PDD Project Development & Documentation

CSI MasterFormat (2020) — 50 divisions

Procurement & Contracting

• 00 Procurement & Contracting Requirements

General Requirements

• 01 General Requirements (applies to entire project)

Facility Construction Subgroup

• 02 Existing Conditions
• 03 Concrete
• 04 Masonry
• 05 Metals
• 06 Wood, Plastics, Composites
• 07 Thermal & Moisture Protection
• 08 Openings (doors, windows, glazing)
• 09 Finishes
• 10 Specialties (signage, partitions, accessories)
• 11 Equipment (kitchen, athletic, broadcast)
• 12 Furnishings
• 13 Special Construction (pools, planetariums)
• 14 Conveying (elevators, escalators)

Facility Services Subgroup

• 21 Fire Suppression
• 22 Plumbing
• 23 HVAC
• 25 Integrated Automation
• 26 Electrical
• 27 Communications
• 28 Electronic Safety & Security

Site & Infrastructure Subgroup

• 31 Earthwork
• 32 Exterior Improvements (paving, landscape)
• 33 Utilities
• 34 Transportation
• 35 Waterway & Marine Construction

Process Equipment Subgroup

• 40-49 Industrial process equipment

Section number format

XX YY ZZ (6 digit) or XX YY ZZ.NN (8 digit subdivision)

• Example: 03 30 00 = Cast-in-Place Concrete
• Example: 03 30 53.13 = Curing Compounds (sub-subsection)

CSI 3-Part SectionFormat

Part 1 — GENERAL

• Summary (section includes, related sections)
• References (ASTM, ANSI, UL standards cited)
• Definitions
• System descriptions
• Submittals (product data, shop drawings, samples)
• Quality Assurance (qualifications, mock-ups, certifications)
• Delivery, Storage, Handling
• Project/Site Conditions
• Sequencing & Scheduling
• Warranty

Part 2 — PRODUCTS

• Manufacturers (acceptable + products)
• Materials (specific names, descriptive, performance)
• Mixes (concrete, mortar, etc.)
• Fabrication (factory assembly)
• Accessories (fasteners, hardware)
• Mock-ups (sometimes)
• Finishes
• Source Quality Control (manufacturer testing)

Part 3 — EXECUTION

• Examination (verify substrate conditions)
• Preparation
• Installation (methods, tolerances, sequencing)
• Field Quality Control (testing, inspections)
• Cleaning
• Protection
• Demonstration/Training (for systems)

Specification methods

Best practice: combine methods for clarity + flexibility.

Substitution language

• "No substitutions": strict proprietary
• "Or approved equal": substitutions require prior written approval
• "Or equal": substitutions allowed without prior approval (weaker)

Submittal types

Architect reviews for general conformance with design intent — NOT accuracy of dimensions, quantities, methods.

National CAD Standard (NCS) Sheet Identification

Discipline + Sheet Type + Sequence

Disciplines

Sheet Types

Examples

• A-101: Architectural floor plan #1
• A-201: Architectural exterior elevation #1
• A-301: Architectural building section #1
• A-501: Architectural detail sheet #1
• A-601: Architectural schedule sheet #1
• S-101: Structural framing plan #1
• M-101: Mechanical floor plan #1

Drawing scales

Line weights (typical hierarchy)

• 0.7mm: cut elements at primary scale
• 0.5mm: cut elements at secondary scale
• 0.35mm: visible (uncut) lines
• 0.25mm: hidden lines
• 0.18mm: dimension lines, hatching

Revision notation

• Cloud encloses changed area
• Triangle (delta) with revision number
• Revision log in title block: number, date, description, drafter

Drawing precedence (when documents conflict)

Per A201 §1.2.1: documents are complementary, not hierarchical.

• Apparent conflicts → interpreted by architect via RFI
• Written dimensions always control over scaled dimensions

LOD Specification (BIMForum)

LOD vs LOI

• LOD (Level of Development) — geometric representation
• LOI (Level of Information) — non-geometric data (materials, manufacturer, performance, IDs)

Both specified in BIM Execution Plan (BEP) — typical Owner may want LOI 200 (high data) with LOD 300 (medium geometry) for FM purposes.

