Engineering and Construction

Architectural design typically involves Divisions 2 to 14 of the Facilities Construction Subgroup. Although the basis for sequencing the Divisions in this subgroup is far more complicated, the first few divisions (those that are used in virtually all buildings) may be deduced by visualizing the sequence of postearthwork operations required in constructing the simple building shown in  Figure 1.5   . The building consists of load-bearing masonry walls, steel roof joists, and wood roof deck.

FIGURE 1.5 A simple load-bearing masonry wall building with steel roof trusses and wood roof deck used as an aid to recalling the sequence of the first few (architecturally important) divisions of the MasterFormat.

The first operation is the foundations for the walls. Because foundations are typically  made of concrete,   Concrete  is Division 03. After the foundations have been completed, masonry work for the walls can begin. Thus,   Masonry  is Division 04. After the walls are completed, steel roof joists can be placed. Thus, Division 05 is   Metals . The installation of the wood roof deck follows that of the steel joists. Hence,   Wood, Plastics, and Composites is Division 06.

After the roof deck is erected, it must be insulated and protected against weather. Therefore,   Thermal and Moisture Protection  is Division 07. Roofing and waterproofing (of basements) are part of this division, as are wall insulation and joint sealants. The next step is to protect the rest of the envelope; hence, Division 08 is   Openings . All doors and windows are part of this division, regardless of whether they are made of steel, aluminum, or wood.

With the envelope protected, finish operations, such as those involving the interior dry-wall, flooring, and ceiling, can begin. Thus, Division 09 is   Finishes . Division 10 is   Special-
ties , which consists of several items that cannot be included in the previous divisions, such
as toilet partitions, lockers, storage shelving, and movable partitions.

Obviously, the building must now receive all the necessary office, kitchen, laboratory, or other equipment. Thus, Division 11 is   Equipment . Division 12 is   Furnishings ,  followed  by  Special Construction  (Division 13) and   Conveying Equipment   (Division  14).   

Before any construction operation can begin, there must be references to items that  apply to all divisions, such as payment procedures, product-substitution procedures, contract-modification procedures, contractor’s temporary facilities, and regulatory requirements imposed by the city or any other authority having jurisdiction. This is Division 01, General Requirements  . Division 00 (  Procurement and Contracting  Requirements  ) refers to the requirements for the procurement of bids from prospective contractors.