INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFICATION PREPARATION

This package contains a master specification for du Pont CORIAN** in four different formats.  This "section," when completed, will be included with other sections to form a complete "Project Manual" which describes the entire construction.  In comparing these formats, you will notice that they contain the same basic information presented in slightly different ways.  The description of each specification will give you some information about applications for its use.

There are common elements in each master specification that you may want to note:

*	Section numbering is based on the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) five-digit numbering system, using their 16-Division Format.  The primary location for this Section is designated as 06650, entitled "Solid Polymer Fabrications." This Section would then appear in Division 6, Wood and Plastics.  An alternate location is Division 9, Finishes, Section 09540, "Special Surfaces."  There is some latitude even beyond these designations.  The specifier might prefer an even narrower scope heading such as "Solid Polymer Laboratory Tops," depending on actual project requirements.

*	Basic section breakdown follows the CSI 3-Part Format.  These three parts divide the information into assigned headings to facilitate usage by the reader since the information would always be in approximately the same format throughout the entire specification.  The three parts are:

	Part 1, General:  Describes general requirements relative to the product or products to be specified; includes "housekeeping items."  

	Part 2, Products:  Lists materials which are acceptable for use, their characteristics and accessories; also describes shop fabrication of the materials.

	Part 3, Execution:  Gives details of the material installation.  

*	In each section there a various notes and comments in italics which are included to assist the specifier in editing the master section for a project manual.  Also, text surrounded by brackets [ ] indicate choices to be made by the specifier.  In the final typed specification, all notes and brackets should be removed and the text edited for the actual project requirements.

** REGISTERED DU PONT TRADEMARK.

In assisting an architectural firm in development of a specification for CORIAN, you will probably be dealing with the firm's specification writer or the project architect.  The level of assistance desired will vary, and some firms may desire to input one or more master sections into their word processing equipment to facilitate reuse.  Others will want to use these master sections with some modification in text or format to create their own master sections particularly suited to the type of work they perform.

You will encounter modifications of the formats presented here, but by understanding the basic differences between them, you will be in a position to assist in generating a specification for CORIAN which will fit the format being used by the specifier.

For further discussion of specifications writing procedures, please refer to the CSI "Manual of Practice," published by the Construction Specifications Institute, 601 Madison Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, telephone 1/800-689-2900.

The following specifications are available in hard copy and on the enclosed diskette in Word for Windows[tm] V 2.0 ( *.DOC) and MS-DOS Text w/Layout  ( *.ASC) formats:

SPECIFICATION FORMAT	APPLICATION	 FILE NAME	
			
	- SPECSINTACT	ALL APPLICATIONS	SPINTALL.xxx	
	- CORPS OF ENGINEERS	ALL APPLICATIONS	SPCEALL.xxx	
	- CSI 			
	     - OPEN SPEC	ALL APPLICATIONS	SPCSIALO.xxx	
	VANITY TOPS	SPCSIVO.xxx	
	TOILET PARTITIONS	SPCSITPG.xxx	
	     - CORIAN (CLOSED) SPEC	ALL APPLICATIONS	SPCSIALC.xxx	
                                                                       	FLOOR MOUNTED PARTITIONS 	   SPCSIPF.xxx             	
                                                                	FLOOR MOUNTED TOILET PARTITIONS	   SPCSITPF.xxx                    	
	     CEILING MOUNTED       TOILET PARTITIONS	SPCSITPC.xxx	
	TUB & SHOWER WALLS	SPCSITSS.xxx	
	- AIA MASTERSPEC 			
	     - OPEN SPEC	ALL APPLICATIONS	SPMASALO.xxx	
	VANITY TOPS	SPMASVO.xxx	
	     - CORIAN (CLOSED) SPEC	ALL APPLICATIONS	SPMASALC.xxx	

	THE CSI PAGE FORMAT

This format utilizes:

*	The CSI 16-Division Format.
*	The CSI 3-Part Section Format.
*	The CSI Page Format.

This format is commonly used by architectural firms who work from CSI's "Spec-Text" Master Specification System and by those who generate their own office master systems.  Variations of this format are common, but the basic principles remain unchanged.

Note the basic outline within the three "Parts."  Articles are numbered to correspond with the "Part" number, followed by Paragraph and Subparagraph headings.  The basic Article headings are per Masterformat.

This specification incorporates two ideas promoted by CSI, "imperative mood" and "streamlining."

*	The imperative mood is basically a command format, using the action verb as the beginning of the sentence.  Note the use of words such as "submit," "provide" and "install" as the first words of these Paragraphs.

