Project Development & Documentation Key Terms
Master these terms for the PDD division.
Specifications
CSI MasterFormat
The standard organizational system for construction specifications. Divides specifications into 50 divisions (Division 00-49), grouped into Procurement/Contracting (00), General Requirements (01), and technical divisions (02-49).
Prescriptive Specification
A specification that describes exact materials, products, and installation methods. The architect takes responsibility for performance. Example: "Install 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board with 1-5/8-inch Type S drywall screws at 12 inches on center."
Performance Specification
A specification that describes required results or outcomes without dictating specific materials or methods. The contractor takes responsibility for achieving the stated performance. Example: "Exterior wall assembly shall achieve a U-factor of 0.045 or less."
Proprietary Specification
A specification that names a specific manufacturer and product. Least flexible but ensures exact compliance. Public projects typically require "or equal" language.
Reference Standard Specification
A specification that references published industry standards (ASTM, ANSI, UL). Efficient and widely accepted. The architect must verify the referenced standard is current and applicable.
SectionFormat
CSI's standard three-part format for specification sections: Part 1 (General) covers scope, submittals, and quality assurance; Part 2 (Products) covers materials and equipment; Part 3 (Execution) covers installation and field quality control.
Construction Documents
Contract Documents
The documents that form the legal agreement for construction: the agreement (contract), conditions (general, supplementary, special), drawings, specifications, addenda, and modifications.
Addendum
A written or graphic document issued before the contract is signed that modifies or interprets the bidding documents. Plural: addenda.
Modification
A change to the contract documents after the contract is signed. Includes change orders, construction change directives, and written amendments.
Keynote
A numbered reference on a drawing that corresponds to a list of notes, typically linked to specification sections. Improves drawing clarity and reduces redundant annotations.
Materials
Tempered Glass
Heat-treated glass that is 4-5 times stronger than annealed glass. Breaks into small, relatively harmless pieces. Required in hazardous locations (doors, adjacent to doors, low sills, wet areas).
Laminated Glass
Two or more layers of glass bonded with a plastic interlayer (PVB). When broken, fragments adhere to the interlayer. Required for overhead glazing, hurricane zones, and security applications.
Efflorescence
White crystalline deposits on masonry surfaces caused by soluble salts migrating to the surface through moisture. Indicates moisture management issues in the wall assembly.
Galvanic Corrosion
Accelerated corrosion that occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte (moisture). Example: aluminum in contact with copper will corrode the aluminum. Understanding material compatibility is critical for electrical systems and plumbing systems.
BIM and Coordination
Level of Development (LOD)
A framework describing the reliability and detail of BIM elements: LOD 100 (conceptual), LOD 200 (approximate geometry), LOD 300 (precise geometry), LOD 350 (coordination), LOD 400 (fabrication), LOD 500 (as-built).
Clash Detection
The automated process of identifying conflicts between building systems in a BIM model, such as ducts intersecting structural beams or pipes passing through shear walls. Proper coordination is essential for acoustics and all MEP systems.
See the specifications cheat sheet for quick reference. Practice with PDD flashcards and PDD mini exams.
Related Resources
- PDD Study Guide - comprehensive overview of Project Development & Documentation
- Specifications & CSI Deep Dive
- Electrical Systems Deep Dive
- Plumbing Systems Deep Dive
- Waterproofing & Moisture Deep Dive
- Acoustics Design Deep Dive
- Specifications Cheat Sheet
- PDD Exam Tips
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