BIM coordination clashes

BIM authoring & coordination tools

Authoring:

• Revit (Autodesk) — most common
• ArchiCAD (Graphisoft)
• Allplan (Nemetschek)
• MicroStation (Bentley)

Coordination/Review:

• Navisworks (Autodesk) — federate multiple models
• Solibri Model Checker — automated clash and quality checking
• Revizto — visual collaboration

Markup/Distribution:

• Bluebeam Revu (PDF markup)
• BIM 360 / ACC (cloud collaboration)

BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

Typical contents:

• Project info & goals
• BIM uses (design coord, clash detection, quantity takeoff, fabrication, FM)
• Roles & responsibilities
• LOD/LOI by element + phase
• Software & file formats
• Coordination process & cadence
• File naming, model organization
• Quality control procedures
• Data exchange schedule
• Closeout deliverables

Clash detection workflow

1. Federate models in coordination tool
2. Run clash detection rules
3. Group + categorize clashes
4. Issue clash reports to disciplines
5. Resolution by discipline + report-back
6. Re-run until acceptable

Coordination meetings typically weekly during active design. Targets: 0 hard clashes by end of DD; minor at most by 100% CDs.

Door schedule contents

Door types

Hardware sets — example structure

HW-01 (Exterior public door):

• Hinges (3 per door, full mortise, ball bearing)
• Cylinder lockset (storeroom or office function)
• Deadbolt
• Closer (LCN or equivalent)
• Threshold (extruded aluminum)
• Weatherseals (head, jamb, sweep)
• Kick plate
• Wall bumper or floor stop

HW-02 (Interior office):

• Hinges (3 per door)
• Lever set (passage or privacy)
• Door stop

HW-03 (Washroom):

• Hinges
• Push/pull plate
• Closer
• Kick plate

HW-04 (Rated corridor):

• Hinges (3-4 per door)
• Lever set with closer
• Smoke seal (intumescent)
• Drop seal (bottom)
• Label visible (fire rating)

Fire ratings & glazing

Glazing in fire-rated doors: limited per IBC 716.5

ADA hardware

• Operating force: 5 lb interior, 8.5 lb exterior, 15 lb panic
• Hardware type: lever or push/pull (NOT knob)
• Mounting height: 34"-48" above floor (lever centerline)
• Threshold: ½" max with bevel

Panic hardware required

• Group A, E doors
• Doors serving 50+ occupants
• Doors in egress paths from such spaces
• High-hazard occupancies

Window schedule contents

Frame materials

Glazing types

Performance values

Window operation types

Egress windows (residential)

• Min 5.7 SF clear opening (5.0 SF ground floor)
• Min 24" clear height
• Min 20" clear width
• Max 44" sill height
• Required in sleeping rooms (R-3)

Impact-resistant (HVHZ)

ASTM E1996 + E1886. Required in Miami-Dade, Broward, etc. Alternative: hurricane shutters per code.

Components of typical exterior wall (top to bottom)

Roof-wall transition

• Coping or counterflashing
• Cant strip
• Membrane termination
• Through-wall flashing
• Weep system

Parapet

• Coping (metal, stone)
• Cover board
• Membrane wrap
• Insulation
• Air barrier continuity
• Backup wall

Spandrel zone (between floors)

• Insulation
• Air barrier
• Fire-rated assembly if required
• Slab edge continuity

Vision zone (windows)

• Head, jamb, sill flashing
• Air barrier integration
• Insulation at sill/head
• Backer rod + sealant joints

Foundation transition

• Termite shield (if applicable)
• Sill seal
• Capillary break
• Damp-proofing

Below-grade

• Waterproofing membrane
• Drainage board
• Perimeter drain
• Insulation (interior or exterior)

Typical assembly layers (cavity wall)

Outside → Inside:

1. Cladding (brick, panel, stucco)
2. Air space (drainage cavity)
3. Air/weather barrier
4. Continuous insulation (ci)
5. Stud cavity insulation
6. Vapor retarder (climate-dependent placement)
7. Interior finish (GWB)

Air barrier continuity

Continuous around:

• Wall to roof
• Wall to foundation
• Around openings (windows, doors)
• At penetrations (ducts, conduit, pipes)
• At joints and seams

Common failures: discontinuity at transitions = water/air leaks.

