Optional Checklists in New Sections

Most of the new sections this quarter include optional "checklists." These are short decision-making tools that, combined with the normal editing functions, can make preparation of the section much quicker. Checklists are like question-and-answer sessions ("Q&A") that zero in on the pertinent decisions—and they are placed at the beginning of the section for immediate attention. Checklist text will not print in final documents, but Master Text Copy and Draft Copy will show the checklist.

Several of the new sections are on topics that particularly benefit from the checklist approach. Section 02555 - Ground-Coupled Heat Exchangers is a good example. A fundamental question when preparing the spec is whether the design is complete or not — whether the A/E designed the whole system or the contractor is required to design it (a perfectly feasible, commonly occurring approach). The text of the spec includes statements to cover both options and is linked to exclude requirements that don't apply, depending on which option is chosen. However, although the relevant statements appear in a prominent position, they are located in PART 2 where they are not immediately obvious. The decision to be made is also not obvious because the specification text does not actually pose a question—it just offers the answers! The new checklists present these critical questions in plain language right where you'll see them when you open the section.

Another shortcut offered by the new checklists permits selection of the basic type of specification. The first question in most checklists is one that lets you choose between a "Short PART 2 Spec," a "Short Form 3-PART Spec," and a "Long Form 3-PART Spec." These three options make some assumptions (sometimes a lot of assumptions) about the degree of detail you want in the specification. In each case, the actual text of the section is also editable in the normal manner, allowing you to make the most of both methods of spec preparation.

• The Short PART 2 Spec is intended to show only the important product selections, for preliminary purposes. It is not likely to be short enough to be called an "outline" spec, but most will be less than one page in length.
• The Short Form 3-PART Spec adds the relevant portions of PART 3, more detail in PART 2, and basic SUBMITTALS in PART 1. This option would be suitable for construction documents for projects or topics of low risk.
• The Long Form 3-PART Spec includes everything in the master that is relevant, except the REFERENCES article. This option would be useful if you prefer to de-select what you don't need rather than selecting everything you do need.

In addition to the new sections, four existing proprietary sections include the checklists that were previously available in the Sample Project (sample.spp). The sections that include optional checklists are marked on the printed Catalog Listing with a + and are listed below.

02555 - Ground-Coupled Heat Exchangers (ACME)
02765 - Pavement Markings (ACL)
05425 - Cold-Formed Steel Trusses (ASX)
05515 - Exit Ladder Devices (Jomy, free)
07315 - Slate Shingles (A)
07411 - Preformed Metal Roof Panels (AX)
08110 - Steel Doors and Frames (Amweld, free)
08330 - Overhead Doors (Clopay, free)
08347 - Records Vault Doors (A)
11131 - Projection Screens (A)
12661 - Telescoping Bleachers (A)
13096 - RFI/EM Shielding (ASME)
13097 - Modular RFI/EM Shielded Rooms (AME)
15062 - Non-Penetrating Rooftop Hangers and Supports (Miro, free)