Mumbai University > CIVIL > Sem 7 > Quantity survey Estimation and valuation

Marks: 10 M

Year: Dec 2013

A specification is a specific description of a particular subject. An engineering specification contains detailed description of all workmanship and materials which are required to complete an engineering project in accordance with its drawings and details.

Purpose of Specification:

1. The cost of a unit quantity of work is governed by its specification.
2. A work is carried out according to its specification and the contractor is paid for the same. Any change in specification changes the tendered rate.
3. The necessity of specification is to verify and check the strength of materials for a work involved in a project.
4. Specification is an essential contract document and is required for Arbitration or court cases.
5. Specification is necessary to specify the equipments, tools and plants to be engaged for a work and thus enables to procure them beforehand.

Principles of specifications:

1. Description of materials: The quality and size of materials required to do an item of work shall be fully described for checking up at site according to the bindings provided in the specification.
2. Workmanship: Complete description of workmanship, the method of mixing to the proportion, the method of laying, preparation of base or surface, compaction, finishing and curing etc. specifically applicable to the item of work shall be clearly stated in different clauses.
3. Tools and plants: The tools and plants to be engaged to carry out a work shall be described. The method of operation and by whom to be supplied shall be stated.
4. Protection of new work: The method of protection of new works against damage or the method of curing if required, the test of completed work if necessary shall be described in separate clauses
5. Expression: While writing a specification endeavor shall be made to express the requirements of the specification clearly and in concise form avoiding repetition and unusual words. The style of tense shall remain same throughout.
6. Clauses of specifications: As far as possible, the clauses shall be arranged in the order in which work shall be carried out. This does not mean to follow the works according to the order of arrangements but it facilitates reference. While framing clauses for quality of materials, workmanship, tools and plants etc. practical possibilities shall be realized.