Need for specification format that accommodates engineered projects

The construction industry is in need of an industry-wide standard specification format, or structure, at the division level that goes beyond the needs of commercial projects. Such a system should readily accommodate engineered project types such as airports, waterways, tunnels, roads, bridges, water- and waste-water-treatment plants, power plants, and petrochemical facilities. This paper explores the importance of such an industry-wide standard and objectively analyzes the system that currently most closely resembles such a standard, the Construction Specification Institute’s (CSI) MASTERFORMAT. Analysis indicates that CSI Divisions 2 (site work), 15 (mechanical), and 16 (electrical) are either particularly problematic with respect to or nonresponsive to the needs of engineered projects. An alternative division-level standard format is suggested and evaluated. An active industry-wide debate is needed.