Insulation placement strategies

Vapor retarder placement

Drainable plane (rainscreen)

• Cladding allows some water through (or absorbs)
• Water drains down behind cladding
• Air space allows drying
• WRB (water-resistive barrier) is primary water plane
• Bottom of cavity drains via weep system

Joint types

• Expansion: thermal movement (large)
• Control: shrinkage (concrete, masonry)
• Construction: planned pour breaks
• Isolation: separates dissimilar materials
• Joint design: width = 2× max movement (rule of thumb)

Concrete cover (ACI 318)

Reinforcement spacing

• Clear spacing ≥ bar diameter
• ≥ 1" minimum
• ≥ 4/3 × max aggregate size
• Max spacing: 1.5 × slab thickness, 18" max for slabs

Bar designations

Concrete strengths (f'c)

Slab on grade

• Thickness: 4" residential, 5-6" commercial, 8"+ heavy
• Welded wire fabric (WWF) or #4 @ 18" o.c. (typical)
• Saw cuts within 24 hrs of placement (control joints)
• Vapor retarder under (10 mil poly typical)
• Gravel base (compacted, drainage)

Joints in slabs

Concrete finishes

Mass concrete considerations

• Heat of hydration: cooling controls (ice, water, chilled aggregate)
• Maximum lift height
• Pour breaks for cooling
• Concrete maturity for strength verification

Admixtures

Wood species & uses

Engineered wood

Mass timber types (IBC)

CLT specifics

• 3-9" thick (3-7 layers, alternating direction)
• Plies typically 2×6 dimensional lumber
• Two-way span action
• Char rate ~1.5"/hr for fire resistance
• Used for floors, walls, even some roofs

Wood connection types

Wood movement

• Across grain: 8% green-to-dry typical
• With grain: <0.5%
• Detailing must allow movement to prevent splitting, warping
• Avoid pinning wide pieces in two directions
• Floating panels common solution

Preservatives

Sill plate to foundation

• Treated lumber required (sill plate to concrete)
• Anchor bolts: 1/2" min, 12" from corners, 6 ft o.c. typical
• Sill seal between concrete and wood
• Termite shield in termite regions

Fasteners (corrosion)

• Hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) for treated lumber
• Stainless steel for marine/severe exposure
• Aluminum NOT compatible with treated lumber
• Manufacturer specifies fastener type per treatment

Structural steel grades

Steel shapes

Connection types

Welding symbols (simplified)

• Reference line, arrow side / other side
• Fillet weld (∠), groove weld (V or U)
• Size + length + spacing
• Field weld flag

Surface preparation (SSPC)

Coatings

Metal panels (cladding)

Common metals & corrosion

Galvanic corrosion

Dissimilar metals + moisture + electrolyte = corrosion at less-noble metal:

• Anodic (corrodes): magnesium, zinc, aluminum
• Noble (protected): stainless, copper, gold
• Isolate with dielectric or non-conducting separator

Finishes hierarchy

Floor → Base → Walls → Ceilings

Flooring types

Base types

Wall finishes

Paint sheens

Paint systems

• Primer: substrate preparation
• Mid-coat: build, color development
• Topcoat: appearance, durability

Ceiling types

ASTM E84 ratings (interior finishes)

Where each class allowed (per IBC 803.13)

• Class A: required in exit enclosures, exit access corridors (most occupancies)
• Class B: allowed in rooms in most occupancies
• Class C: limited to least-restrictive occupancies and locations
• Sprinklered buildings may reduce one class
• Group H, I-2, I-3 stricter

Waterproofing types

Above-grade strategies

• Drainable plane (rainscreen): cladding + air space + WRB
• Face-sealed: relies on cladding to keep water out (risky)
• Barrier walls: cladding IS the barrier (single-line of defense)
• Cavity walls: traditional masonry with air space