*	Streamlining reduces verbiage in the document.  The most obvious indication of streamlining is omission of the familiar "The Contractor shall."  This format uses the colon to help identify the topic being discussed, allowing quick scanning of the text by the reader.

In Paragraph 2.01, A., note that one or more “products" can be specified.  When only one product is listed, such as CORIAN® Surfaces, the spec is called a "Proprietary Specification" in that it names the product selected.  The characteristics and uses of the product follow in Article 2.01.

Often the specifier will want to include products other than CORIAN in his specification, and in some cases he may be required by law or by the owner to "open up the spec."  This can be accomplished by actually listing other products in Paragraph 2.01, A., or by the following method:

*Delete Paragraph 2.01, A., entirely.  The specification then becomes a "Descriptive Specification" since it describes the material to be used rather than naming it.  This format actually uses a combination of description and reference standard (Fed. Spec. WW-P-541E/GEN) and performance criteria (2.01, K.) to specify the product.  In this 
case, any product which meets the description and performance criteria specified may be used.

When preparing a single source CORIAN specification, it may be desirable to the specifier to eliminate the performance characteristics given in 2.01, I.  This will substantially shorten the project specification without changing its intent as to the product specified.

	MASTERSPEC FORMAT

This format utilizes:

*	The CSI 16-Division Format.
*	The CSI 3-Part Section Format.
*	The Masterspec Page Format.

This format is commonly used by architectural firms who subscribe to AIA's Masterspec Master Specification System.

Note that the primary differences in appearance between the CSI Page Format and the Masterspec Format are the omission of Article and Paragraph designations and the use of underlining for Articles, Paragraphs and lead-in headings.  Otherwise, the two are very similar.

Refer to the CSI Page Format discussion for information regarding preparation of a project specification.

	CORPS OF ENGINEERS FORMAT

This format utilizes:

*	The CSI 16-Division Format.
*	The CSI 3-Part Section Format.
*	The Corps of Engineers Page Format.

This format is utilized by architects and engineers who are involved with projects of the Army Corps of Engineers.  Variations of this format are common with other government agencies.  This format is slowly being replaced by the SPECS-INTACT format.

Note that this format differs substantially in layout and appearance from the CSI and Masterspec Formats.  While this format uses the three-part idea, Article headings do not follow the Part numbering in sequence.

Note that the first Article encountered is entitled "Applicable Publications."  This Article lists all publications referenced in the Section, along with dates and titles.

This format does not use either imperative mood or streamlining. Rather it uses "indicative mood," passive voice, with full sentences rather than abbreviated type.  Note the use of the word "shall" rather than direct use of action verbs.

In Article 6, note that the proprietary specification is eliminated.  Government specs do not allow the use of product names but rely on descriptive, performance or reference standard specifications to relay the project requirements.  This Master Section utilizes all of the above to convey the message.  Refer to further discussion under CSI Page Format discussion.

In dealing with government specifications in general, be alert to minor differences in wording and references.  For instance, in most cases reference is made to the "Contracting Officer" instead of the Architect.

Note the letters in parentheses in the right margin.  These refer to specifier notes at the end of the Section, in lieu of notes included and indented in the basic text.  These notes should be consulted as the specification is prepared.  These margin designations as well as the page of "General Notes" are deleted in editing.  

	SPECSINTACT FORMAT

This format utilizes:

*	The CSI 16-Division Format.
*	The CSI 3-Part Section Format.
*	The SPECSINTACT Page Format.

This format is utilized by architects and engineers who are involved with projects for the Navy (NAVFAC), NASA and some Army and Corps of Engineers projects.  Variations of this format are being used by other government agencies.

Note that this format differs substantially in layout and appearance from the other formats.  

The first Article is entitled "SUMMARY". Please see the note relating to use of this Article within the text as well as Note #9 under "GENERAL NOTES" at the end of the Section.

The second Article encountered is entitled "REFERENCES."  This Article lists all publications referenced in the Section, along with dates and titles.

In the third Article, "SUBMITTALS", the letters and numbers, (i.e. SD-50 for Samples is a reference to Section 01300, "Submittals". See Note #12 under "GENERAL NOTES" for more explanation.

This format uses indicative mood. 

In Article 2.1, note that the proprietary specification is eliminated.  Government specs do not allow the use of product names but rely on descriptive, performance or reference standard specifications to relay the project requirements.  This Master Section utilizes all of the above to convey the message.  Refer to further discussion under CSI Page Format discussion.

In dealing with government specifications in general, be alert to minor differences in wording and references.  See the note pertaining to the "Contracting Officer" in the text under 1.3.

Be sure to study the "GENERAL NOTES" and "CRITERIA NOTES" for instructions for use of this document.