MOP)).
CSI authored MasterFormat
, which is an indexing system for organizing construction data, particularly construction specifications. For many years MasterFormat consisted of 16 Divisions
of construction, such as Masonry, Electrical, Finishes, or Mechanical. In November 2004, MasterFormat was expanded to 50 Divisions
, reflecting the growing complexity of the construction industry, as well as the need to incorporate facility life cycle and maintenance information into the building knowledge base. In this way, MasterFormat will eventually help facilitate Building Information Modeling
(BIM) to contain project specifications. However, current technology is unable to handle specifications to the degree drawing information is able to be referenced, displayed, quantified and other benefits of BIM. For example integrated systems, industry standards and methods that may not be shown in the drawings (because they are typically explained in the specifications) do not fit neatly within current BIM libraries.
The MasterFormat standard serves as the organizational structure for construction industry publications such as the Sweets catalog with a wide range of building products, and MasterSpec
, a popular specification software. MasterFormat helps architects, engineers, owners, contractors, and manufacturers classify how various products are typically used. Nearly all CSI approved sections also include performance and safety requirements generated by agencies such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA), and numerous other federal and professional organizations.
In November of 2009, CSI launched GreenFormat, an online database organizing sustainable product attributes. Manufacturers in the construction industry can list product information based on 5 categories in an online comprehensive questionnaire. Designers, specifiers, and building constructors can find product information which is organized by MasterFormat divisions and titles.
CSI's Uniform Drawing System comprises the largest part of the National CAD Standard
(NCS), together with the American Institute of Architects
(AIA)'s CAD Layer Guidelines, and Tri-services Plotting Guidelines. Administered by the National Institute of Building Sciences
(NIBS), the NCS coordinates these CAD-related publications to allow consistent and streamlined communication among owners and design/construction teams.
CSI authored MasterFormat
MasterFormat
MasterFormat is a standard for organizing specifications and other written information for commercial and institutional building projects in the U.S. and Canada . Sometimes referred to as the "Dewey Decimal System" of building construction, MasterFormat is a product of the Construction...
, which is an indexing system for organizing construction data, particularly construction specifications. For many years MasterFormat consisted of 16 Divisions
16 Divisions
16 Divisions refers to the 16 divisions of construction, as defined by the Construction Specifications Institute 's MasterFormat. In 2004, MasterFormat was updated and expanded to 50 Divisions. The standard is the most widely used standard for organizing specifications and other written information...
of construction, such as Masonry, Electrical, Finishes, or Mechanical. In November 2004, MasterFormat was expanded to 50 Divisions
50 Divisions
50 Divisions refers to the 50 divisions of construction information, as defined by the Construction Specifications Institute 's MasterFormat. Before 2004, MasterFormat consisted of 16 Divisions. The standard is the most widely used standard for organizing specifications and other written...
, reflecting the growing complexity of the construction industry, as well as the need to incorporate facility life cycle and maintenance information into the building knowledge base. In this way, MasterFormat will eventually help facilitate Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling
Building information modeling is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle.BIM involves representing a design as objects – vague and undefined, generic or product-specific, solid shapes or void-space oriented , that carry their geometry, relations and attributes...
(BIM) to contain project specifications. However, current technology is unable to handle specifications to the degree drawing information is able to be referenced, displayed, quantified and other benefits of BIM. For example integrated systems, industry standards and methods that may not be shown in the drawings (because they are typically explained in the specifications) do not fit neatly within current BIM libraries.
The MasterFormat standard serves as the organizational structure for construction industry publications such as the Sweets catalog with a wide range of building products, and MasterSpec
MasterSpec
MasterSpec is a master guide building and construction specification system for use by architects, engineers, landscape architects and other design professionals. MasterSpec is published by Architectural Computer Services for the American Institute of Architects...
, a popular specification software. MasterFormat helps architects, engineers, owners, contractors, and manufacturers classify how various products are typically used. Nearly all CSI approved sections also include performance and safety requirements generated by agencies such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. It was created by Congress of the United States under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, on December 29, 1970...
(OSHA), and numerous other federal and professional organizations.
In November of 2009, CSI launched GreenFormat, an online database organizing sustainable product attributes. Manufacturers in the construction industry can list product information based on 5 categories in an online comprehensive questionnaire. Designers, specifiers, and building constructors can find product information which is organized by MasterFormat divisions and titles.
CSI's Uniform Drawing System comprises the largest part of the National CAD Standard
National CAD Standard
The National CAD Standard is a collaborative effort in the United States between the National Institute of Building Sciences, the American Institute of Architects, and the Construction Specifications Institute, to create a unified approach to the creation and collaboration of building design data...
(NCS), together with the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
(AIA)'s CAD Layer Guidelines, and Tri-services Plotting Guidelines. Administered by the National Institute of Building Sciences
National Institute of Building Sciences
The National Institute of Building Sciences is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that successfully brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests, and regulatory agencies to focus on the identification and resolution of problems and...
(NIBS), the NCS coordinates these CAD-related publications to allow consistent and streamlined communication among owners and design/construction teams.