Below-grade membranes

Detailing critical points

• Corners (inside, outside)
• Penetrations (pipes, conduits, anchors)
• Construction joints
• Expansion joints
• Transitions (wall to slab, slab to footing)
• Termination edges

Air barrier

• Continuous around envelope
• Required by IECC and ASHRAE 90.1
• Tested via blower door (residential) or whole-building pressurization (commercial)
• Air leakage is often the biggest moisture issue (more than vapor diffusion)
• Materials: building wrap, fluid-applied, taped sheathing, closed-cell foam, ICF

Air barrier vs vapor retarder

Vapor retarder placement

WRB (Water-Resistive Barrier)

• Building paper, housewrap, fluid-applied, sheathing tape
• Primary water plane behind cladding
• Drains water that gets past cladding
• Integrated with flashings at all openings

Flashings

Joint sealants

• Silicone: durable, flexible, expensive (good for movement)
• Polyurethane: paintable, durable
• Acrylic latex: interior, less movement
• Modified bitumen / butyl: industrial, high tack
• Joint width = 2× max movement (rule of thumb)
• Depth ≈ width for narrow joints
• Backer rod prevents 3-sided adhesion

LOD progression

LOD vs LOI

• LOD (Level of Development) — geometric
• LOI (Level of Information) — data attached (materials, manufacturer, performance, IDs)
• Owner may want LOI 200 (high data) with LOD 300 (medium geometry) for FM

BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

• Project info & goals
• BIM uses (design coord, clash detection, quantity takeoff, fabrication, FM)
• Roles & responsibilities
• LOD/LOI by element + phase
• Software & file formats
• Coordination process & cadence
• File naming, model organization
• QC procedures
• Data exchange schedule
• Closeout deliverables

Coordination clash types

BIM authoring tools

• Revit (Autodesk) — most common
• ArchiCAD (Graphisoft)
• Allplan (Nemetschek)
• MicroStation (Bentley)
• Vectorworks (smaller firms)

Coordination/review tools

• Navisworks (Autodesk) — federate models, clash detection
• Solibri — automated clash + quality checking
• Revizto — visual collaboration
• BIM 360 / ACC — cloud collaboration

Clash detection workflow

1. Federate models in coordination tool
2. Run clash detection rules
3. Group + categorize clashes
4. Issue clash reports to disciplines
5. Resolution by discipline + report-back
6. Re-run until acceptable

Coordination targets

• 0 hard clashes by end of DD
• Minor only at 100% CDs
• Weekly coordination meetings during active design

Naming & organization

• NCS (National CAD Standard) — also for BIM
• File naming: project-discipline-area-sheet
• Model organization: shared coordinates, levels, grids
• View templates: consistent appearance across discipline

BIM for facility management

• Closeout deliverable: federated model with LOI data
• Equipment data: model, serial, warranty, maintenance schedule
• Space data: area, occupancy, function
• Integration with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)

Record Drawings (As-Builts)

• Show actual built conditions (not design intent)
• Contractor marks up during construction
• Architect compiles for closeout
• Owner uses for future renovations, FM
• Critical: utility/MEP locations (underground, hidden)

O&M (Operations & Maintenance) Manuals

• Equipment cut sheets
• Manufacturer maintenance schedules
• Warranty info
• Parts lists
• Operating procedures
• Cleaning instructions
• Indexed and organized (digital + physical)

Warranties

Special/extended warranties from manufacturers — Owner gets copies. Some require Owner registration to activate.

