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The Structure of Building Specifications. NBS Building Science Series 90.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Structure of Building Specifications. NBS Building Science Series 90.
Authors: Fenves, Steven J., National Bureau of Standards (DOC), Washington, DC.
Availability: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 (SD Catalog No. C13.29/2:90; Stock No. 003-003-01659-4; $1.45; add 25% for other than U.S. mailing)
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 92
Publication Date: 1976
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Buildings, Classification, Computer Programs, Definitions, Methods, Performance Specifications, Plumbing, Sentence Diagraming, Solar Radiation, Specifications, Standards, Structural Building Systems, Tables (Data), Technical Writing
Abstract: This paper provides a scientific basis for the formulation and expression of performance standards and specifications and for explicit attention to performance in procedural and prescriptive standards and specifications. The provisions of "Interim Performance Criteria for Solar Heating and Combined Heating/Cooling Systems and Dwellings," a performance specification developed by the National Bureau of Standards, are classified in terms of the physical entities addressed, the attributes of the built environment, and the properties that group together particular physical entities that may be subject to similar dysfunctions. These provisions are also subjected to a linguistic analysis that examines in detail the wording used and formalizes certain key concepts that are realized in the wording. The provisions of the "Uniform Plumbing Code," a prescriptive code, are classified in terms of the physical entities addressed and the performance attributes that can be inferred (though they are not explicitly addressed). Guidelines for the expression of provisions in performance codes and specifications are presented. These guidelines are based on the classification studies and the linguistic analysis mentioned above. (Author)
Notes: Not available in paper copy due to small print size of original document
Journal Code: RIEAPR1978
Entry Date: 1978
Accession Number: ED146692
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This paper provides a scientific basis for the formulation and expression of performance standards and specifications and for explicit attention to performance in procedural and prescriptive standards and specifications. The provisions of "Interim Performance Criteria for Solar Heating and Combined Heating/Cooling Systems and Dwellings," a performance specification developed by the National Bureau of Standards, are classified in terms of the physical entities addressed, the attributes of the built environment, and the properties that group together particular physical entities that may be subject to similar dysfunctions. These provisions are also subjected to a linguistic analysis that examines in detail the wording used and formalizes certain key concepts that are realized in the wording. The provisions of the "Uniform Plumbing Code," a prescriptive code, are classified in terms of the physical entities addressed and the performance attributes that can be inferred (though they are not explicitly addressed). Guidelines for the expression of provisions in performance codes and specifications are presented. These guidelines are based on the classification studies and the linguistic analysis mentioned above. (Author)