Test reports

• Concrete cylinder breaks (typically 7-day, 28-day, occasional later)
• Soil compaction
• Blower door (air infiltration)
• Acoustic testing (where specified)
• Sprinkler hydrostatic (NFPA 13)
• Fire alarm acceptance (NFPA 72)
• Elevator load test
• HVAC balancing (TAB)
• Commissioning (Cx) reports

Attic stock

Spare materials for future repairs:

• Paint (5% of each color)
• Tile (5% of each)
• Carpet (5%)
• Flooring (5%)
• Spec'd specialty items
• Stored on-site or warehoused per Owner

Owner training

• HVAC operation
• Building automation system (BAS)
• Lighting controls
• Security system
• Fire alarm
• Specialized equipment
• Document with sign-in sheets, recordings

Commissioning (Cx)

• Fundamental Cx (LEED prereq): HVAC, lighting controls, hot water
• Enhanced Cx: expanded scope, longer monitoring
• Continuous Cx: ongoing through warranty period
• Commissioning Authority (CxA) — third party or Owner-engaged

LEED/sustainability documentation

• Final review submission
• Material declarations (EPDs, HPDs)
• Construction waste management reports
• Indoor air quality testing
• Commissioning reports
• Operations transition plan

Architect's closeout deliverables

• Final pay app certification
• Final certificate of payment
• Architect's letter of substantial completion (with G704)
• Architect's letter of final completion
• Compiled record drawings transmittal
• Compiled O&M manuals transmittal
• Project closeout binder index
• Project archive (firm's records)

Common closeout problems

• Punch list not completed before final payment requested
• Missing manufacturer warranties (require Owner activation)
• O&M manuals incomplete or disorganized
• Record drawings not updated through final changes
• Subcontractor lien waivers missing
• Test reports late
• Owner training not scheduled

Specification methods (4 types)

1. Descriptive

• Lists physical properties
• No brand names
• Example: "Concrete: 4,000 psi at 28 days, normal weight, with ¾\" max aggregate"
• Pros: Full design control
• Cons: Time-consuming; risk of overlooking critical properties

2. Performance

• States required results
• No specific products or methods
• Example: "Provide an exterior wall assembly with U-factor of 0.064 max, SHGC 0.40 max, NFRC certified"
• Pros: Innovation, multiple solutions
• Cons: Contractor judgment on means; verification required

3. Reference standard

• Cites industry/code standards
• Example: "Cement: ASTM C150 Type I or II"
• Pros: Quality assured by independent standards
• Cons: Standard may not cover all needs

4. Proprietary

• Names specific brands/products
• Open or closed
• Example: "Acoustical Ceiling: Armstrong 'Ultima' #1912 or approved equal"
• Pros: Predictable result, easier review
• Cons: Limited competition; substitution requests common

Mixed specifications

Most specs use a combination:

• "Concrete: 4,000 psi (descriptive) using cement per ASTM C150 Type II (reference) with [Mfr A] or [Mfr B] admixtures (proprietary, open)"

Quality assurance language

"Or approved equal"

• Substitutions require architect's prior written approval
• Process: contractor submits substitution request with data
• Architect reviews for equivalence
• Preferred phrasing for most specs

"Or equal"

• Substitution allowed without specific approval
• Riskier — contractor's judgment governs
• Use only when truly fungible products

"No substitutions"

• Used for specialty items, design intent critical
• Sole-source acceptable when justified
• Document the basis (proprietary system, design intent)

Submittal requirements typical

• Shop drawings
• Product data sheets
• Samples (color, finish, texture)
• Mockups (large-scale, on-site)
• Test reports
• Certificates of conformance
• Warranties
• Maintenance manuals

Wall sections — critical details

Foundation / wall transition

• Damp-proofing or waterproofing below grade
• Drainage layer (board, mat, or gravel)
• Air/vapor barrier continuity
• Insulation continuity past slab edge
• Thermal break at slab edge

Window head

• Flashing over window
• Drip detail in cladding
• Air/water barrier continuity around opening
• Insulation continues over header

Window sill

• End dams in flashing
• Pan flashing under window
• Drainage path to weep
• Sealant joint at perimeter

Roof-wall transition (parapet or eave)

• Cap or coping with positive slope away from building
• Membrane termination
• Through-wall flashing
• Continuity of air/water barrier

Floor slab edge

• Thermal break (insulation panel)
• Continuity of air barrier
• Differential movement provision

Four Control Layers (rain screen principle)

In priority order:

1. Bulk water (rain) — cladding, flashing, drainage plane
2. Air — air barrier (continuous critical)
3. Vapor — vapor retarder (placement by climate)
4. Thermal — insulation (continuous, avoid bridging)

Common envelope problems

Air leakage

• Discontinuous air barrier at penetrations
• Unsealed connections at slab edges
• Window/door perimeter gaps
• HVAC penetrations

Moisture

• Inadequate drainage plane behind cladding
• Missing flashing at openings
• Vapor retarder on wrong side
• Capillary action at concrete contact

Thermal bridging

• Steel studs through insulation
• Slab edges exposed
• Window frames (especially aluminum)
• Balconies, cantilevers

Hygrothermal modeling (WUFI)

Used to predict moisture behavior in walls over time. Recommend when:

• Non-standard assemblies
• Mixed climate zones
• Vapor-open assemblies
• Mass timber construction
• Historic restoration

Compressive strength (f'c)

Typical values by application

Mix design parameters

Water/cement ratio (w/c)

• Lower w/c = stronger, more durable
• Typical: 0.40-0.55
• Aggressive environments: 0.45 max
• Trade-off: lower w/c is harder to work with

Aggregate

• Max size = typically 3/4\" (¾\")
• Smaller for thin sections (5/8\", 1/2\")
• Coarse + fine aggregate
• Type affects strength, color, durability

Admixtures

Curing

• Minimum 7 days for most applications
• 14 days for slabs in service
• 28 days for design strength (f'c reference)
• Methods: wet, sealing compounds, plastic sheeting

Construction joints

• Where work stops for >30-45 min
• Cold joint can be weakened — prepare per spec
• Location considered in design (mid-span typical for beams)

Control joints / shrinkage joints

• Slabs on grade: typical 24-36 × slab thickness in feet
• Pattern coordinated with structural design
• Often sawcut within 24 hours

Testing

• Slump test — workability
• Air content — for air-entrained
• Cylinders — break at 7, 14, 28 days
• Mix design submittal — before construction

Specifying language

"Provide normal-weight concrete with minimum 28-day compressive strength of 4,000 psi, maximum water-cement ratio of 0.45, air content 6% ± 1.5%, and ¾-inch maximum aggregate. Mix design per ACI 318 and ACI 301."

NCS Sheet numbering

[Discipline][Sheet Type][Sequence]

Discipline codes

• G — General (cover, code, life safety)
• C — Civil
• L — Landscape
• A — Architectural
• S — Structural
• M — Mechanical
• P — Plumbing
• E — Electrical
• T — Telecommunications
• FP — Fire Protection
• I — Interiors

Sheet types

1. Plans
2. Elevations
3. Sections
4. Large-scale views/plans
5. Details
6. Schedules and diagrams
7. User-defined
8. User-defined
9. 3D views

Examples:

• A-101 = first arch floor plan
• A-201 = first arch exterior elevations
• A-301 = first arch building section
• A-501 = first arch detail sheet

Drawing scales (typical)

Symbols (common)

• Section: line with arrows, ref tag at each end
• Detail callout: circle, ↑ ref number / ref sheet
• Elevation marker: balloon with letter, arrow showing direction
• Door tag: hexagon or square
• Window tag: oval or diamond
• Room tag: rectangle with name + number

Dimension conventions

• Figured dimensions control over scaled
• Tie to face of stud (or face of finish, or grid)
• Extension lines, dimension lines, arrowheads
• Cumulative + overall on outside strings
• Critical dimensions noted

CSI MasterFormat 2016+ divisions

Procurement Group

• 00 - Procurement & Contracting Requirements

Specifications Group

• 01 - General Requirements
• 02 - Existing Conditions
• 03 - Concrete
• 04 - Masonry
• 05 - Metals
• 06 - Wood, Plastics, Composites
• 07 - Thermal & Moisture Protection
• 08 - Openings
• 09 - Finishes
• 10 - Specialties
• 11 - Equipment
• 12 - Furnishings
• 13 - Special Construction
• 14 - Conveying Equipment

Facility Services

• 21 - Fire Suppression
• 22 - Plumbing
• 23 - HVAC
• 25 - Integrated Automation
• 26 - Electrical
• 27 - Communications
• 28 - Electronic Safety/Security

Site & Infrastructure

• 31 - Earthwork
• 32 - Exterior Improvements
• 33 - Utilities

Process Equipment

• 40-49 - Industrial

SectionFormat (3 parts)

Part 1 - GENERAL

• Summary
• References
• Submittals
• Quality Assurance
• Delivery, Storage, Handling
• Site Conditions
• Warranty

Part 2 - PRODUCTS

• Manufacturers
• Materials
• Components / Fabrications
• Finishes

Part 3 - EXECUTION

• Examination
• Preparation
• Installation / Application
• Field Quality Control
• Cleaning
• Protection

Spec types

• Descriptive — properties only
• Performance — required results
• Proprietary — specific brand
• Reference standard — ASTM, ANSI, UL

Compartment elements (most to least restrictive)

Fire wall key points

• Extends from foundation to/through roof
• Both sides may collapse without affecting wall
• Each side is treated as a separate building
• Openings limited and protected

Fire barrier key points

• Extends to underside of floor/roof deck above
• Compartmentalizes within a building
• Common at corridors, stairs, occupancy separations

Opening protectives (rated)

Sprinkler standards

• NFPA 13 — Full systems; qualifies for IBC trade-offs
• NFPA 13R — Residential up to 4 stories
• NFPA 13D — 1-2 family / townhouse
• NFPA 14 — Standpipe systems
• NFPA 20 — Fire pumps

Trade-offs (NFPA 13 only)

• Height/area increases
• Reduced fire ratings
• Increased travel distances (~50% more)
• Increased common path
• Reduced corridor ratings (some cases)

Standpipe classes

• Class I — Fire dept use only (2.5" hose)
• Class II — Trained occupants (1.5" hose)
• Class III — Both

IECC compliance paths

Prescriptive

• Meet all R-values, U-factors, LPDs, SHGC
• Equipment efficiencies
• Simpler, less flexibility

Performance

• Whole-building energy model
• Show design uses ≤ baseline
• Allows trade-offs between systems
• More work but more design freedom

Total UA

• Envelope UA comparison
• Hybrid between paths

IECC envelope minimums (commercial, typical)

(ci = continuous insulation; values are illustrative — confirm current IECC)

ASHRAE 90.1 — alternative

• Industry standard for commercial energy
• Often referenced by IECC and LEED
• Multiple versions (2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022)
• Local code adoption may lag

Lighting power density (LPD) typical max W/SF

Four types

• Descriptive — properties, no brand
• Performance — required results; contractor chooses how
• Proprietary — specific brand/model (most restrictive)
• Reference standard — ASTM, ANSI, UL

Section format (CSI 3 parts)

1. General — scope, submittals, quality
2. Products — materials, fabrications
3. Execution — installation, testing

"Or approved equal"

Permits substitution if architect approves. Without it, spec is restrictive/proprietary.

Common divisions

Order of precedence (A201)

1. Modifications (signed agreements, COs, ASIs)
2. The Agreement
3. Addenda (issued before signing)
4. Supplementary Conditions
5. General Conditions (A201)
6. Specifications
7. Drawings

When conflicts arise

A201 §1.2.1 — documents are complementary; if conflict and no precedence set, higher quality or greater quantity governs.

General rules of thumb

• Drawings govern: quantity, location, configuration
• Specs govern: quality, performance, installation

Model codes

• IBC — most commercial & multifamily
• IRC — 1-2 family dwellings, townhouses ≤3 stories
• IECC — Energy Conservation
• IPC — Plumbing
• IMC — Mechanical
• NEC — Electrical (NFPA)
• IFC — Fire Code

Sprinkler standards

• NFPA 13 — Full systems; qualifies for IBC trade-offs
• NFPA 13R — Residential up to 4 stories
• NFPA 13D — 1-2 family / townhouse

Trade-offs unlocked by NFPA 13

• Increased height/area
• Reduced fire ratings
• Increased travel distances
• Increased common path